This marvelous construction is a show-stopping finale to a celebratory meal. Though it needs last-minute preparation, it isn’t very difficult to make. Miraculously, a little cake on the bottom and a covering of soft meringue is enough to insulate the ice cream while the topping is browned in a hot oven. Of course, if you are in possession of a propane torch, putting the finishing touch on this dessert will be its finest hour. A layer of brownies can be substituted for the cake, if desired. If you wish to use multiple flavors of ice cream in the same dessert, mold the ice cream as directed in About Bombes.

Line a dome-shaped bowl with plastic wrap. Depending on the size of the bowl, fill it with:

Smooth the ice cream so the top is flat, and freeze solid. Have ready a round of:

at least ½ inch thick and cut slightly larger than the diameter of the bowl in which the ice cream was molded. If desired, sprinkle it lightly with:

Position the cake on top of the ice cream in the bowl, making sure no plastic wrap comes between the ice cream and the cake. Cover and freeze until needed.

Invert and unmold the dessert onto a serving platter (if using a propane torch to toast the meringue) or a foil-lined baking sheet (if toasting the meringue in the oven). Use any overhanging plastic wrap to help coax the ice cream out of the bowl. If needed, drape a hot, wet kitchen towel over the bowl until the ice cream releases from the bowl. Place the unmolded dessert in the freezer for 20 minutes to set the outside layer.

If you do not plan on using a propane torch to brown the meringue, preheat the oven to 450°F.

Prepare:

Spread the meringue over the dessert so the surface is entirely coated with a ¾-inch thickness of meringue, bringing the meringue right down to the surface of the platter or baking sheet. Swirl the topping decoratively with the back of a spoon, or reserve some of the meringue in a pastry bag and pipe on fluted edges and patterns. Bake for 5 minutes, watching carefully, to lightly brown the meringue. Alternatively, evenly brown the outside with a propane torch. Serve immediately, with, if desired: