Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. You can also line them with parchment paper for easier cake removal.

In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 2 ½ tsp of baking powder, and ½ tsp of salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter and 2 cups of sugar using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).

Add in the 4 eggs, one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next.

Stir in 1 tbsp of vanilla extract for that warm, comforting flavor.

Gradually add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with 1 cup of milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined don’t overmix!

Divide the batter evenly between two bowls.

In one bowl, add a few drops of your chosen gel food coloring (blue or pink). Mix until you achieve a vibrant color. If you want to surprise your guests with a different twist, consider using a neutral color for the exterior and a fun surprise inside!

Leave the other bowl of batter plain (this will be your outer layers).

Carefully spoon the colored batter into the center of one of the cake pans, then pour the plain batter around it, ensuring the colored batter stays in the center.

Repeat the process for the second cake pan. This will ensure your filling stays hidden until the big reveal!

Smooth the tops of the batter with a spatula, and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes.

Carefully turn the cakes out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial because it prevents the frosting from melting when you begin decorating.

While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat 1 cup of softened butter until creamy.

Gradually add 4 cups of powdered sugar, 1 tsp of vanilla extract, and 2 tbsp of heavy cream. Continue to beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. If it’s too thick, add a little more cream to achieve the desired consistency.

Once the cakes are completely cool, place the first layer of cake on your cake stand or serving plate.

Use a spatula to spread a generous layer of frosting on top. If you want to reveal the surprise filling in the middle, make a small hole in the center of the cake and fill it with the colored frosting.

Place the second layer of cake on top, carefully centering it.

Frost the top and sides of the entire cake, smoothing it out with a spatula. You can use a piping bag for a more decorative effect if you like!

Now comes the fun part: decorating your cake! Add sprinkles, edible glitter, or even fondant decorations to personalize it further. You can also pipe on cute messages or patterns to match the theme of your celebration.

Finally, it’s time for the big moment! Cut into the cake and watch as the color reveals the gender of your little one. Enjoy the cheers and excitement from your guests, and don’t forget to snap some photos of the magical moment.