Pixel Perfect Video Game Controller

Featured in: Homestyle Bakes

This colorful cake captures the essence of a classic video game controller, perfect for celebrations and fans of gaming. With a moist, buttery base and smooth, tinted buttercream frosting, it artfully combines flavors and vibrant colors. The process involves baking a tender vanilla cake, cooling it, and then shaping it precisely before decorating with colorful frostings and candy buttons. Detailed piping and licorice strings complete the playful look. Ideal for medium-skilled bakers, this dessert serves up to 12 and pairs well with cold milk or ice cream.

Updated on Tue, 02 Dec 2025 14:27:00 GMT
Pixel Perfect Video Game Controller Board, a vibrantly frosted cake shaped like a controller, ready to eat. Save
Pixel Perfect Video Game Controller Board, a vibrantly frosted cake shaped like a controller, ready to eat. | pumpkinvale.com

A playful, colorful cake designed to look like a classic video game controller, perfect for parties and gaming fans.

This cake was a hit at our last game night and brought everyone together with its vibrant look and delicious taste.

Ingredients

  • Cake: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, 1 cup unsalted butter softened, 4 large eggs, 1 cup whole milk, 2 tsp vanilla extract, 2 ½ tsp baking powder, ½ tsp salt
  • Buttercream Frosting: 1 cup unsalted butter softened, 4 cups powdered sugar, 2 3 tbsp milk, 2 tsp vanilla extract, Food coloring (black, red, blue, green, yellow, purple, and gray)
  • Decoration: Assorted colored candies (for buttons), Black licorice strings (for controller cables optional)

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) Grease and line a 9x13 rectangular cake pan
Step 2:
In a large bowl cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy Beat in eggs, one at a time, then mix in vanilla
Step 3:
In a separate bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt
Step 4:
Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour Mix until just combined
Step 5:
Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top Bake for 35 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean
Step 6:
Cool cake in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely
Step 7:
For the frosting, beat butter until creamy Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla and milk, whipping until smooth and spreadable
Step 8:
Divide frosting into separate bowls and tint with food coloring as desired for the controller design (e g, gray for the base, black for outline, colors for buttons)
Step 9:
Once cake is completely cool, carve into a classic game controller shape using a sharp knife
Step 10:
Cover the cake with a crumb coat of gray buttercream Chill for 20 minutes, then apply a smooth final layer
Step 11:
Pipe outlines and details with black frosting Use colored frosting and candies to make buttons and joysticks Add licorice strings for cable effect if desired
Step 12:
Refrigerate until ready to serve Slice and enjoy
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| pumpkinvale.com

This cake has created countless joyful moments with family and friends gathered around to celebrate gaming and baking.

Required Tools

9x13 rectangular cake pan, Mixing bowls, Electric mixer, Offset spatula, Piping bags and tips, Sharp knife, Wire rack

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk, and dairy (butter). Candies may contain soy or nuts—check labels if allergies are a concern.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 420, Total Fat: 18 g, Carbohydrates: 61 g, Protein: 4 g per serving

Detailed view of the Pixel Perfect Video Game Controller Board, decorated with colorful candies and frosting. Save
Detailed view of the Pixel Perfect Video Game Controller Board, decorated with colorful candies and frosting. | pumpkinvale.com

This cake combines creativity and flavor for a memorable dessert that delights both eyes and palate.

Recipe FAQs

What ingredients create the bright colors in the frosting?

Food coloring mixes with buttercream frosting to produce vibrant hues that mimic controller buttons and outlines.

How is the controller shape achieved?

The cooled cake is carefully carved with a sharp knife using a controller template as a guide for precise shaping.

What is the best way to ensure a moist cake?

Alternating the addition of dry ingredients and milk helps maintain moisture and a tender crumb throughout the cake.

Can the cake be prepared in advance?

Yes, assembling and decorating can be done prior to serving, with refrigeration keeping the cake fresh and the decorations intact.

Are there allergy considerations to be aware of?

The cake contains wheat, eggs, milk, and dairy. Candies used for decoration may contain soy or nuts; checking labels is recommended.

What tools are essential for decorating this cake?

An offset spatula, piping bags with tips, a sharp knife, and a wire rack are key for shaping and applying detailed frosting work.

Pixel Perfect Video Game Controller

A colorful cake shaped like a classic game controller, ideal for celebrations and gaming lovers.

Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
40 minutes
Time Needed
70 minutes
Created by Emma Wallace

Recipe Type Homestyle Bakes

Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Type American

Makes 12 Serving Size

Diet Information Vegetarian-Friendly

Ingredient List

Cake

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
03 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
04 4 large eggs
05 1 cup whole milk
06 2 tsp vanilla extract
07 2 ½ tsp baking powder
08 ½ tsp salt

Buttercream Frosting

01 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 4 cups powdered sugar
03 2 to 3 tbsp milk
04 2 tsp vanilla extract
05 Food coloring (black, red, blue, green, yellow, purple, gray)

Decoration

01 Assorted colored candies for buttons
02 Black licorice strings for controller cables (optional)

How to Make

Step 01

Prepare oven and pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9x13-inch rectangular cake pan.

Step 02

Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 03

Incorporate eggs and vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.

Step 04

Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 05

Mix batter: Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with flour mixture; mix until just combined.

Step 06

Bake cake: Pour batter into prepared pan, smooth top, and bake 35 to 40 minutes until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.

Step 07

Cool cake: Let cake cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 08

Prepare buttercream frosting: Beat butter until creamy, gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk; whip until smooth and spreadable.

Step 09

Tint frosting: Divide frosting into separate bowls and tint with food coloring according to desired controller design.

Step 10

Shape cake: Once cooled, carve cake into classic game controller shape using a sharp knife.

Step 11

Apply crumb coat: Cover cake with a thin crumb coat of gray buttercream and chill for 20 minutes.

Step 12

Finish frosting: Apply a smooth final layer of frosting over the cake.

Step 13

Decorate: Pipe outlines and details with black frosting; use colored frosting and candies for buttons and joysticks; optionally add licorice strings for cable effect.

Step 14

Chill before serving: Refrigerate until ready to serve; slice and enjoy.

Equipment Needed

  • 9x13-inch rectangular cake pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Offset spatula
  • Piping bags and tips
  • Sharp knife
  • Wire rack

Allergy Details

Review ingredients for allergens and ask a healthcare expert if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk, and dairy (butter).
  • Candies may contain soy or nuts—check labels if allergies are a concern.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

Details shown are for general guidance and aren't a medical substitute.
  • Caloric Content: 420
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 61 g
  • Proteins: 4 g