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A gender reveal cake with white frosting, pink and blue decorations, and the text 'Boy or Girl?' on top, sliced to reveal a colorful interior.

gender reveal cake

Emma
Create the ultimate gender reveal cake with our easy recipe! Perfect for your big moment, this fun and delicious dessert will wow your guests.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 slices
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Cake:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Provides the perfect base for a soft tender cake.
  • 2 ½ tsp baking powder – Helps the cake rise and stay fluffy.
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar – Sweetness that balances the flavor.
  • ½ cup unsalted butter – Adds moisture and richness.
  • 4 large eggs – Essential for structure and texture.
  • 1 cup whole milk – Makes the batter smooth and moist.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract – A touch of warmth and flavor.
  • Food coloring pink or blue – The star of the show for your reveal!

For the Buttercream Frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter – The creamy base for the frosting.
  • 4 cups powdered sugar – Creates that perfect fluffy texture.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract – For a hint of aromatic flavor.
  • 2-4 tbsp heavy cream or milk – To reach your desired frosting consistency.

For the Surprise Filling:

Colored sprinkles candy, or fondant shapes – To make the reveal even more exciting! Choose pink or blue (or both) to match the cake’s theme.

Instructions
 

Prepare Your Cake Batter

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper to ensure easy release.
  • Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 2 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Set aside.
  • Cream butter and sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat ½ cup of unsalted butter and 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Incorporate wet ingredients: Add 4 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor.
  • Combine dry ingredients and milk: Alternate adding the dry mixture and 1 cup of whole milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth but avoid overmixing.

Add the Gender Reveal Element

  • Separate the batter: Divide the batter evenly into two bowls.
  • Color the batter: Add pink or blue food coloring to one bowl, stirring until the color is fully incorporated. Leave the other bowl plain.
  • Layer the batter: Pour a layer of plain batter into each prepared cake pan, followed by the colored batter. Use a knife to gently swirl the layers for a marbled effect, or leave them as solid layers for a surprise center.

Bake the Cakes

  • Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Cool the cakes: Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Create the Surprise Filling

  • Remove a Small Circle: After the cakes have fully cooled, take a knife or cookie cutter to carve out a hole, about 2 inches in diameter, from the center of one of the cake layers.
  • Add the surprise: Fill the hole with pink or blue candies, sprinkles, or colored sugar pearls. Be sure to level the filling so it’s flush with the cake surface.

Assemble and Frost the Cake

  • Layer the cakes: Place the uncut cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a thin layer of frosting over the top, then carefully position the cut layer on top.
  • Frost the exterior: Use your prepared buttercream frosting to cover the entire cake. Smooth it out with an offset spatula, or use piping tips for decorative designs.
  • Add final touches: Sprinkle edible decorations, place themed toppers, or create frosting accents for a polished look.

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Sugar: 28 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Sodium: 180 mg
Keyword baby shower cake, Gender reveal cake, surprise cake