Pin it 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 always brings back fun memories from my childhood gaming evenings.
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 it Making this cake has created many joyful family moments especially during birthday 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 it This pixel video game controller cake is a fun and delicious treat that’s sure to impress at any gathering.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I achieve sharp edges on the cake?
Chill the crumb-coated cake well before applying fondant to help create clean, sharp edges that hold the controller shape.
- → Can I substitute the vanilla cake with another flavor?
Yes, chocolate or other flavored cakes can be used to suit personal preference without affecting the decoration process.
- → What is the best method to shape the cake?
Use a printed template or freehand to carve the cake into the video game controller shape, ensuring smooth, accurate lines for a pixelated look.
- → How is the pixelated effect created on the cake?
Small squares of colored fondant are arranged on the gray fondant base to mimic the pixelated buttons and details of the controller.
- → What tools are recommended for decorating?
Essential tools include a rolling pin, offset spatula, sharp knife or carving tool, and fondant smoother for precise shaping and smooth covering.
- → Is this cake suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products, using dairy and eggs as key ingredients.