Save A playful, colorful cake designed to look like a classic video game controller, perfect for parties and gaming fans.
This cake was a huge hit at our last game night, everyone loved the theme and the taste.
Ingredients
- Cake: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, 1 cup unsalted butter softened, 4 large eggs, 1 cup whole milk, 2 tsp vanilla extract, 2 ½ tsp baking powder, ½ tsp salt
- Buttercream Frosting: 1 cup unsalted butter softened, 4 cups powdered sugar, 2 to 3 tbsp milk, 2 tsp vanilla extract, food coloring (black, red, blue, green, yellow, purple, and gray)
- Decoration: Assorted colored candies for buttons, black licorice strings for controller cables optional
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13 rectangular cake pan.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- Step 3:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Step 4:
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
- Step 5:
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 6:
- Cool cake in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 7:
- For the frosting, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla and milk, whipping until smooth and spreadable.
- Step 8:
- Divide frosting into separate bowls and tint with food coloring as desired for the controller design (e.g., gray for the base, black for outline, colors for buttons).
- Step 9:
- Once cake is completely cool, carve into a classic game controller shape using a sharp knife.
- Step 10:
- Cover the cake with a crumb coat of gray buttercream. Chill for 20 minutes, then apply a smooth final layer.
- Step 11:
- Pipe outlines and details with black frosting. Use colored frosting and candies to make buttons and joysticks. Add licorice strings for cable effect if desired.
- Step 12:
- Refrigerate until ready to serve. Slice and enjoy!
Save This cake brought so many smiles and fun moments with my family during our game nights.
Required Tools
9x13 rectangular cake pan, mixing bowls, electric mixer, offset spatula, piping bags and tips, sharp knife, wire rack
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk, and dairy (butter). Candies may contain soy or nuts check labels if allergies are a concern.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories 420, total fat 18 g, carbohydrates 61 g, protein 4 g
Save This cake not only looks impressive but tastes delightful perfect for any celebration.
Kitchen Guide
- → What type of cake base is used for this design?
A tender cake made from all-purpose flour, butter, eggs, sugar, and vanilla creates a moist, sturdy base suitable for carving and decorating.
- → How are the vibrant colors achieved in the decoration?
Buttercream frosting is divided and tinted with various food colorings, allowing vibrant and precise detail work to mimic the controller buttons and outlines.
- → Can this be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, the cake can be baked and chilled before decorating. Chilling between frosting layers helps maintain neat, defined decoration.
- → What tools help with shaping and decorating?
A sharp knife is used for carving, while piping bags and tips facilitate detailed frosting work. Using a printed template can guide accurate shaping.
- → Are there any allergen considerations?
This dessert contains wheat, eggs, milk, and dairy. Candies used for buttons may contain soy or nuts, so check ingredient labels if allergies are a concern.
- → How can I customize the flavor?
Adding cocoa powder to the batter creates a chocolate variation, enhancing the flavor while maintaining texture.