About National Baked Alaska Day
A dish named after a heated debate over the purchase of the state of Alaska from Russia in 1867, baked Alaska is an ice cream cake topped with meringue toasted in the oven just before serving or bombe Alaska en flambe!
Contrary to popular belief, this cake is, indeed, baked outside of the state of Alaska. The reason it's not found on every restaurant menu is likely due to the level of difficulty involved with getting each texture right, as the name of the game with this recipe is timing.
It's said that the original Baked Alaska was actually created in New York City by a chef by the name of Charles Ranhofer, who created it in honor of the U.S. purchasing Alaska in 1867.
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Other Observances on February 1st 2026
National Freedom Day
Honors the 13th Amendment, which formally abolished slavery and was officially approved on February 1st 1865.
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