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 my last game night and brought back so many fun memories of classic 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
- 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 brought many smiles and fun memories to our family celebrations, especially game-themed parties.
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
Save This cake is a delightful centerpiece that combines creativity and flavor perfectly.
Cooking Guide
- → How do I achieve the pixelated effect on the cake?
Cut fondant into small squares and arrange them precisely to create a pixel look. Use gel colors for vibrant buttons.
- → What type of cake works best for shaping?
A sturdy yet moist vanilla cake works well as it holds shape during carving and supports fondant decoration.
- → How should I prepare the cake before applying fondant?
Apply a thin buttercream crumb coat, chill the cake well to firm it up, then smoothly cover with fondant.
- → Can I substitute the vanilla cake with other flavors?
Yes, chocolate or other firm cakes can be used, but ensure they are moist enough to carve without crumbling.
- → What tools are recommended for carving and decoration?
Use a sharp knife or cake carving tool for shaping, rolling pin for fondant, and an offset spatula for smooth frosting.