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A beautifully decorated gender reveal cake ideas with pastel blue and pink frosting drips, topped with meringue swirls and a "Boy or Girl?" cake topper. The cake sits on a white cake stand, surrounded by gender reveal party decorations and balloons.

Gender Reveal Cake Ideas: 5 Magical Designs for an Unforgettable Surprise

Discover the best Gender Reveal Cake Ideas with creative designs, step-by-step instructions, and pro tips to make your reveal truly unforgettable!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 Slices
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Cake:

  • 2 ½ cups 315g all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup 226g unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¾ cups 350g granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup 240ml whole milk
  • Pink and blue gel food coloring

For the Buttercream Frosting:

  • 1 cup 226g unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups 480g powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream or milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Surprise Filling (Optional):

  • Pink or blue candy M&Ms, sprinkles, or rock candy

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  • Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

Step 2: Add the Surprise Color

  • Divide the batter into two bowls.
  • Stir pink gel food coloring into one bowl and blue gel food coloring into the other, mixing until evenly distributed.
  • Pour the pink batter into one cake pan and the blue into the other (or bake both cakes neutral if adding a filling later).

Step 3: Bake and Cool

  • Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Prepare the Buttercream Frosting

  • In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy.
  • Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed.
  • Pour in vanilla extract and heavy cream, adjusting consistency as needed.
  • Beat for 2-3 minutes until smooth and fluffy.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

  • Place one cake layer on a cake stand and spread a layer of buttercream frosting over the top.
  • If adding a surprise filling, cut a small circle from the center of the bottom layer and fill it with pink or blue candy before stacking the second layer on top.
  • Cover the entire cake with a smooth layer of frosting.

Step 6: Decorate and Reveal!

  • Use fondant decorations, sprinkles, or a drip glaze for added flair.
  • Keep the outer frosting neutral (white or pastel) to conceal the surprise inside.
  • When ready, slice into the cake and reveal the exciting news to your guests!

Notes

Pro Tip:

Chill the cake for 20-30 minutes before slicing for clean and sharp edges when revealing the surprise inside.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 350 kcal per slice
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Sugar: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg
  • Sodium: 200mg