# Ingredients:
→ 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, gray
→ Decoration
14 - Assorted colored candies for buttons
15 - Black licorice strings for controller cables (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F and grease and line a 9x13 inch rectangular cake pan.
02 - In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
04 - Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
05 - Pour 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 - Let cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
07 - Beat butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar. Stir in vanilla extract and milk, whipping until smooth and spreadable.
08 - Divide frosting into bowls and color with desired food coloring for the controller design.
09 - Once cooled, carve the cake into a classic game controller shape using a sharp knife.
10 - Cover the shaped cake with a thin layer of gray buttercream and chill for 20 minutes.
11 - Apply a smooth final layer of frosting over the chilled crumb coat.
12 - Pipe outlines and details with black frosting, create buttons and joysticks using colored frosting and candies, and add licorice strings for cable effects if desired.
13 - Refrigerate until ready to serve, then slice and enjoy.
