Save A whimsically themed dessert, the Rat Cake Birthday Sheet Bake is designed to bring delight and laughter to any birthday celebration. Its moist vanilla sponge, creamy buttercream, and playful mouse-themed decorations transform an ordinary sheet cake into a centerpiece of fun.
I made this sheet cake for my nephew's birthday party last year. Watching the kids giggle at the cute edible rats and rush for the first slice made it an unforgettable moment. It's a recipe that's now requested at every family event!
Ingredients
- Cake: 2 1/2 cups (315 g) all-purpose flour, 2 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter (room temperature), 1 3/4 cups (350 g) granulated sugar, 4 large eggs (room temperature), 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract, 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
- Buttercream Frosting: 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter (room temperature), 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar (sifted), 2 3 tbsp whole milk, 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, pinch of salt, food coloring (gray, pink, black gel or liquid)
- Decorations: Candy eyes or mini chocolate chips, pink candy melts or fondant (for ears and noses), licorice laces or black fondant (for tails and whiskers), edible glitter or sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Cake Pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) sheet cake pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 4 minutes).
- Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Beat in eggs, one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
- Combine and Mix:
- Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Bake the Cake:
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 28 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool:
- Cool cake in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make Buttercream:
- Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low. Add milk, vanilla, and salt. Beat until fluffy. Divide frosting portions and tint gray, pink, and black as desired.
- Frost and Decorate:
- Spread a smooth layer of gray buttercream over cooled cake. Use piping bags with round tips to pipe small rat shapes. Add pink frosting for ears and noses, and black frosting or candy eyes for eyes. Add licorice laces for tails and whiskers.
- Finishing Touches:
- Decorate with edible glitter or sprinkles if desired. Slice and serve for a memorable birthday treat.
Save This cake always makes for lively stories around the table. My grandma laughed when she saw the candy tails and said it reminded her of childhood pranks!
Required Tools
9x13-inch (23x33 cm) sheet cake pan, electric mixer, mixing bowls, offset spatula, piping bags and tips, wire rack, parchment paper
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy (milk, butter). Decorations may contain soy or other allergens: check labels. Not suitable for those with nut allergies unless all ingredients are verified nut-free.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 465, Total Fat: 22 g, Carbohydrates: 64 g, Protein: 4 g (per serving)
Save Let your creativity shine with the decorations - it's the best part of the experience! Serve this whimsical cake for instant smiles and unforgettable birthdays.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I achieve vibrant colors for the decorations?
Gel or liquid food coloring works best to tint buttercream gray, pink, and black. Divide frosting and mix each color separately.
- → Can I use a different cake base?
Yes, you may substitute chocolate or other sponge flavors to customize the taste while maintaining the playful design.
- → How should I store leftover cake?
Place leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep the cake moist.
- → Are there nuts or allergens in this cake?
The cake contains wheat, dairy, and eggs. Decorations may have soy. Ensure all selections are nut-free if needed.
- → What piping tips work for the mouse shapes?
Round piping tips will help create smooth shapes for the rats. Use multiple bags for different colors and details.
- → Can fondant be used for details?
Absolutely. Fondant is ideal for sculpting the ears, noses, or tails and offers sharper shapes than buttercream.