baked alaska
LowFormal to Semi-formal
Definition
Meaning
A dessert consisting of sponge cake topped with ice cream, all encased in meringue which is then browned quickly in a hot oven.
Any situation or object that combines seemingly contradictory elements, such as something hot and cold together, or a concept that appears unstable yet holds together.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily refers to the dessert. The extended metaphorical use is rare and largely literary or journalistic.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The dessert is known in both cultures, but is more likely to be featured on formal or traditional restaurant menus in the UK.
Connotations
Connotes retro, formal dining or culinary showmanship in both varieties; slightly old-fashioned.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both, but slightly more name recognition in the US due to its association with 'Alaska'.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[verb] + baked alaskabaked alaska + [with flavour][adjective] + baked alaskaVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Rare, extended] a political baked alaska (an unstable coalition of opposing factions).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical or culinary studies contexts.
Everyday
Used when discussing desserts, dining out, or cooking.
Technical
Used in professional cookery and patisserie.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They will bake Alaska for the final course.
- The chef is baking Alaska as we speak.
American English
- She baked Alaska for the dinner party.
- We're baking Alaska for the celebration.
adjective
British English
- It was a baked-Alaska dessert.
- The baked-Alaska surprise was a hit.
American English
- He went for the baked-Alaska option.
- A baked-Alaska finish to the meal.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The menu has ice cream and baked alaska.
- Baked alaska is a cold dessert.
- For a special treat, we ordered baked alaska.
- The chef brought out the baked alaska and lit it.
- The baked alaska, with its contrasting hot meringue and frozen centre, was spectacular.
- Creating a perfect baked alaska requires precise timing.
- The peace treaty was a diplomatic baked alaska, a precarious structure of opposing interests held together by sheer will.
- The restaurant's signature baked alaska is flambéed tableside with Grand Marnier.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Baked' is HOT, 'Alaska' is COLD. It's a dessert that's both!
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTRADICTION IS A BAKED ALASKA (for the extended use).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as 'печёная Аляска'. Use the established term 'бейкд аляска' or describe it.
Common Mistakes
- Spelling as 'baked Alaska' (capital A is also acceptable but less common).
- Thinking it originates from Alaska (it was created in New York).
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining characteristic of a baked alaska?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is usually written in lowercase, though 'Alaska' is sometimes capitalised as it is a proper noun. Both 'baked alaska' and 'Baked Alaska' are found.
The name refers to the meringue topping, which is browned ('baked') in a very hot oven for a very short time. The 'Alaska' part was a fanciful 19th-century reference to its contrast of hot and cold, likening it to the then-new US territory known for its icy climate.
Yes, but it requires careful preparation to prevent the ice cream melting. The ice cream must be very hard, the meringue must be applied quickly, and the baking must be done in a very hot oven for only 2-5 minutes.
No. A bombe is a chilled, moulded ice cream dessert, often with layers. Baked alaska is specifically defined by its layer of sponge cake, a dome of hard ice cream, and an outer shell of meringue that is browned.