Baked Alaska with Chocolate Cake and Chocolate Ice Cream

INGREDIENTS

• FOR THE CAKES:
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• Salt
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 2/3 cup warm water (about 100 degrees)
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 6 large eggs, room temperature, separated
• FOR ASSEMBLING:
• Vegetable oil, cooking spray
• 6 cups chocolate ice cream (3 pints)
• FOR THE MERINGUE:
• 12 large egg whites, room temperature
• 3 cups sugar
• Pinch of cream of tartar