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 was a hit at my last birthday party where everyone admired the unique design and loved the taste.
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 3035 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 This cake always brings smiles to family gatherings when we celebrate a special gaming night.
Notes
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.
Pin it This pixel video game controller cake is a definite showstopper for any gamer celebration.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I get sharp edges on the cake?
Chill the crumb-coated cake thoroughly before applying fondant to help achieve clean, sharp edges.
- → What fondant colors are used for decoration?
Gel food coloring in black, gray, red, blue, yellow, and green creates vibrant buttons and pixel details.
- → Can I substitute vanilla for another flavor?
Yes, chocolate cake can replace vanilla for a different flavor profile while maintaining the design.
- → How should I prevent fondant from sticking during rolling?
Lightly dust the rolling surface with cornstarch to keep the fondant from sticking.
- → What tools are recommended for shaping the cake?
Use a sharp knife or cake carving tool along with an offset spatula for precise shaping and smoothing.
- → How long should the cake be baked?
Bake for 30–35 minutes at 350°F (180°C) until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.