Save to Pinterest A whimsically dark and decadent chocolate cake inspired by avant-garde patisserie, Rat Cake with Whipped Chocolate Ganache is perfect for dessert lovers seeking something fun and delicious. Featuring a rich, moist chocolate base and airy whipped ganache, this treat is adorned with playful rat shapes for added charm.
I first made this cake for a Halloween gathering, and it quickly became an instant favorite thanks to its playful appearance and deeply indulgent taste. Guests were delighted by the surprise rat figures and the luscious whipped ganache, making it a memorable centerpiece.
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), edible silver dust or shimmer (optional)
Instructions
- Prep Cake Pan:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder in a large bowl.
- Add Sugar:
- Mix in granulated sugar until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- Whisk eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla in a separate bowl until blended. Pour into dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
- Incorporate Coffee:
- Gradually add hot coffee, mixing until batter is glossy and well-blended.
- Bake Cake:
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool cake completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare Ganache:
- Place chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Heat cream with a pinch of salt until just boiling, then pour over chocolate. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
- Whip Ganache:
- Refrigerate ganache for 45 minutes, then whip with a hand mixer until light and fluffy.
- Frost Cake:
- Spread whipped ganache generously over cooled cake.
- Create Rat Decorations:
- Knead marzipan or modeling chocolate with food coloring, shape into small rats, tails, and ears. Use a toothpick for details and add edible silver dust if desired.
- Decorate Cake:
- Arrange rat decorations on top in a whimsical, chaotic pattern.
Save to Pinterest Making rat shapes sparked laughter among my kids, turning cake decorating into an imaginative family activity. Their creative rat arrangements always make serving this dessert a fun, shared experience.
Required Tools
Essential equipment includes a 9-inch cake pan, mixing bowls, an electric mixer or whisk, a sifter, rubber spatula, parchment paper, and sculpting tools or toothpicks for rat details.
Allergen Information
The cake contains eggs, milk/dairy, wheat/gluten, and almonds if marzipan is used. For nut-free, use modeling chocolate and check labels for soy traces in chocolate.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides approximately 410 calories, 22 g total fat, 52 g carbohydrates, and 5 g protein.
Save to Pinterest This Rat Cake is sure to captivate both eyes and taste buds. Share with family and friends as a centerpiece or playful dessert everyone will remember.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What gives the cake its moist texture?
The addition of hot brewed coffee and vegetable oil helps create a moist, tender crumb in the cake base.
- → How is the whipped chocolate ganache prepared?
Warm cream and salt are poured over chopped semi-sweet chocolate, cooled, then whipped until light and airy.
- → Can the marzipan decorations be substituted?
Yes, modeling chocolate works well as an alternative for the sculpted rat details.
- → What tools are needed for the decoration?
Small sculpting tools or toothpicks help shape the marzipan or modeling chocolate figurines.
- → How can the flavor be enhanced?
A pinch of chili powder in the ganache adds a subtle spicy note to balance the sweetness.