Save 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 was a hit at my last game night, sparking lots of compliments and fun conversation.
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 Mixtures:
- 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 Chill for 30 minutes.
- 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.
Save This cake always brings smiles and nostalgic gaming cheer to family gatherings.
Notes
Swap vanilla cake for chocolate if desired. Create pixel effects by cutting fondant into small squares. Pair with a glass of cold milk or your favorite party beverage.
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.
Save This pixel video game controller cake is sure to impress and delight at any celebration.
Recipe Guide
- → What type of cake layers are used?
Moist vanilla cake layers provide a tender and flavorful base that complements the colorful fondant decoration.
- → How is the pixelated effect achieved?
The pixelated look is created by cutting fondant into small squares and arranging them to mimic classic video game pixel art.
- → What tools are needed for shaping the cake?
A sharp knife or cake carving tool helps shape the cake into the game controller form, while a rolling pin and fondant smoother assist in decorating.
- → Can the vanilla cake be substituted?
Yes, chocolate cake can be used as an alternative for different flavor preferences.
- → What is the recommended chilling process?
Chill the crumb-coated cake thoroughly before applying fondant to achieve sharp edges and smooth decoration.
- → Are there any allergen considerations?
This cake contains wheat, eggs, and dairy. Check for potential traces of nuts depending on ingredient sources.