# 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 - 2–3 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 (optional, for cables)
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9x13-inch rectangular cake pan.
02 - In a large bowl, cream softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
03 - Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract thoroughly.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
05 - Alternately add dry ingredients and milk to butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour; mix until just combined.
06 - Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth surface. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
07 - Allow cake to cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
08 - Beat softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar. Add vanilla and milk, whipping until smooth and spreadable.
09 - Divide frosting into separate bowls and tint with desired food coloring for decorating the controller design.
10 - Carve cooled cake into a classic video game controller shape using a sharp knife.
11 - Cover cake with a thin crumb coat of gray buttercream and chill for 20 minutes.
12 - Apply a smooth final layer of frosting. Pipe outlines and details with black frosting.
13 - Use colored frosting and candies to create buttons and joysticks. Add licorice strings to simulate cables if desired.
14 - Refrigerate until ready to serve. Slice and enjoy.
