The marriage of tart lemon and juicy blueberries in this moist Bundt cake creates a refreshing and vibrant dessert perfect for any season. The tender crumb and delicate glaze make it an irresistible treat for gatherings, brunches, or an indulgent afternoon break.
This cake balances sweet and tangy flavors beautifully, while the blueberries add a burst of natural sweetness in every slice. With its golden crust, aromatic lemon zest, and gorgeous drizzle of glaze, it’s a dessert that’s as lovely to look at as it is to eat. Serve it with tea, coffee, or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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2 ½ tsp baking powder
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½ tsp salt
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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2 cups granulated sugar
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4 large eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 tbsp lemon zest
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2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
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1 cup buttermilk
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1 ½ cups fresh blueberries (tossed with 1 tbsp flour)
For the Glaze:
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1 cup powdered sugar
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2–3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 10-cup Bundt pan well.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
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Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
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Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the flour.
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Gently fold in blueberries that have been tossed with flour to prevent sinking.
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Pour batter evenly into prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top.
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Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.
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Whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice for the glaze, adjusting consistency as desired. Drizzle over cooled cake.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 55 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 12 servings
The Charm of Bundt Cakes
Bundt cakes have a long history of being a go-to dessert for home bakers who want something both impressive and approachable. Their signature ring shape is achieved using a specially designed Bundt pan, which ensures even baking and creates a decorative surface that’s perfect for catching drizzles of glaze. Unlike layer cakes, Bundt cakes don’t require multiple steps of stacking and frosting, which makes them more forgiving for beginner bakers while still delivering a showstopping result. This recipe embraces those strengths by allowing the natural beauty of the cake to shine.
Flavor Profile and Texture
This cake offers a vibrant citrus tang from the fresh lemon zest and juice, which cuts through the sweetness and gives each bite a refreshing lift. The blueberries add bursts of juicy flavor and a touch of natural tartness, complementing the lemon beautifully. The crumb of the cake is moist yet fluffy, thanks to the inclusion of buttermilk, which adds subtle richness and tenderness. The final glaze intensifies the lemony aroma and provides a light sweetness on the surface without overwhelming the palate.
Why Lemon and Blueberry Work So Well Together
Lemon and blueberry is a classic flavor pairing in baking because they enhance each other naturally. Lemon’s bright acidity helps accentuate the sweetness of blueberries, while the berries add a natural juiciness that prevents the lemon from becoming too sharp. Together, they create a harmonious balance of sweet, tart, and fresh flavors that feels light and summery, yet comforting enough for year-round enjoyment.
Tips for Perfect Results
While this recipe is straightforward, there are a few tips that can make your Lemon Blueberry Bundt Cake truly exceptional. First, tossing the blueberries in flour before adding them to the batter helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking. Second, ensuring that your butter is softened before creaming it with sugar will create the light, fluffy texture needed for a tender crumb. Finally, allowing the cake to cool in the pan for just the right amount of time before inverting—about 10 to 15 minutes—ensures that it comes out cleanly without sticking.
Glazing for Beauty and Flavor
The lemon glaze is more than just decoration—it’s a flavor enhancer. Made simply with powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice, it delivers an extra burst of citrus while also locking in moisture. The glaze should be poured over the completely cooled cake to prevent it from melting into the surface. Drizzling it so that it cascades down the ridges of the Bundt shape creates an inviting, bakery-style appearance that makes the cake stand out on any dessert table.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is versatile when it comes to serving options. It’s perfect on its own, but it can also be paired with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. Fresh berries make a lovely garnish, especially if you want to emphasize the blueberry element. For an afternoon tea, serve thin slices with hot Earl Grey or chamomile tea, while a chilled glass of sparkling lemonade pairs beautifully on a warm day.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the advantages of this recipe is its staying power. The cake remains moist for several days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature, making it a great choice for preparing ahead of time for events. If you want to bake it in advance and store it longer, the cake can be frozen without the glaze for up to two months. When ready to serve, simply thaw it at room temperature and glaze it fresh for best results.
A Dessert for All Seasons
While lemon and blueberry might bring to mind sunny summer afternoons, this Bundt cake is truly a year-round dessert. In spring, it feels right at home among other fresh and fruity treats for Easter or Mother’s Day gatherings. In summer, it’s a perfect companion for picnics and garden parties. During the colder months, the bright citrus notes provide a welcome burst of freshness that contrasts beautifully with heavier holiday desserts. You can even swap fresh blueberries for frozen when they’re out of season without compromising flavor or texture.
The Visual Appeal
One of the most enjoyable aspects of making a Bundt cake is admiring the finished product. The detailed curves and ridges of the Bundt pan create natural channels for the glaze to flow into, giving each slice an eye-catching pattern. The contrast of the pale golden cake with the vibrant pops of blueberry inside makes for an attractive presentation that will tempt guests before they even take their first bite.
Making It Your Own
While this recipe is already well-balanced, it’s also easy to adapt. You could add a hint of almond extract for a different aromatic profile, or sprinkle the glaze with finely chopped candied lemon peel for a more decorative finish. For a richer texture, some bakers like to replace a portion of the buttermilk with sour cream. And for a fun twist, you could use a lemon glaze infused with lavender for a floral note that complements the citrus beautifully.
Why Home Bakers Love This Recipe
The Lemon Blueberry Bundt Cake strikes a perfect balance between effort and reward. It’s an approachable recipe that doesn’t require advanced decorating skills, yet it yields a dessert that looks and tastes bakery-quality. It’s also a crowd-pleaser—its flavors appeal to both those who love fruity desserts and those who prefer something not overly sweet. Because it’s sturdy enough to transport without falling apart, it’s also a great choice for potlucks and family gatherings.
Pairing With Other Foods
This cake can be part of a larger dessert spread or stand alone as the centerpiece. It pairs wonderfully with other citrus-based treats, such as lemon bars or orange almond biscotti. It also complements lighter savory dishes, making it an excellent choice for brunch menus that might include quiches, salads, or tea sandwiches. The fresh, fruity flavors help cleanse the palate after richer, heavier meals.
Conclusion
The Lemon Blueberry Bundt Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors wrapped in a beautiful, classic presentation. From the tender crumb and juicy bursts of blueberry to the sweet-tart glaze that ties it all together, this cake offers a satisfying balance of textures and tastes. Its simplicity makes it accessible for novice bakers, while its elegance ensures it will impress guests at any gathering. Whether you serve it in the heat of summer or as a bright note in the depths of winter, it’s a recipe worth adding to your baking repertoire and returning to again and again.