The inspiration for this avant-garde dessert came on a chilly winter evening, where the warmth of a crackling fire and the rich aroma of toasted hazelnuts filled the air. Baked Alaska is a classic dessert, but I wanted to transform it into something truly extraordinary by infusing it with chocolate and the comforting flavors of spiced caramel. This recipe combines a delicate chocolate cake, luscious hazelnut ice cream, and a show-stopping meringue, all topped with a drizzle of warm spiced caramel.
### Ingredients
**For the Chocolate Cake:**
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
**For the Hazelnut Ice Cream:**
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup whole milk
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup hazelnuts, toasted and chopped
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 4 egg yolks
**For the Meringue:**
– 4 large egg whites
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
– Pinch of salt
**For the Spiced Caramel Sauce:**
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– Pinch of sea salt
### Instructions
Start by preparing the chocolate cake. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch round cake pan. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the milk and vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely.
While the cake is cooling, prepare the hazelnut ice cream. In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly pour a small amount of the warm cream mixture into the egg yolks to temper them, then gradually whisk the egg yolk mixture back into the pan.
Continue to cook the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in the toasted hazelnuts and vanilla extract. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator until completely cool, then churn it in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Once the ice cream is ready, slice the cooled chocolate cake horizontally to create two layers. Place one layer on a serving plate and top with a generous amount of hazelnut ice cream. Add the second layer of cake on top and pack the remaining ice cream around the sides. Freeze the assembled cake for at least 2 hours.
Prepare the meringue by whipping the egg whites in a clean bowl until frothy. Add the cream of tartar and salt, and continue to whip until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while whipping until the meringue is glossy and holds stiff peaks.
Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). Remove the frozen cake from the freezer and spread the meringue generously over the top and sides, creating peaks and swirls for a beautiful presentation. Bake the Baked Alaska in the preheated oven for about 3-5 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown.
Meanwhile, make the spiced caramel sauce. In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat. Allow it to cook without stirring until it turns a deep amber color. Carefully add the heavy cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for a minute before removing from heat.
To serve, drizzle the warm spiced caramel over the Baked Alaska, allowing it to cascade down the sides. Slice into the dessert and enjoy the delightful contrast of textures and flavors—rich chocolate, creamy hazelnut, and the airy meringue, all beautifully balanced by the warmth of spiced caramel.
This Chocolate Hazelnut Baked Alaska will surely be the centerpiece of your next gathering, leaving your guests in awe and delight.