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 our last gaming party, bringing nostalgia and fun to everyone involved.
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 3035 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
- Cut Cake Shape:
- 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 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 Making this cake has become a family favorite way to celebrate game nights and special occasions.
Notes
For sharper edges, chill the crumb-coated cake well before applying fondant 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 a showstopper that brings fun and flavor together beautifully.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I achieve sharp edges on the cake?
Chill the crumb-coated cake thoroughly before applying fondant to help create clean, sharp edges.
- → Can I substitute the vanilla cake with another flavor?
Yes, chocolate cake works well as an alternative and complements the fondant decoration nicely.
- → What is the best way to create the pixelated effect on the fondant?
Cut the fondant into small squares and arrange them carefully to mimic classic pixel art details.
- → How should I color the fondant for the decoration?
Use gel food coloring to tint portions of white fondant in black, gray, red, blue, yellow, and green for accurate pixel details.
- → What tools are essential for shaping and decorating this cake?
You'll need a sharp knife or cake carving tool, rolling pin, offset spatula, and fondant smoother to shape and decorate effectively.