# What You Need:
→ Cake
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
03 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
04 - 4 large eggs
05 - 1 cup whole milk
06 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
07 - 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
08 - ½ teaspoon salt
→ Buttercream Frosting
09 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
10 - 4 cups powdered sugar
11 - 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
12 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
13 - Food coloring (black, red, blue, green, yellow, purple, gray)
→ Decoration
14 - Assorted colored candies (for buttons)
15 - Black licorice strings (optional, for controller cables)
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9x13 inch rectangular cake pan with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
03 - Add eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until well blended.
05 - Alternately add the dry ingredients and whole milk to the butter mixture, starting and finishing with flour mixture. Mix gently until just combined.
06 - Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
07 - Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
08 - Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla extract and milk, whipping until smooth and spreadable.
09 - Divide the frosting into separate bowls and tint with the desired food colors to match the game controller design.
10 - Using a sharp knife, carve the cooled cake into a classic game controller shape.
11 - Apply a thin layer of gray buttercream over the cake for a crumb coat and refrigerate for 20 minutes to set.
12 - Spread a smooth final layer of gray frosting. Pipe black frosting outlines and details. Use colored frosting and candies to form buttons and joysticks. Add licorice strings for cables if desired.
13 - Refrigerate the decorated cake until ready to serve. Slice and enjoy.
