# Ingredient list:
→ 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)
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9x13-inch sheet pan with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl.
03 - In a large bowl, beat butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
04 - Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then blend in vanilla extract.
05 - Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the creamed mixture, starting and ending with flour. Mix only until incorporated.
06 - Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center exits clean.
07 - Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then move to a wire rack to cool completely.
08 - Beat butter for the frosting until creamy. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar at low speed. Add milk, vanilla, and salt, and beat until fluffy. Divide into portions, tinting with food colorings as desired.
09 - Spread a smooth layer of gray-tinted buttercream over the fully cooled cake.
10 - Using piping bags fitted with round tips, pipe small rat shapes with gray frosting. Add pink frosting or fondant for ears and noses. Use black frosting or candy eyes for facial details. Add licorice laces for tails and whiskers.
11 - Decorate surface with edible glitter or sprinkles as desired.
12 - Cut into portions and serve for a festive birthday presentation.
