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A stunning ombre gender reveal cake with pastel decorations.

Classic Gender Reveal Cake

A fun and unforgettable centerpiece for your gender reveal party, this moist vanilla cake hides a colorful surprise of pink or blue inside!
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 12 slices
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup milk whole or 2%
  • few drops gel food coloring pink or blue, as desired
  • 1 cup unsalted butter for frosting, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar for frosting
  • 2 tablespoons milk for frosting
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for frosting

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
  • In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
  • Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
  • Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the batter, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.
  • Divide batter evenly into two bowls. Tint one bowl with pink or blue gel food coloring. Pour each batter into separate prepared pans.
  • Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool completely.
  • To make the frosting, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in milk and vanilla until smooth and fluffy.
  • Trim cake tops if necessary. Layer the colored cake between two white cake layers with frosting in between.
  • Frost the entire cake with remaining buttercream. Smooth the sides for a classic look.
  • Decorate with neutral or themed sprinkles and chill until ready to serve.
  • Slice the cake at your reveal moment to show the pink or blue surprise inside!

Notes

For the most vibrant color, use gel-based food coloring. To keep the surprise intact, cover the outside of the cake in a neutral frosting. Can be made one day ahead and stored in the fridge. Let it sit at room temp for 30 minutes before serving.