Pin This 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 reminded me of endless fun times playing classic games 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 & Prepare:
- 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 & Sugar:
- In a large bowl cream butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla:
- Beat in eggs one at a time then mix in vanilla.
- Combine Flour & Milk:
- Alternately add flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture starting and ending with flour Mix until just combined.
- Bake:
- 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.
- Prepare 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.
- Crumb Coat:
- Cover the cake with a thin layer of buttercream to seal in crumbs (crumb coat) Chill for 30 minutes.
- Color & 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.
- Serve:
- Arrange the finished cake on a serving platter to resemble a pixelated controller.
Pin This This cake always brings smiles during family game nights and special celebrations.
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
Pin This This pixel controller cake combines creativity with nostalgia making it a unique treat for any occasion.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I achieve sharp edges on the cake?
Chill the crumb-coated cake well before applying fondant to firm up the edges and produce a clean, sharp shape.
- → What is the best way to color the fondant?
Use gel food coloring to tint portions of fondant; gel provides vibrant colors without changing consistency.
- → Can I substitute vanilla cake for another flavor?
Yes, chocolate cake or other flavors work well and can be used instead of vanilla for a different taste profile.
- → How is the pixelated effect created?
Cut the colored fondant into small squares and arrange them to mimic pixel blocks, giving the cake its distinctive pixel art look.
- → What tools are needed for shaping the cake?
Use a sharp knife or cake carving tool along with a template or freehand to cut the cake into the desired controller shape.