Ice Cream Princess Cake

Combine 3 tablespoons of the cold water and 3 teaspoons of the gelatin in a small microwavable bowl; let stand 5 minutes. Microwave on HIGH until gelatin melts, 8 to 10 seconds (do not let boil). Stir 1/4 cup of the heavy cream into gelatin mixture; set aside.

Beat together 2 3/4 cups of the heavy cream, 3/4 cup of the powdered sugar, and 3/4 teaspoon of the vanilla with whip attachment of an electric mixer at medium-high speed until thickened, about 2 minutes. Gradually add gelatin mixture, beating on low speed. Increase to high speed, and beat until stiff peaks form, about 1 minute.

Scoop ice creams into 1/2 cup round scoops. Arrange about 12 scoops of assorted flavors in bottom of an angel food cake pan, pressing ice cream scoops close togeather to avoid gaps. Spread about 2 cups whipped cream over ice cream. Repeat layers of ice cream and whipped cream until pan is full (you should have about 3 layers of each). Cover with plastic wrap, and freeze at least 4 hours or overnight.

Place remaining 2 tablespoons cold water and 2 teaspoons gelatin in a small microwavable bowl; let stand 5 minutes. Microwave on HIGH until gelatin melts, 8 to 10 seconds (do not let boil). Stir 1/4 cup of the heavy cream into gelatin mixture. Beat together remaining 1 3/4 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla with whip attachment at medium-high speed until mixture thickens, about 2 minutes. Gradually add gelatin mixture, beating on low speed. Add 1 to 3 drops of food coloring gel, if desired, until desired color is reached. Increase to high speed, and beat until stiff peaks form, about 1 minute. Place whipped cream in a piping bag with a star tip.

To remove ice cream cake from pan, dip pan into a large bowl of hot water 10 to 15 seconds. Loosen sides with a large spatula. Invert ice cream cake onto a serving plate.

Place a scoop of any flavor ice cream into center hole of cake, pressing ice cream down to bottom of hole. Insert princess doll into center of ice cream in hole to stabilize and hold doll straight up. Decoratively pipe whipped cream on cake as the bottom of doll’s ball gown. Sprinkle desired color of sanding sugar over ball gown. Place in freezer at least 1 hour or until ready to serve.