Save It Adorably whimsical brownie bites inspired by the viral rat cake chaos cakes trend, these rich, fudgy chocolate treats are decorated to look like playful little rats. They're perfect for parties and fun gatherings, bringing a touch of laughter and creativity to your dessert table.
I made these Silly Rat Cake Brownie Bites for a birthday and everyone was thoroughly amused. Watching kids (and grown-ups) giggle while choosing their favorite rat design made baking extra memorable.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: 115 g (1/2 cup), melted
- Granulated sugar: 150 g (3/4 cup)
- Brown sugar: 90 g (1/2 cup)
- Eggs: 2 large
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: 60 g (2/3 cup)
- All-purpose flour: 65 g (1/2 cup)
- Baking powder: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/4 tsp
- Dark chocolate chips: 90 g (1/2 cup)
- White chocolate, melted: 100 g (3.5 oz), for piping tails and faces
- Pink and black gel food coloring: for decoration
- Mini chocolate chips: 32, for eyes
- Pink heart sprinkles or pink M&M minis: 16, for noses
- Slivered almonds or sliced jelly candies: 32, for ears
- Licorice laces or spaghetti candy strands: 16, for tails
Instructions
- Prepare pan:
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a 16-cup mini muffin tin or silicone mold with nonstick spray or mini liners.
- Mix base:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt unsalted butter. Stir in granulated sugar and brown sugar until well combined.
- Combine wet ingredients:
- Whisk in eggs and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
- Add dry ingredients:
- Sift in unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate:
- Fold in dark chocolate chips.
- Divide and bake:
- Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until set and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
- Tint chocolate:
- Tint melted white chocolate with pink gel coloring for noses and ears.
- Pipe features:
- Using a piping bag or toothpick, pipe a small dot for the nose, two dots for cheeks, and fine lines for whiskers and tails.
- Add details:
- Press two mini chocolate chips into each brownie for eyes, a pink sprinkle or M&M for the nose, and slivered almonds or small jelly slices for ears.
- Tail decor:
- Insert licorice lace or candy strand at the base for the rat's tail.
- Set and serve:
- Allow chocolate decorations to set before serving.
Save It Everyone takes turns picking their favorite silly rat. My little cousin likes making hers extra pink, and these brownies always spark laughter at family parties.
Required Tools
Mini muffin tin or silicone mold, mixing bowls, whisk and spatula, microwave or stovetop, piping bag or toothpicks, cooling rack
Allergen Information
Contains milk, eggs, wheat (gluten), and nuts if using almonds. Double-check candy and decorative items for allergens and always confirm with product packaging.
Nutritional Information
Each brownie bite contains about 130 calories, 6 g total fat, 18 g carbohydrates, and 2 g protein.
Save It Enjoy these bites at any gathering for a fun and sweet conversation starter. Even food skeptics can't resist these charming little treats.
Recipe FAQs
- → What ingredients create the fudgy texture?
The combination of unsalted butter, both granulated and brown sugars, dark chocolate chips, and cocoa powder helps achieve a rich, fudgy consistency.
- → How are the rat features decorated?
Melted white chocolate tinted with gel coloring is piped for noses, cheeks, whiskers, and tails, while mini chocolate chips, pink sprinkles, almonds, and candy pieces form eyes, ears, and tails.
- → Can these brownie bites be made gluten-free?
Yes, substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend allows for a gluten-free version without compromising texture.
- → What tools are recommended for decorating?
A piping bag or toothpicks help in applying the intricate details of the rat features using melted white chocolate and candy decorations.
- → How long should the brownie bites bake?
Baking for 18 to 20 minutes at 175°C (350°F) until set ensures a moist, fudgy center with a slightly crisp exterior.
- → Are there allergy considerations to keep in mind?
These bites contain milk, eggs, wheat (gluten), and nuts (if almonds are used). Check all decorative candies as they may contain additional allergens.