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 became a hit at our gaming party, sparking fun memories and lots of compliments from 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 Ingredients:
- 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.
- 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.
- Apply Crumb Coat:
- Cover the cake with a thin layer of buttercream to seal in crumbs. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Color Fondant:
- Tint portions of fondant using gel food coloring to create black, gray, and colored buttons. Roll fondant out on a cornstarch-dusted surface.
- Decorate Cake:
- 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 Sharing this cake with family always brings smiles and fond memories of fun gaming nights together.
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 per serving. Total Fat: 19 g. Carbohydrates: 59 g. Protein: 4 g.
Pin This This cake combines creativity and delicious flavor to celebrate your love of gaming in a unique way.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I achieve sharp edges on the cake?
Chill the crumb-coated cake thoroughly before applying the fondant to help maintain clean, sharp edges during decoration.
- → What type of fondant colors are used for decoration?
Gel food colors in black, gray, red, blue, yellow, and green are used to tint fondant pieces that mimic controller buttons and pixel effects.
- → Can I substitute the vanilla cake with another flavor?
Yes, chocolate cake can be used as an alternative to vanilla for a different flavor profile.
- → What tools are recommended for shaping the cake?
A sharp knife or cake carving tool, along with a printed template or freehand cutting, helps form the video game controller shape accurately.
- → How long does preparation and baking take in total?
The total time including preparation and baking is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.