Strawberry Alaska No-Bake

Strawberry Alaska No-Bake Recipe - USA

Region / culture: USA | Servings: 6

Introduction

Strawberry Alaska No-Bake is a delicious and refreshing dessert that is perfect for hot summer days. This recipe combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with the lightness of whipped cream and the richness of pound cake, all topped off with a hint of orange-flavored liqueur.

History

The origins of Strawberry Alaska No-Bake are unclear, but it is believed to be a modern twist on the classic Baked Alaska dessert. Baked Alaska traditionally consists of cake topped with ice cream and covered in meringue, then briefly baked in a hot oven to brown the meringue. This no-bake version simplifies the process while still delivering a delicious and impressive dessert.

Ingredients

6 cups of whole fresh California strawberries
0.75 cup of sugar
0.25 cup of orange-flavored liqueur
1 frozen pound cake (11.5 oz (326 g)), defrosted
1 can (7 oz (198 g)) of refrigerated whipped light cream

How to prepare

Early in the day or the day before, prepare strawberry ice: In a blender, blend the strawberries until smooth.
Add sugar and liqueur to the blender; blend again until the sugar is dissolved.
Pour the mixture into a deer back pan (10 x 4 x 2 inches) or a loaf pan (9 x 5 x 2.75 inches) and freeze until it is almost firm.
Cut the cake into 6 slices.
Arrange the cake slices evenly over the strawberry ice.
Return the pan to the freezer for at least one hour.
To unmold the strawberry ice onto a serving plate, loosen the edges with a knife and briefly place the bottom of the pan in hot water for 10 seconds.
If the dessert starts to melt, place it in the freezer for 10 minutes.
Spread whipped light cream over the entire cake to "frost" it.
Return the cake to the freezer for an hour, or cut and serve immediately.
Note: For easier cutting, remove the cake from the freezer 20 minutes before serving.
Substitute: Use 2 packages (10 oz each) of frozen sliced California strawberries with sugar instead of fresh strawberries, and omit 0.75 cup of sugar.
Thaw the frozen strawberries just enough to chop them, then blend them in a blender and proceed as directed above.

Variations

Substitute the pound cake with angel food cake for a lighter option.
Use different flavored liqueurs such as raspberry or lemon for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to blend the strawberries until smooth to ensure a creamy texture for the strawberry ice.

- Loosening the edges of the dessert with a knife and briefly placing the pan in hot water will help to unmold the dessert easily.

- For easier cutting, remove the dessert from the freezer 20 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Strawberry Alaska No-Bake with a sprinkle of fresh mint leaves or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra touch of flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Blending the strawberries until smooth is key to achieving a creamy texture for the strawberry ice.

- Freezing the dessert in stages allows for easy assembly and unmolding.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use frozen sliced strawberries with sugar instead of fresh strawberries for a convenient alternative.

- Substitute the orange-flavored liqueur with orange juice for a non-alcoholic version.

Make Ahead Tips

Strawberry Alaska No-Bake can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the freezer until ready to serve. Simply remove from the freezer 20 minutes before serving for easier cutting.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dessert with fresh strawberry slices or edible flowers for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Strawberry Alaska No-Bake with a glass of sparkling wine or champagne for a delightful dessert pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Strawberry Alaska No-Bake in the freezer, tightly covered, for up to 3 days. Allow the dessert to thaw slightly before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Strawberry Alaska No-Bake contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Strawberry Alaska No-Bake contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Strawberry Alaska No-Bake contains approximately 8 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Strawberry Alaska No-Bake contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Strawberries are a good source of vitamin C, manganese, folate, and potassium. This dessert provides a boost of these essential vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (whipped cream) and gluten (pound cake). It may not be suitable for individuals with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Strawberry Alaska No-Bake is a light and refreshing dessert that is relatively low in calories and provides a good source of vitamin C and other essential nutrients.

Summary

Strawberry Alaska No-Bake is a simple yet elegant dessert that combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with the creaminess of whipped cream and the richness of pound cake. This no-bake version is perfect for summer entertaining and can be easily customized with different flavors and variations. Enjoy this refreshing treat with family and friends for a delightful end to any meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with excitement. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished helping my neighbor, Mrs. Jenkins, pick strawberries from her garden. As a thank you for my help, she invited me into her kitchen to show me how to make a delicious dessert she called Strawberry Alaska No-Bake.

Mrs. Jenkins was a sweet older woman with a twinkle in her eye and a love for cooking. She had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. As we worked together in her cozy kitchen, she shared stories of her childhood and the memories she had of making this dessert with her family.

The recipe was simple yet elegant, perfect for a special occasion or just a sweet treat on a hot summer day. It consisted of a graham cracker crust, filled with a creamy strawberry filling, and topped with a fluffy meringue that was lightly toasted to perfection. The combination of the tart strawberries and the sweet meringue was a match made in heaven.

As we worked together, Mrs. Jenkins patiently guided me through each step of the recipe, showing me how to properly mix the ingredients and shape the crust. She taught me the importance of patience and attention to detail in cooking, stressing that a little extra effort could make all the difference in the final result.

After we had assembled the dessert and popped it into the oven to roast the meringue, Mrs. Jenkins and I sat down at her kitchen table to enjoy a cup of tea. As we chatted and laughed together, I felt a sense of warmth and belonging that I had never experienced before. It was in that moment that I realized the true power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

When the timer went off, signaling that our dessert was ready, we eagerly pulled it out of the oven and marveled at the golden brown peaks of the meringue. The smell of toasted sugar filled the air, making our mouths water in anticipation. Mrs. Jenkins carefully sliced into the dessert and served us each a generous portion.

As I took my first bite of the Strawberry Alaska No-Bake, I was transported to a place of pure bliss. The creamy filling melted in my mouth, complemented perfectly by the crisp graham cracker crust. The meringue added a light and airy texture that balanced out the sweetness of the strawberries beautifully.

From that day on, the recipe for Strawberry Alaska No-Bake held a special place in my heart. It became a staple in my own kitchen, a go-to dessert for family gatherings and special occasions. I shared the recipe with my own children and grandchildren, passing down not just the ingredients and instructions, but the memories and stories that went along with it.

To this day, whenever I make Strawberry Alaska No-Bake, I think of Mrs. Jenkins and the wonderful afternoon we spent together in her kitchen. I am grateful for the knowledge and wisdom she shared with me, and for the bond that was formed over a simple dessert recipe. Food truly has a way of bringing people together and creating lasting connections that transcend time and space.

As I sit here now, reminiscing on that day many years ago, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences and relationships that cooking has brought into my life. The recipe for Strawberry Alaska No-Bake will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy and love that can be shared through food. And I will continue to pass it down through the generations, sharing not just a recipe, but a piece of my own history and the legacy of those who came before me.