# What You’ll Need:
→ 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 teaspoons vanilla extract
07 - 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
08 - ½ teaspoon salt
→ Buttercream Frosting
09 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
10 - 4 cups powdered sugar
11 - 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
12 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
13 - Food coloring: black, red, blue, green, yellow, purple, and gray
→ Decoration
14 - Assorted colored candies for buttons
15 - Black licorice strings for controller cables (optional)
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9x13 inch rectangular cake pan.
02 - In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition, then incorporate vanilla extract.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
04 - Alternately add the dry ingredients and whole milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Stir until just combined to avoid overmixing.
05 - Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
06 - Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
07 - Beat butter in a bowl until creamy. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, then add vanilla extract and milk. Whip until smooth and spreadable.
08 - Divide the frosting into separate bowls and tint each with food coloring to create the desired palette for the controller design.
09 - Once the cake is fully cooled, use a sharp knife to carve it into the shape of a classic video game controller.
10 - Cover the carved cake with a thin crumb coat of gray-colored buttercream. Chill for 20 minutes to set.
11 - Spread a smooth final layer of gray buttercream over the cake.
12 - Pipe black frosting outlines and details. Use colored frosting and assorted candies to create buttons and joysticks. Add black licorice strings to simulate cables if desired.
13 - Refrigerate the completed design until ready to serve. Slice and enjoy.
