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 brings back memories of classic games and my family's game nights where it was always the centerpiece.
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 is always the star at family gatherings, especially during game nights bringing smiles all around.
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.
Nutritional Information
Calories 420, Total Fat 19 g, Carbohydrates 59 g, Protein 4 g per serving.
Save This cake combines nostalgia and deliciousness in every bite creating the perfect celebration treat.
Recipe FAQ
- → How can I achieve sharp edges on the shaped cake?
Chilling the crumb-coated cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before applying fondant firms it up, allowing for cleaner cuts and sharper edges.
- → What fondant colors are used for the decoration?
Colors include black, gray, red, blue, yellow, and green, which are applied in pixels to mimic a classic video game controller look.
- → Can I substitute the vanilla cake with another flavor?
Yes, chocolate cake can be used as an alternative base while maintaining the same shaping and decorating techniques.
- → How do I prevent the fondant from sticking during rolling?
Lightly dust the rolling surface and rolling pin with cornstarch to keep the fondant smooth and prevent sticking.
- → What is the best way to cut the cake into a controller shape?
Use a printed template or freehand carefully with a sharp knife or cake carving tool for precision cutting.