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 brings back childhood memories of video games and always impresses at parties with its unique design.
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
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line a rectangular cake pan (9x13 inch / 23x33 cm).
- Step 2:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Step 3:
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.
- Step 4:
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- Step 5:
- Alternately add flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
- Step 6:
- Pour batter into prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 30 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Step 7:
- Let cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a rack to cool completely.
- Step 8:
- For the buttercream, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
- Step 9:
- Level the cooled cake. Using a printed template or freehand, cut the cake into a classic video game controller shape.
- Step 10:
- Cover the cake with a thin layer of buttercream to seal in crumbs (crumb coat). Chill for 30 minutes.
- Step 11:
- 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.
- Step 12:
- Arrange the finished cake on a serving platter to resemble a pixelated controller.
Pin this This cake has become a staple for family celebrations and always sparks fun conversations about favorite games.
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
Per serving: Calories 420, Total Fat 19 g, Carbohydrates 59 g, Protein 4 g.
Pin this This cake is as fun to make as it is to eat, a perfect project for any baking enthusiast looking to impress.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve sharp edges on the cake?
Chilling the crumb-coated cake thoroughly before applying the fondant helps to create clean, sharp edges that maintain the pixelated look.
- → Can I substitute vanilla for another flavor?
Yes, chocolate or other preferred cake bases can be used instead of vanilla to suit your taste.
- → What is the best way to color the fondant?
Use gel food coloring for vibrant shades; knead it evenly into portions of fondant to achieve consistent color before rolling out.
- → How should I cut the cake into the controller shape?
Use a printed template or carefully freehand cut with a sharp knife or cake carving tool for precise shaping.
- → Is the cake suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, all ingredients used comply with vegetarian diets, excluding any animal-derived gelatin or similar additives.