Pin 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 childhood memories of arcade games, and making it was a joyful challenge to capture the pixel art style in cake form.
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
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease and line a rectangular cake pan (9x13 inch / 23x33 cm)
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- Whisk together flour baking powder and salt in a bowl
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- Cream butter and sugar until pale and fluffy
- Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Beat in eggs one at a time then mix in vanilla
- Combine Wet and Dry:
- Alternately add flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture starting and ending with flour mix until just combined
- Bake:
- Pour batter into prepared pan smooth top and bake for 30 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean
- Cool Cake:
- Let cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes then turn out onto a rack to cool completely
- Prepare Buttercream:
- Beat butter until creamy gradually add powdered sugar milk vanilla and salt beat until smooth and fluffy
- Shape Cake:
- Level the cooled cake using a printed template or freehand cut the cake into a classic video game controller shape
- Crumb Coat:
- Cover the cake with a thin layer of buttercream to seal in crumbs chill for 30 minutes
- Color Fondant:
- Tint portions of fondant using gel food coloring to create black gray and colored buttons roll fondant out on cornstarch-dusted surface
- Decorate:
- Cover cake with gray fondant then decorate with colored fondant pieces to mimic buttons and pixel details
- Serve:
- Arrange the finished cake on a serving platter to resemble a pixelated controller
Pin Sharing this cake with family during game nights adds an extra layer of fun and nostalgia.
Notes
Pair with a glass of cold milk or your favorite party beverage. Create pixel effects by cutting fondant into small squares.
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
Pin This pixel video game controller cake is perfect for birthdays or themed parties capturing both fun and nostalgia in one delicious creation.
Recipe FAQ
- → What kind of cake base is used?
A moist vanilla cake forms the base, providing a soft and flavorful foundation for the design.
- → How is the pixel effect achieved?
Fondant is cut into small squares and arranged to mimic the pixelated look of a classic game controller.
- → What tools are needed for shaping the cake?
A sharp knife or cake carving tool is used to cut the cake into the distinctive controller shape.
- → How do you ensure fondant adheres smoothly?
The cake is crumb-coated with buttercream and chilled before applying fondant to ensure a smooth finish.
- → Can the vanilla cake be substituted?
Yes, chocolate cake can be used as an alternative base if preferred.
- → What colors are used for the fondant decoration?
Black, gray, red, blue, yellow, and green gel food coloring are mixed into fondant to replicate controller buttons and details.