Gender Reveal Cake

I still remember the first time I made a Gender Reveal Cake. My hands were shaking just a little as I sliced into the soft, frosted layers, and for a second, everyone held their breath. Then came the pink. A gasp, a laugh, a few happy tears. It wasn’t just a cake. It was the moment.

If you’re here, you’re probably planning your own reveal, and honestly? I’m so excited for you. This cake isn’t just about baking. It’s about turning one of life’s sweetest surprises into something you can actually share and savor with the people who matter most.

Whether you’re making it for yourself, a best friend, or a family member, the beauty of a gender reveal cake is that it turns an ordinary afternoon into a memory. One slice, one color, and suddenly everyone is part of something bigger.

I’ve made this recipe more times than I can count, each one slightly different, but always magical. And the best part? You don’t need to be a pro in the kitchen to get it right. With a few simple steps, you’ll create something beautiful that’s filled with love… and maybe a little pink or blue surprise.

So, take a breath. This isn’t about perfection, it’s about joy. Let’s make a cake that does more than taste amazing. Let’s make one that makes hearts skip a beat.

Why This Gender Reveal Cake

What I love most about this Gender Reveal Cake is how it turns a simple dessert into something unforgettable. You’re not just baking, you’re creating a surprise that people will talk about long after the last slice is gone. Here’s why I absolutely love this recipe:

• It’s beginner-friendly. You don’t need fancy tools or bakery skills. Just a little patience and excitement.
• The inside is a secret. Whether it’s soft pink or light blue, that first cut brings pure joy.
• Customizable touches. I love adding sprinkles or writing sweet messages on top, it makes the cake even more personal.

Gender Reveal Cake Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 3.6 cups (504g) all-purpose flour
• 1.2 tablespoons baking powder
• 0.6 teaspoon salt
• 1.2 cups (271g) unsalted butter, softened
• 0.3 cup (72ml) vegetable or canola oil
• 2.4 cups (480g) white sugar
• 4.8 large eggs, room temperature (round to 5)
• 1.2 tablespoons vanilla extract
• 2.1 cups (504ml) whole milk

For the Frosting:

• 1.8 cups (408g) unsalted butter, softened
• Pinch of salt (about 0.3 teaspoon)
• 6 cups (720g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 6 tablespoons (90ml) of heavy cream or full-fat milk.
• 1.2 tablespoons vanilla extract

For the Surprise Center:

• Just a small amount of pink or blue gel food dye

Gender Reveal Cake Steps

1. Prep Your Oven and Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). While it’s warming up, grease three 9-inch cake pans with butter and line the bottoms with parchment paper. This will make removing the cakes a breeze once they’re done baking.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt, and give it a good whisk. This step is important to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly mixed before they join the wet ingredients. Set the bowl aside.

3. Make the Cake Batter

Now it’s time to bring your cake batter to life! In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter, oil, and sugar on medium speed. Mix it for about 3 to 4 minutes until the texture becomes light and airy.

Crack in each egg individually, making sure to mix well after each one, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk, until everything is just combined. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix only until combined, you don’t want to overwork the batter, as this could affect the cake’s texture.

4. Add Color to the Batter

Divide the batter into three separate bowls. Add food coloring to each, starting with just a drop or two and mixing until you reach the desired color intensity. Be careful, a little goes a long way.

5. Bake Your Cakes

Pour the colored batters evenly into the prepared pans. Place the cakes in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. Once done, let the cakes rest in the pans for 15 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Make the Buttercream Frosting

For the frosting, beat the butter and salt together in your mixer until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes). Incorporate the sifted powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla extract into the mixture. Start on low speed to avoid a sugary cloud, then increase the speed and beat for 2–3 minutes until it’s fluffy and spreadable. If the frosting seems too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar until you achieve your desired consistency.

7. Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are cool, level them if they’ve risen too much in the center. Place one layer on a cake stand or plate and spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Place the second cake layer on top and repeat. Add the third layer and finish by spreading frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.

Gender Reveal Cake FAQs