Preheat & Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

Combine Wet & Dry: Alternately add the flour mixture and milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.

Color the Batter: Transfer about 1 cup of batter into a separate bowl and tint it with pink or blue food coloring.

Bake the Cake:

• Pour the uncolored batter into the cake pans.
• Drop spoonfuls of colored batter into the center, swirling slightly for a marbled effect, or bake a separate colored cake layer to use as a surprise center.
• Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Let cakes cool completely before assembling.

Prepare the Buttercream:

• Beat butter until creamy.
• Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in vanilla extract, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Beat until fluffy.

Assemble the Cake:

• Level the cake layers if necessary.
• If using a surprise candy filling, cut a hole in the center of one layer and fill with colored candies.
• Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake with buttercream.

Decorate & Serve:

• Smooth the frosting and decorate with neutral colors, gold accents, or a drip effect.
• When sliced, the hidden pink or blue reveal will surprise your guests!