Chef Maxime here—this Chaos Rat Cake began as a cheerful family holiday tradition, combining playful creativity with delicious flavors for a memorable celebration. Crafted with chocolate sponge, creamy filling, and bursts of cherry, this festive rat-shaped cake is sure to steal the spotlight at your next gathering.

Whether for Christmas, birthday fun, or any special event, the whimsical look and crowd-pleasing taste bring joy and smiles to kids and adults alike.

Chaos Rat Cake

Festive chocolate cherry cake, sculpted into a playful rat shape—perfect for holidays, birthdays, and whimsical family celebrations!

Imprimer la recette Pin Recipe

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingrédients

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup sugar
– 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 2 large eggs
– 3/4 cup milk
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 cup pitted cherries fresh or frozen
– 3/4 cup heavy cream for filling
– 1/2 cup cream cheese or mascarpone
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar
– 1 tsp orange zest
– Chocolate chips for ears and eyes
– Fresh cherries and rosemary for decoration

Equipment

Mixing bowls, hand mixer, cake pan (bowl shaped), spatula, baking paper, pastry brush, offset spatula, knife for shaping.

Method

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bowl-shaped pan and line with parchment.
Whisk flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar into a bowl.
In another bowl, beat eggs, milk, oil, vanilla, and sour cream. Mix wet into dry until smooth.
Fold in pitted cherries. Pour into prepared pan and bake 35-40 min. Cool completely.
Beat cream, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and orange zest until thick and spreadable.
Slice cooled cake to shape into a “rat” body and head. Use reserved cake trimmings for ears/nose.
Fill inside with half the cream mixture, then frost outside. Decorate with chocolate chips for features and rosemary sprigs for whiskers. Top with extra cherries.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

Use any round or oval bowl/pan and sculpt as desired. Filling can be made in advance; decorate up to 1 day ahead.
Calories: 340

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving	Amount
Calories	340
Total Fat	14g
Saturated Fat	7g
Cholesterol	70mg
Sodium	160mg
Carbohydrates	48g
Fiber	3g
Protein	6g
Calcium	5% DV
Iron	10% DV

Tips and Variations

Use whipped cream cheese or mascarpone for a tangy creamy filling.
Add orange zest or a splash of liqueur for holiday depth.
Swap cherries for raspberries or mixed berries if desired.
Make ahead: Decorate the cake up to one day in advance and refrigerate.

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Chaos Rat Cake – Holiday Chocolate Cherry Cake