Save to Pinterest A whimsically dark and decadent dessert, this Rat Cake with Whipped Chocolate Ganache celebrates avant-garde patisserie through a moist chocolate base and playful rat-shaped decorations. Combining rich flavors with a touch of mischievous artistry, it offers a unique treat for creative bakers.
I first attempted this recipe for a Halloween gathering and its striking appearance quickly sparked conversations. Guests loved crafting marzipan rats, transforming the kitchen into a creative space filled with laughter and chocolate aromas.
Ingredients
- Cake Base: 1 1/2 cups (190 g) all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp fine sea salt, 3/4 cup (65 g) unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 1/4 cups (250 g) granulated sugar, 2 large eggs room temperature, 3/4 cup (180 ml) whole milk, 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil, 2 tsp pure vanilla extract, 3/4 cup (180 ml) hot brewed coffee
- Whipped Chocolate Ganache: 8 oz (225 g) semi-sweet chocolate chopped, 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, Pinch of salt
- Rat Decorations: 5 oz (140 g) marzipan or modeling chocolate, Black, pink, and gray food coloring gel optional for details, Edible silver dust or shimmer optional
Instructions
- Prepare Cake Pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
- Add Sugar:
- Add granulated sugar and mix well.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Make Batter:
- Pour wet ingredients into dry, mixing until no lumps remain. Gradually add hot coffee, stirring until batter is glossy and well-blended.
- Bake Cake:
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Test with a toothpick: cake is done when it comes out clean. Cool cake completely on wire rack.
- Make Ganache:
- Place chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Heat heavy cream with a pinch of salt until just boiling, then pour over chocolate. Leave to stand for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
- Whip Ganache:
- Refrigerate ganache for 45 minutes, then whip using hand mixer until light and airy.
- Assemble Cake:
- Spread whipped ganache generously over cooled cake base.
- Shape Rat Decorations:
- Knead marzipan or modeling chocolate with food coloring to form small rat figures, tails, and ears. Add details with a toothpick or edible paints. Dust with edible silver for shimmer.
- Decorate:
- Arrange rat figures on cake in whimsical, chaotic patterns.
Save to Pinterest This cake became a highlight at our family birthdays, especially among the kids who delighted in the edible rat figurines. Together we would shape tails and ears, adding our own creative flair to every batch.
Required Tools
9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan, mixing bowls, electric mixer or whisk, sifter, rubber spatula, parchment paper, small sculpting tools or toothpicks for decorations
Allergen Information
Contains eggs, milk/dairy, wheat/gluten, and almonds if using marzipan. May contain soy present in chocolate. For nut allergies, substitute marzipan with modeling chocolate and check ingredients labels.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 410, Total Fat: 22 g, Carbohydrates: 52 g, Protein: 5 g
Save to Pinterest Finish the Rat Cake with plenty of creative rat decorations and a dusting of edible silver for wow-factor. Slice and serve with confidence: it's sure to surprise your guests!
Common Recipe Questions
- → How is the cake base kept moist?
Incorporating hot brewed coffee and vegetable oil ensures a tender, moist crumb while enhancing the chocolate flavor.
- → What makes the ganache whipped and airy?
After chilling, the ganache is whipped with a mixer to introduce lightness and a fluffy texture.
- → What ingredients are used for the rat decorations?
Marzipan or modeling chocolate is shaped and colored with food gels or dusted with edible shimmer for detail.
- → Can this dessert accommodate nut allergies?
Yes, by using modeling chocolate instead of marzipan and checking chocolate ingredients for allergens.
- → What optional flavor twist can be added to the ganache?
A pinch of chili powder adds a subtle spicy depth to the sweet chocolate ganache.