# Components:
→ 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 teaspoons vanilla extract
07 - 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
08 - ½ teaspoon salt
→ Buttercream Frosting
09 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
10 - 4 cups powdered sugar
11 - 2–3 tablespoons milk
12 - 2 teaspoons 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)
# Method:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9x13 inch rectangular cake pan.
02 - Beat softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, then stir in vanilla extract.
03 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
04 - Alternately add dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
05 - Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
06 - Allow cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
07 - Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla and milk, whipping until smooth and spreadable.
08 - Divide frosting into separate bowls and tint each with desired food coloring for decoration.
09 - Once fully cooled, carve the cake into a classic video game controller shape using a sharp knife.
10 - Spread a thin layer of gray-tinted buttercream over the carved cake. Chill for 20 minutes.
11 - Apply a smooth final layer of frosting. Pipe outlines and details with black frosting, then add colored frosting, candies for buttons, and optional licorice cables.
12 - Refrigerate until ready to serve. Slice and enjoy.
