# 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 (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 (optional)
# Preparation Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9x13-inch sheet cake pan with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl.
03 - Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes using an electric mixer.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in vanilla extract.
05 - Alternately add dry ingredients and milk to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix just until combined; do not overbeat.
06 - Transfer batter to prepared pan, smooth surface, and bake for 28 to 32 minutes. Cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
07 - Allow cake to cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn onto a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.
08 - Beat butter until creamy. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar. Add milk, vanilla, and salt; beat until light and fluffy. Divide frosting and tint with desired food coloring.
09 - Spread a smooth layer of gray-tinted buttercream evenly over the cooled cake using an offset spatula.
10 - Pipe small rat shapes with gray frosting using piping bags fitted with round tips. Add pink frosting for ears and noses, use black frosting or candy eyes for features. Attach licorice for tails and whiskers.
11 - Optionally decorate with edible glitter or sprinkles. Slice and serve to guests.
