Save A playful, colorful cake designed to look like a classic video game controller, perfect for parties and gaming fans.
This cake is always a hit at family gatherings and gaming nights, bringing joy to both kids and adults alike.
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
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13 rectangular cake pan.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
- Bake Cake:
- 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.
- Cool Cake:
- Cool cake in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make Frosting:
- For the frosting, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla and milk, whipping until smooth and spreadable.
- Color Frosting:
- Divide frosting into separate bowls and tint with food coloring as desired for the controller design (eg gray for the base, black for outline, colors for buttons).
- Carve Cake:
- Once cake is completely cool, carve into a classic game controller shape using a sharp knife.
- Crumb Coat:
- Cover the cake with a crumb coat of gray buttercream. Chill for 20 minutes, then apply a smooth final layer.
- Decorate:
- 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.
- Refrigerate:
- Refrigerate until ready to serve. Slice and enjoy!
Save This cake brings back memories of joyful gaming nights and celebrations with my loved ones.
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
Calories: 420, Total Fat: 18 g, Carbohydrates: 61 g, Protein: 4 g per serving
Save This unique cake is sure to impress and delight any gaming enthusiast at your next party.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve the bright colors in the frosting?
Use gel-based food coloring for vivid hues and mix colors gradually until the desired intensity is reached, ensuring smooth and spreadable consistency.
- → What’s the best way to carve the cake into the controller shape?
Print a controller template to use as a guide. Use a sharp knife to carefully trim the cooled cake, working slowly to maintain sharp details.
- → Can I substitute cocoa powder for a chocolate flavor?
Yes, adding cocoa powder to the batter will create a rich chocolate variation that complements the colorful decorations.
- → How should I store the decorated cake?
Keep the finished cake refrigerated to preserve frosting integrity and remove about 30 minutes before serving for optimal texture.
- → What alternatives exist for the candy buttons?
Assorted colored candies or edible sugar pearls work well; choose items that hold shape and add vibrant detail.