Gender Reveal Cake
Ingredients
For the Vanilla Cake Layers (Three 8-inch round pans)
- 2 ½ cups 315 g all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup 226 g unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups 350 g granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs room temperature
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup 240 ml buttermilk, room temperature
- Optional: Pink or blue gel food coloring for coloring sponge layers, if desired
For the Hidden Surprise Center
- Choose one of the following based on your reveal style
- 1 to 1½ cups pink or blue candy-coated chocolates e.g., M&M's
- OR 1 to 1½ cups colored sprinkles or confetti candies
- OR 1 cup tinted buttercream frosting pink or blue
For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
- 1 cup 226 g unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups 480 g powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 –3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
- 1 ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional Decorations
- Neutral-toned frosting white, ivory, light yellow, etc.
- Edible cake toppers e.g., “He or She?”, baby-themed toppers
- Piping gel edible pearls, or fondant accents
- Pink and blue accents bows, question marks, hearts
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Tools and Pans
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
- Gather all ingredients and tools (mixer, spatulas, piping bags, etc.).
Step 2: Make the Vanilla Cake Batter
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined—do not overbeat.
Step 3: Color the Sponge (Optional)
- If you want colored layers, divide the batter into 3 bowls.
- Leave one layer neutral and tint the other two layers light pink or light blue using gel food coloring.
- Stir gently to blend without overmixing.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pans.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on wire racks.
Step 5: Make the Buttercream Frosting
- Beat butter until creamy and smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, beating on low at first to avoid mess.
- Add vanilla, salt, and cream, and beat until light and fluffy.
- Adjust the consistency with more cream (if too thick) or sugar (if too thin).
Step 6: Assemble and Create the Surprise Center
- Use a round cutter (about 2.5–3 inches) to cut a circle from the center of two of the cake layers.
- Place one cut-out layer on your cake board and add a thin layer of frosting.
- Stack the second cut-out layer on top.
- Fill the cavity with blue or pink candies, sprinkles, or tinted buttercream.
- Top with the uncut cake layer to seal the surprise inside.
Step 7: Frost and Decorate the Cake
- Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting to seal in crumbs. Chill for 15–20 minutes.
- Frost the entire cake smoothly with remaining buttercream.
- Add decorative touches—piping, sprinkles, or cake toppers that match your party theme.
- Keep the cake refrigerated until ready to serve.
Step 8: The Big Reveal
- When it’s time, gather your guests, cameras, and excitement!
- Slice into the center of the cake to reveal the surprise color—it’s a boy! or it’s a girl!
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Total Fat | 16 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Cholesterol | 70 mg |
| Sodium | 210 mg |
| Total Carbs | 54 g |
| Sugars | 35 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |