# Components:
→ 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, and gray)
→ Decoration
14 - Assorted colored candies for buttons
15 - Black licorice strings for controller cables (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9x13 inch rectangular cake pan with parchment paper.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is 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 the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
05 - Alternate adding the dry ingredients and whole milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
06 - Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
07 - Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
08 - Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, then add vanilla extract and milk. Whip until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
09 - Divide the frosting into separate bowls and tint with the desired food coloring to replicate various parts of the controller design.
10 - Once completely cooled, carve the cake into the shape of a classic video game controller using a sharp knife.
11 - Spread a thin crumb coat of gray-colored buttercream over the carved cake. Chill for 20 minutes to set.
12 - Apply a smooth final layer of frosting. Use black frosting to pipe outlines and details. Decorate buttons and joysticks with colored frosting and candies. Optionally, add licorice strings to simulate cables.
13 - Refrigerate the decorated cake until ready to serve. Slice and enjoy.
