Save to Pinterest 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 fun and nostalgia to every celebration, and I've loved sharing it with friends who grew up gaming.
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 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.
- Make 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 (crumb coat) Chill for 30 minutes.
- Tint and roll fondant:
- 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.
- Arrange cake:
- Arrange the finished cake on a serving platter to resemble a pixelated controller.
Save to Pinterest This cake always brings a joyful family moment when we gather around to admire the pixel art and share stories of classic video games.
Notes
Pair with a glass of cold milk or your favorite party beverage. Create pixel effects by cutting fondant into small squares.
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 to Pinterest This pixel controller cake is a showstopper for any gaming party and a delightful treat to enjoy afterwards.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I achieve sharp edges on the cake?
Chill the cake after applying the crumb coat to firm up the layers before covering with fondant. This helps create defined edges.
- → What fondant colors are used for decoration?
Black, gray, red, blue, yellow, and green gel food coloring tint fondant to replicate the pixelated buttons and details.
- → Can I substitute vanilla cake with another flavor?
Yes, chocolate cake can be used as an alternative to add a rich flavor variation.
- → What tools are needed to shape and decorate the cake?
A sharp knife or carving tool, rolling pin, offset spatula, and fondant smoother are essential for shaping and decorating.
- → How can I create the pixel effect on the fondant?
Cut the colored fondant into small squares to mimic the pixelated design typical of classic video games.
- → Is this suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this cake uses vegetarian-friendly ingredients such as butter, eggs, and milk.