Save A playful, colorful cake designed to look like a classic video game controller, perfect for parties and gaming fans.
I loved making this cake as it brought joy to my gaming friends and doubled as an edible centerpiece on game night.
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 brings back memories of cozy game nights with family, making the experience even sweeter.
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: 420 calories, 18 g total fat, 61 g carbohydrates, 4 g protein.
Save This vibrant cake will wow your guests and makes any celebration feel like a high-score event.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve the vibrant colors in the frosting?
Use gel food coloring for bright, saturated hues. Divide frosting into separate bowls and mix colors gradually until desired shade is reached.
- → What is the best way to carve the cake into a controller shape?
Print a template of a classic controller and place it on the cooled cake. Use a sharp knife to carefully cut around the outline for clean edges.
- → Can I prepare the cake ahead of time?
Yes, bake and chill the cake the day before decorating. This helps with easier carving and ensures the frosting sets well.
- → What type of candies work best for button decoration?
Small, colorful candies like round sprinkles or coated chocolates work perfectly to mimic controller buttons.
- → Is there a suggested serving method?
Slice carefully after refrigeration to keep the shape intact. Serve with cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a complimentary pairing.