# What you 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, and gray
→ Decoration
14 - Assorted colored candies for buttons
15 - Black licorice strings for controller cables (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9x13-inch rectangular cake pan with parchment paper.
02 - Using an electric mixer, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
03 - Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next, then mix in the vanilla extract.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
05 - Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture and whole milk to the butter mixture alternately, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
06 - Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
07 - Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
08 - Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, then add vanilla extract and 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk. Whip until smooth and spreadable.
09 - Divide the frosting into portions and tint each with the desired food coloring to replicate the controller design, using gray for the base and various colors for buttons and details.
10 - Once the cake is completely cooled, carve it carefully into a classic video game controller shape using a sharp knife.
11 - Cover the carved cake with a thin crumb coat of the gray buttercream frosting. Chill for 20 minutes to set.
12 - Apply a smooth final layer of gray frosting. Pipe outlines and details with black frosting, and use colored frosting and candies to create buttons and joysticks. Add licorice strings to simulate cables if desired.
13 - Refrigerate the decorated cake until ready to serve. Slice and enjoy.
