# Components:
→ Cake
01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
05 - 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
06 - 4 large eggs, room temperature
07 - 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
08 - 1 cup whole milk
→ Buttercream Frosting
09 - 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
10 - 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
11 - 2 to 3 tablespoons whole milk
12 - 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
13 - Pinch of salt
14 - Food coloring in gray, pink, and black gel or liquid
→ Decorations
15 - Candy eyes or mini chocolate chips
16 - Pink candy melts or fondant for ears and noses
17 - Licorice laces or black fondant for tails and whiskers
18 - Edible glitter or sprinkles
# Preparation Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9x13-inch sheet pan with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
03 - In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes using an electric mixer.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract until fully integrated.
05 - Alternately add flour mixture and whole milk to the creamed mixture, starting and ending with flour. Mix just until combined; avoid overmixing.
06 - Transfer batter into prepared pan, leveling the surface. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center exits clean.
07 - Let sponge cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
08 - Beat unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed. Incorporate whole milk, vanilla extract, and salt; continue beating until light and airy. Divide into portions and tint with food coloring as desired.
09 - Spread an even layer of gray buttercream over the cooled sponge using an offset spatula.
10 - Using piping bags with round tips, pipe small rat shapes with gray frosting. Shape ears and noses with pink frosting or candy melts, and add eyes using black frosting or candy eyes. Attach licorice laces or fondant for tails and whiskers.
11 - Finish with edible glitter or sprinkles to enhance presentation, if desired.
12 - Portion into slices and serve at room temperature for a festive celebration.
