Save A playful, colorful cake designed to look like a classic video game controller, perfect for parties and gaming fans.
This cake instantly became a hit at my last game night; everyone loved the detail and vibrant colors.
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
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13 rectangular cake pan.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
- Bake:
- 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.
- Cool Cake:
- Cool cake in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Frosting:
- Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla and milk, whipping until smooth and spreadable.
- Color Frosting:
- 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).
- Carve Cake:
- Once cake is completely cool, carve into a classic game controller shape using a sharp knife.
- Apply Crumb Coat:
- Cover the cake with a crumb coat of gray buttercream. Chill for 20 minutes, then apply a smooth final layer.
- Decorate:
- 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.
- Serve:
- Refrigerate until ready to serve. Slice and enjoy!
Save My family had a blast decorating this cake together, making it a memorable party centerpiece.
Notes
For easier decorating, print a controller template and use as a cutting guide. Flavor the cake with cocoa powder for a chocolate version. Pair with a glass of cold milk or vanilla ice cream.
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.
Save This cake is as fun to make as it is to eat, bringing extra joy to any celebration.
Recipe FAQs
- → What ingredients give the cake its softness?
The combination of all-purpose flour, butter, eggs, and whole milk ensures a moist and tender crumb.
- → How is the controller shape achieved?
Once cooled, the cake is carved using a sharp knife guided by a printed controller template for accuracy.
- → What coloring methods are used for decoration?
Food coloring is mixed into separate batches of buttercream to create the vibrant hues for buttons and outlines.
- → Can the cake be prepared in advance?
Yes, the cake can be baked and frosted ahead of time, then refrigerated until serving to enhance flavor and stability.
- → Are alternative flavors possible?
Cocoa powder can be added to the batter for a chocolate variation without affecting the decorating process.