Save A playful, colorful cake designed to look like a classic video game controller, perfect for parties and gaming fans.
I enjoyed creating this cake as it combines my love for baking and video games, making celebrations extra special.
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 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 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 Making this cake brings joy to my family especially when we enjoy it together after a fun gaming session.
Notes
For easier decorating, print a controller template and use as a cutting guide. Flavor the cake with cocoa powder for a chocolate version. Pair with a glass of cold milk or vanilla ice cream.
Required Tools
9x13 rectangular cake pan, Mixing bowls, Electric mixer, Offset spatula, Piping bags and tips, Sharp knife, Wire rack
Nutritional Information
Calories 420, Total Fat 18 g, Carbohydrates 61 g, Protein 4 g per serving
Save This cake is sure to impress guests with its vibrant design and delicious taste.
Recipe Help & Answers
- → What ingredient gives the cake a tender crumb?
The combination of softened butter, eggs, and all-purpose flour creates a moist and tender crumb in the cake.
- → How are the vibrant colors achieved in the frosting?
Various food colorings are added to separate portions of the buttercream to replicate the controller's colorful buttons and outlines.
- → Can the cake be made chocolate-flavored?
Yes, adding cocoa powder to the batter transforms it into a chocolate-flavored version without affecting the design process.
- → What is the purpose of the licorice strings in decoration?
Licorice strings are used to imitate controller cables, adding a creative and authentic touch to the cake's design.
- → How can one ensure the design details stay sharp when frosting?
Applying a crumb coat first and chilling the cake helps prevent crumbs from mixing with the final smooth layer. Using piping bags with fine tips allows precise detailing.
- → What tools are recommended for carving and decorating?
A sharp knife is ideal for shaping the cake into the controller form, while offset spatulas and piping bags help apply and detail the frosting carefully.