Pin A playful, colorful cake designed to look like a classic video game controller, perfect for parties and gaming fans.
This cake was a hit with my family during our last game night; everyone enjoyed both the look and 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 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!
Pin This cake has created many joyful family moments, especially during game nights when everyone gathers around to admire and enjoy it together.
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
Pin This cake combines creativity with taste creating a perfect centerpiece for any gaming celebration.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I achieve vibrant colors for the frosting?
Use gel-based food coloring to tint the buttercream, as it provides rich hues without altering the frosting's consistency.
- → What type of cake works best for carving shapes?
A dense yet moist vanilla cake holds shape well, making carving easier and cleaner.
- → Can I prepare the cake decorations ahead of time?
Yes, colored frosting and candy decorations can be prepared in advance and stored refrigerated to save time during assembly.
- → What tools help achieve clean piping lines?
Using piping bags fitted with small round tips and an offset spatula for smoothing ensures sharp, defined edges.
- → How to avoid frosting melting while decorating?
Chill the cake with a crumb coat before final frosting and decorate in a cool environment to keep the frosting stable.