A MOTHER has gone viral after sharing what people are describing as the “saddest cake on the internet.”
And it’s not because of the ingredients, ridiculous price tag or the slightly lopsided icing, but instead, it is down to what it once stood for.


Just days ago, a single mum touched the hearts of millions around the globe, as she symbolised how quickly things can change, leaving many lost for words.
Posting on social media, Brooke Steadman shared a post of just two images, which told a story in very few words.
The first wholesome snap saw Brooke holding her daughter, who she describes as her “saving grace.”
The sweet snap was taken during golden hour, and alongside it, the mum-of-one wrote: “I work a 9–5 to provide. I do every bedtime and long night. I protect our peace. And I do it all on my own.”
But in the next image, the mood quickly shifted as the red-haired beauty uploaded an image of her gender reveal cake, which happily declared “it’s a girl.”
The cake was sliced through the centre with two wine glasses, as per the viral trend.
But only now, the symbol of celebration feels like heartbreak, as Brooke penned: “But there used to be a time…”
While Brooke didn’t immediately confirm exactly what she meant by the subtle cake post, the implication was clear – the man who once dreamed of this future alongside her was no longer there.
And Brooke later set the record straight, confirming that her daughter’s father walked away from their relationship, leaving both her and their toddler behind.
Brooke’s powerful TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @brooke.steadman, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly gone viral and racked up a jaw-dropping 8.4 million views.
It’s also amassed 1.5 million likes, 3,152 comments and 28,000 shares.
The comment section was taken aback by the gut-punch symbolism, as one user sighed: “It’s crazy how it’s so normalised for men to just be able to walk away from an entire human being they helped create…while women are left no choice but to raise a child on their own.. it happens to so many people.”
I am crying. You are doing so good and you should be so proud
TikTok user
Another added: “Oh I’m absolutely sick.”
A third explained: “From a daughter of a single mum, she will thank you forever.”
What’s the Deal with Gender Reveals & Why is Everyone Having Them?

What Is A Gender Reveal?
Gender reveal parties are celebrations where expectant parents announce the sex of their baby in a creative and often dramatic way.
These events have gained significant popularity, especially through social media.
The trend began in the late 2000s and has since exploded in popularity.
The concept was popularised by parents who wanted to share their excitement with family and friends in a memorable and engaging way.
Common Methods:
- Cakes: Cutting a cake filled with either blue or pink filling.
- Balloons: Popping a balloon to release colored confetti.
- Smoke Bombs: Releasing colored smoke.
- Piñatas: Breaking a piñata to reveal colored candies or confetti.
- Fireworks: Using fireworks to display blue or pink colors.
Why Are They So Popular?
- Social Media Influence: Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube have amplified the trend, with many parents posting videos and photos that go viral.
- Milestone Celebration: It’s an additional way for parents to celebrate a significant milestone during pregnancy.
- Creativity: These events offer an outlet for parents to be creative and personalize their announcement.
- Community Sharing: They provide an opportunity to include extended family and friends in the pregnancy journey.
Controversies:
- Safety Concerns: Some gender reveal methods have led to accidents and even wildfires.
- Environmental Impact: The use of non-biodegradable materials and fireworks can have environmental consequences.
- Inclusivity: There’s growing awareness and sensitivity towards non-binary and transgender identities, leading to criticism that these events can be exclusionary.
Despite the controversies, gender reveal parties continue to evolve.
Some parents are opting for more eco-friendly and inclusive ways to celebrate, while others are choosing to forgo the tradition altogether.
In summary, gender reveals are a modern trend driven by social media, creativity, and the desire to celebrate milestones.
However, they also come with their share of controversies, prompting some to reconsider how they choose to share their baby news.
Whilst someone else admitted: “Just been staring at this for 40 mins.”
Not only this, but another user gasped: “Girl I am crying. You are doing so good and you should be so proud.”
‘I’ve moved past it’
In a follow up video, Brooke addressed the wave of support she had received after posting the short video, as she admitted: “It is the craziest feeling to post a TikTok and have thousands of people in your comment section blame your baby daddy for leaving you, or just being a terrible person. Even though they don’t know him.”
He gave me a great baby. So no hatred towards him
Brooke Steadman
Despite this, she acknowledged: “You’re welcome to not like him all you like. But in case you were curious I’ve forgiven him. I’ve moved past it.”
Her mature, somewhat cheeky response even gave her ex-partner some credit, as she added: “He was pretty, so at least there was that. He gave me a great baby. So no hatred towards him.”
Despite this, she then joked: “But if you find him on the street, [I] probably wouldn’t date him.”
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