Save to Pinterest 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 gaming party and everyone loved the fun design as much as 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 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 to Pinterest This pixel cake became a fun tradition for my family our kids love helping decorate it with colorful fondant pieces
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 to Pinterest This cake is both a visual treat and a delicious dessert sure to impress your guests
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I achieve sharp edges on the cake?
After applying a crumb coat of buttercream, chill the cake thoroughly before covering with fondant to get crisp, clean edges.
- → What is the best way to color the fondant?
Use gel food coloring for vibrant hues; knead the color evenly into the fondant for consistent shades.
- → Can I substitute any ingredients for dietary needs?
Vanilla cake can be swapped with chocolate or gluten-free flour blends to suit dietary preferences, though texture may vary slightly.
- → How do I create the pixel effect with fondant?
Cut fondant into small squares and arrange them precisely to mimic the pixelated controller buttons and details.
- → What tools are essential for shaping the cake?
A sharp knife or cake carving tool is recommended for cutting the controller shape, alongside a rolling pin and fondant smoother for decoration.