# What You'll Need:
→ Cake
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1½ cups granulated sugar
03 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
04 - 4 large eggs
05 - 1 cup whole milk
06 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
07 - 2½ teaspoons baking powder
08 - ½ teaspoon salt
→ Buttercream Frosting
09 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
10 - 4 cups powdered sugar
11 - 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
12 - 2 teaspoons 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 Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9x13 inch rectangular cake pan.
02 - In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
03 - Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
05 - Add dry ingredients and milk alternately to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined.
06 - Pour batter into prepared pan, smooth the surface, and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
07 - Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
08 - Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla and milk, whipping until smooth and spreadable.
09 - Divide frosting into separate bowls and color with food coloring as desired for the controller design.
10 - Once cooled, carve the cake into a classic game controller shape using a sharp knife.
11 - Spread a thin crumb coat of gray buttercream over the shaped cake and chill for 20 minutes.
12 - Apply a smooth final layer of frosting. Pipe black outlines and details, use colored frosting and candies for buttons and joysticks, and add licorice strings for cables if desired.
13 - Refrigerate until ready to serve. Slice and enjoy.
