Save 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 cake was a huge hit at my last game night party everyone loved the nostalgic design and the moist vanilla 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 It My family always gets excited when I make this cake it brings out our fun side especially when reminiscing about old games
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 It This cake combines creativity and flavor making it a standout dessert for any occasion
Common Questions About Recipes
- → What pan size is best for this cake?
A 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) rectangular pan is ideal for baking the layers evenly.
- → How do I achieve the pixelated effect?
Cut fondant into small squares and arrange them to mimic pixel blocks on the controller's surface.
- → Can I substitute vanilla cake with chocolate?
Yes, chocolate cake can be used as a flavorful alternative while maintaining the decorating techniques.
- → How to get sharp edges on the shaped cake?
Chill the cake well after applying a crumb coat of buttercream before covering it with fondant.
- → What tools help with shaping and decorating?
Use a sharp knife or carving tool to cut shapes, rolling pin for fondant, and a fondant smoother for a clean finish.