Ice Cream Cake

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease, flour, and line an 8 x 12 x 2-inch baking pan. Set aside.

In a large bowl, stir together sugar, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

In another bowl, combine cocoa powder with water until it becomes a smooth paste. Gradually stir in the milk, oil, egg, then the vanilla. Beat by hand using a wire whisk or beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Gradually add the liquid mixture to the dry mixture. Stir just until combined. Do not overmix.

Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. Let cool for 10 minutes; remove from pan and transfer to a wire rack. Cool completely. Cut the chocolate cake into 9 x 5-inch pieces.

Assemble the ice cream cake: Line a 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan with plastic wrap. Scoop 1 to 1 1/2 cups softened pistachio ice cream into the pan. Spread and level using a spoon or an offset spatula. Place in the freezer and allow to set for at least 1 hour. Scoop 1 to 1 1/2 cups softened vanilla ice cream over the pistachio ice cream. Spread and level using a spoon or an offset spatula. Place in the freezer again and allow to set for at least 1 hour. Repeat the procedure with 1 to 1 1/2 cups mocha ice cream. Place 1 piece cut chocolate cake over the mocha ice cream. Repeat with the rest of the ingredients to make 3 ice cream cakes. Leave to set overnight or at least 4 hours in the freezer before serving. Unmold cake onto a plate, chocolate cake side down. Garnish with shaved chocolate.