# 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
09 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
10 - 4 cups powdered sugar
11 - 2–3 tbsp milk
12 - 2 tsp vanilla extract
13 - Food coloring: black, red, blue, green, yellow, purple, gray
→ Decoration
14 - Assorted colored candies for buttons
15 - Black licorice strings for cables (optional)
# Cooking steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9x13-inch rectangular cake pan.
02 - In a large bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
03 - Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
04 - Whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
05 - Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour, mixing until just combined.
06 - Pour batter into prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 35–40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center emerges clean.
07 - Allow cake to cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
08 - Beat softened butter until creamy, gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla and milk. Whip until smooth and spreadable.
09 - Divide frosting into separate bowls and tint with food coloring for desired controller design colors.
10 - Once fully cooled, carve the cake into a classic game controller shape using a sharp knife.
11 - Cover the cake with a thin gray buttercream layer. Chill for 20 minutes to set.
12 - Apply a smooth final buttercream layer, pipe black outlines and details, and decorate with colored frosting and candies for buttons and joysticks.
13 - Optional: use black licorice strings to mimic controller cables.
14 - Refrigerate until ready to serve. Slice and enjoy.
