Save A playful, colorful cake designed to look like a classic video game controller, perfect for parties and gaming fans.
This cake was a big hit with my friends who loved both gaming and sweets.
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 This cake always brings excitement and nostalgia during family gatherings and celebrations.
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 per serving. Total Fat: 18 g. Carbohydrates: 61 g. Protein: 4 g.
Save This cake makes a memorable centerpiece and delicious treat all in one.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I create the controller shape?
After baking, carve the cooled rectangular cake into the desired classic game controller shape using a sharp knife or printed template.
- → What gives the cake its vibrant colors?
Food coloring is mixed into buttercream frosting in various shades to replicate the game controller’s buttons and outlines.
- → Can I use different flavors for this cake?
Yes, adding cocoa powder creates a chocolate variation, adding deeper flavor while maintaining the colorful presentation.
- → How do I achieve smooth frosting layers?
Apply a crumb coat first, chill for 20 minutes, then add a smooth final layer using an offset spatula or piping bags.
- → What candies work well for button decorations?
Assorted colored candies like small round sweets provide perfect button accents, enhancing both look and texture.