Save A playful, pixel-inspired cake shaped like a video game controller, perfect for gaming enthusiasts. Moist layers of vanilla cake are covered with vibrant fondant to capture the nostalgic pixelated look.
This cake brings back fond memories of classic video games and is always a hit at parties with friends and family.
Ingredients
- Cake: 2 ½ cups (310 g) all-purpose flour 2 tsp baking powder ½ tsp salt 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened 1 ¾ cups (350 g) granulated sugar 4 large eggs 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
- Buttercream Frosting: 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened 3 ½ cups (420 g) powdered sugar 2 tbsp milk 1 tsp vanilla extract Pinch of salt
- Decoration: 18 oz (500 g) white fondant Gel food coloring (black, gray, red, blue, yellow, green) Cornstarch (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line a rectangular cake pan (9x13 inch / 23x33 cm).
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- Combine Wet and Dry:
- Alternately add flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
- Bake Cake:
- Pour batter into prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool Cake:
- Let cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a rack to cool completely.
- Make Buttercream:
- Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
- Shape Cake:
- Level the cooled cake. Using a printed template or freehand, cut the cake into a classic video game controller shape.
- Apply Crumb Coat:
- Cover the cake with a thin layer of buttercream to seal in crumbs. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Decorate:
- Tint portions of fondant using gel food coloring to create black, gray, and colored buttons. Roll fondant out on a cornstarch-dusted surface. Cover the cake with gray fondant, then decorate with colored fondant pieces to mimic buttons and pixel details.
- Finish:
- Arrange the finished cake on a serving platter to resemble a pixelated controller.
Save This cake has been a family favorite, sparking joy and nostalgia at every celebration.
Required Tools
9x13 inch (23x33 cm) cake pan Electric mixer Rolling pin Offset spatula Sharp knife or cake carving tool Fondant smoother
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk (dairy) May contain traces of nuts if ingredients are processed in facilities that also handle nuts Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories 420 Total Fat 19 g Carbohydrates 59 g Protein 4 g (per serving)
Save Enjoy crafting this playful cake that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I shape the cake like a video game controller?
After baking, cool the cake and level it. Use a printed template or freehand to carefully cut the cake into the classic controller shape before frosting and decorating.
- → What is the best way to achieve sharp fondant edges?
Chill the crumb-coated cake well before applying the fondant. This helps the fondant adhere smoothly and maintain clean, sharp edges.
- → Can I substitute the vanilla cake with another flavor?
Yes, chocolate or other flavored cakes can be used in place of vanilla to suit your taste preferences while maintaining the same decoration method.
- → How are the pixel effects created on the fondant?
Color the fondant using gel food coloring and cut it into small squares to mimic pixelated buttons and details, then arrange these pieces on the main fondant covering.
- → What tools are essential for decorating this cake?
Important tools include a cake pan, electric mixer, rolling pin, offset spatula, sharp knife or carving tool, and a fondant smoother for polished decoration.