Gender Reveal Cake Ideas: The Perfect DIY Cake for Your Big Announcement
A gender reveal cake is a fun and exciting way to announce your baby’s gender at a party. This simple yet stunning homemade gender reveal cake features a hidden pink or blue surprise inside, making it perfect for sharing the big news with family and friends. Whether you choose a classic vanilla sponge, chocolate cake, or a funfetti twist, this cake will be the highlight of your celebration.
Equipment
- ✔️ 2 (8-inch) round cake pans
- ✔️ Electric mixer or hand whisk
- ✔️ Mixing bowls
- ✔ Measuring cups and spoons
- ✔️ Rubber spatula
- ✔️ Cake leveler or serrated knife
- ✔️ Piping bag with a round tip (for filling)
- ✔️ Offset spatula (for frosting)
- ✔️ Cake turntable (optional, for smooth frosting)
Ingredients
- Cake Batter:
- ✔️ 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ✔️ 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ✔️ ½ teaspoon salt
- ✔️ 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- ✔️ 2 cups granulated sugar
- ✔️ 4 large eggs
- ✔️ 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ✔️ 1 cup whole milk
- ✔️ Pink or blue gel food coloring
- Buttercream Frosting:
- ✔️ 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- ✔️ 4 cups powdered sugar
- ✔️ 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ✔️ 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- ✔️ Pink and blue sprinkles for decoration
- Filling Options Choose One:
- ✔️ Pink or blue buttercream
- ✔️ Colored sprinkles or M&Ms
- ✔️ Jam strawberry for pink, blueberry for blue
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- 1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line the bottom of two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- 2️⃣ In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- 3️⃣ In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- 4️⃣ Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
- 5️⃣ Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Step 2: Add the Gender Reveal Color
- 6️⃣ Divide the batter into two bowls. Leave one portion plain (white or neutral) and color the other half pink or blue using gel food coloring.
- 7️⃣ Pour the plain batter into one cake pan and the colored batter into the second pan.
- Step 3: Bake the Cake
- 8️⃣ Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- 9️⃣ Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 4: Make the Buttercream Frosting
- 🔟 In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream, beating until smooth and fluffy.
- Step 5: Assemble the Cake
- 1️⃣1️⃣ If needed, level the cakes using a serrated knife.
- 1️⃣2️⃣ Place the plain cake layer on a cake board.
- 1️⃣3️⃣ Using a round cookie cutter, cut a hole in the center of the colored cake layer (if doing a piñata-style reveal).
- 1️⃣4️⃣ Spread a layer of buttercream frosting over the bottom layer.
- 1️⃣5️⃣ Fill the center hole with colored candies or frosting.
- 1️⃣6️⃣ Place the top cake layer over the filling.
- Step 6: Frost and Decorate
- 1️⃣7️⃣ Frost the outside of the cake with the remaining buttercream, smoothing it with an offset spatula.
- 1️⃣8️⃣ Decorate with pink and blue sprinkles, edible pearls, or a cake topper.
- 1️⃣9️⃣ Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Step 7: The Big Reveal! 🎉
- 2️⃣0️⃣ Gather your family and friends, slice into the cake, and reveal the surprise pink or blue filling inside!
Notes
✔️ For a funfetti cake, add ½ cup of colored sprinkles to the batter.
✔️ Use natural food coloring (beet powder for pink, blueberry juice for blue) if avoiding artificial dyes.
✔️ If making a piñata cake, use extra candies to ensure a dramatic effect when sliced.
✔️ For a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
✔️ Use natural food coloring (beet powder for pink, blueberry juice for blue) if avoiding artificial dyes.
✔️ If making a piñata cake, use extra candies to ensure a dramatic effect when sliced.
✔️ For a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend.