Easy Blueberry Bundt Cake
Whip up a delectable blueberry cake using a cake mix. Quick, easy, and absolutely scrumptious!
This easy blueberry Bundt cake starts with a simple cake mix, but the cream cheese and fresh blueberries make it taste completely homemade. It’s soft, flavorful, and just the right balance of sweet and tangy.
This is the kind of recipe you turn to when you need something reliable, beautiful, and crowd-pleasing. It works for casual family dinners, brunch gatherings, potlucks, or last-minute dessert cravings. A dusting of powdered sugar or a quick glaze is all this cake needs, but it’s equally delicious served just as it is. If you keep blueberries and cake mix on hand, you’re already halfway to one of the easiest cakes you’ll ever make.
I like to use small wild blueberries because they stay evenly distributed, but any fresh or frozen blueberries work well.
What You’ll Like About This Recipe
- Foolproof preparation. Because the base is a standard cake mix, the batter blends smoothly and consistently every time. Even novice bakers can expect dependable results with a tender crumb, moist texture, and evenly dispersed blueberries. The addition of cream cheese ensures structure without being dense, making this a low-stress baking win for anyone.
- Rich, bakery-style texture. Cream cheese adds moisture and a velvety quality that elevates the simple mix into something more decadent. The cake slices beautifully, holding its shape while still feeling soft and plush. This richer crumb makes it ideal for serving plain or with toppings like whipped cream or a citrusy glaze.
- Generous blueberry flavor. Whether you use fresh or wild frozen blueberries, each slice bursts with juicy pops of fruit. Wild blueberries, especially, add intense flavor and vibrant color. Their smaller size also helps them distribute more evenly throughout the batter.
- Perfect for any occasion. From brunch to potlucks to afternoon coffee breaks, this Bundt cake fits effortlessly into almost any menu. It looks impressive straight from the pan, and a simple dusting of powdered sugar adds instant polish without extra work. It also travels well, making it a great choice for gifting or gatherings.
- Customizable flavor profile. The cake mix base adapts beautifully to different extracts, citrus zests, and mix-ins. A touch of lemon extract brightens the flavor, while almond extract lends a nostalgic bakery note. You can even fold in white chocolate chips or swap the fruit for raspberries or blackberries for a seasonal variation.
Ingredient Notes
- Cake mix – A 15.25-ounce yellow cake mix works beautifully, but white or French vanilla mix creates an equally soft and flavorful base. Choose a reputable brand such as Duncan Hines or Betty Crocker for consistent texture.
- Cream cheese – Softened cream cheese adds body, richness, and a fine crumb. Full-fat cream cheese provides the best texture, but reduced-fat will work in a pinch. Make sure it’s fully softened to prevent lumps.
- Blueberries – Wild blueberries distribute more evenly and offer bold flavor, while larger fresh berries create juicier pockets. Frozen berries can be used straight from the freezer; no thawing needed. If using fresh berries, pat them dry so they don’t water down the batter.
- Vanilla and lemon extract – Vanilla adds warmth, while lemon extract brightens the overall flavor. You can use fresh lemon zest instead of extract if you’d prefer a more natural citrus note.
- Oil – Canola oil keeps the crumb moist and tender. Vegetable oil or even a light olive oil can be substituted without affecting texture.
Steps to Make Blueberry Bundt Cake
- Prepare the Bundt pan thoroughly by greasing and flouring all the crevices so the cake unmolds cleanly. Taking an extra minute here prevents sticking and preserves the decorative shape.
- Mix the batter by combining the cake mix, eggs, cream cheese, oil, and extracts until smooth. Cream cheese takes a moment to incorporate, so allow the mixer to work until the batter is cohesive and thick.
- Fold in the blueberries gently so they stay intact. Overmixing can break the berries and discolor the batter, especially when using wild blueberries.
- Spread the batter evenly in the pan, smoothing the top to ensure even rising. Because Bundt pans bake from the outside in, a level surface helps avoid lopsided doming.
- Bake until the top springs back lightly, and a tester comes out clean. Cooling in the pan allows the cake to firm just enough for easy release, while cooling completely on a rack preserves moisture and prevents steaming.
Pro Tips
- Use frozen berries wisely – If using frozen blueberries, add them directly to the batter without thawing to avoid excess moisture and discoloration.
- Test for doneness – Bundt cakes can appear finished before the center is fully set. Insert a tester into the deepest part of the pan for an accurate read.
- Grease thoroughly – A light dusting of flour after greasing helps the batter climb the sides and prevents sticking, especially in ornate Bundt pans.
- Add a glaze – A simple lemon or vanilla glaze poured over the cooled cake enhances moisture and adds an attractive finish with minimal effort.
- Let it rest – Cooling the cake for a full 15 minutes before unmolding increases your chance of a clean release without cracking.
Recipe Variations
- Lemon blueberry Bundt. Add lemon zest, use lemon extract, and finish the cake with a lemon glaze for a bright, citrus-forward twist. This variation is especially good in spring and summer.
- Almond blueberry Bundt. Replace the vanilla with almond extract and sprinkle the batter with sliced almonds before baking. The nutty aroma pairs beautifully with blueberries.
- Triple berry Bundt. Substitute a combination of raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries. Keep the total berry amount the same to maintain moisture balance.
- White chocolate blueberry Bundt. Fold in a handful of white chocolate chips along with the berries. The sweetness of the chocolate complements the tang of the cream cheese.
- Cinnamon swirl Bundt. Swirl a mixture of cinnamon and sugar into the batter before baking for warmth and a subtle coffee-cake feel.
Serving Suggestions
- Slice and pack for picnics or brunch — it stays moist and travels well.
- Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream or scoop of ice cream for dessert.
- Pair with coffee or tea for a simple afternoon treat.
How to Store
- Refrigerate: Store the cooled cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The cream cheese in the batter helps maintain moisture, so the cake stays tender even after chilling.
- Reheat: Warm individual slices briefly in the microwave to soften the crumb and bring back a just-baked texture. This is especially helpful if the cake has been refrigerated.
- Freeze: Wrap whole or sliced portions tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
- Room Temp: If serving within 24 hours, you can keep the cake at cool room temperature, covered lightly to prevent drying.
Easy Blueberry Bundt Cake
Whip up a delectable blueberry cake using a cake mix. Quick, easy, and absolutely delicious!
Ingredients
- 1 pkg cake mix, 15.25 oz, yellow or similar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract, optional
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 12 to 15 ounces blueberries, wild
Instructions
- Prep the Oven and Pan: Heat oven to 350 F (180 C) and grease and flour a 12-cup Bundt cake pan. Make sure you get all the nooks and crannies.
- Prepare the Batter: In a mixing bowl combine the cake mix, eggs, vanilla, lemon extract, oil, and cream cheese. Beat for 2 minutes with an electric mixer at medium speed. Fold the blueberries into the batter and spread in the prepare Bundt cake pan.
- Bake and Cool: Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, until a wooden pick or cake tester inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan on a rack for 15 minutes, then carefully turn it out on the rack and cool completely.
Nutrition
Calories: 345kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 5gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 66mgSodium: 376mgPotassium: 92mgFiber: 1gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 337IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 121mgIron: 1mg
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
