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 every party I brought it to, with guests amazed by the pixelated design and delicious flavor.
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.
Save This cake has become a family favorite especially for birthday celebrations with my kids eagerly helping with the decoration.
Notes
Swap vanilla cake for chocolate if desired. 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 game controller cake is as fun to make as it is to eat making any celebration extra special.
Recipe FAQ
- → What cake base is used for the pixel controller?
A moist vanilla cake made with all-purpose flour, eggs, and vanilla extract forms the base, providing a soft yet sturdy texture.
- → How is the pixelated effect created on the cake?
Small squares of colored fondant are cut and arranged on the fondant-covered cake to mimic pixelated graphics and controller buttons.
- → What is the function of the crumb coat in decorating?
The crumb coat is a thin layer of buttercream applied to seal in crumbs and provide a smooth surface for the fondant application.
- → Can the cake flavor be altered?
Yes, the vanilla base can be swapped for chocolate or other flavors while maintaining the decoration technique.
- → How long does baking and preparation take?
Preparation takes about 45 minutes, with baking around 35 minutes, totaling approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.