# 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 tsp vanilla extract
07 - 2 ½ tsp baking powder
08 - ½ tsp salt
→ Buttercream Frosting
09 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
10 - 4 cups powdered sugar
11 - 2 to 3 tbsp milk
12 - 2 tsp 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)
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9x13 inch rectangular cake pan.
02 - In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
03 - Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then blend in the vanilla extract.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
05 - Gradually add the flour mixture and milk alternately to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
06 - 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.
07 - Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
08 - Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla extract and milk, whipping until smooth and spreadable.
09 - Divide the frosting into several bowls and tint each with the desired food coloring to match the controller design.
10 - Once cooled, carve the cake into a classic game controller shape using a sharp knife.
11 - Spread a thin crumb coat with gray buttercream over the shaped cake. Chill for 20 minutes.
12 - Apply a smooth final layer of frosting. Pipe outlines and details with black frosting, add colored frosting and candies for buttons and joysticks, and use licorice strings for cables if desired.
13 - Refrigerate the finished cake until ready to serve. Slice and enjoy.
