How many calories are in a slice of blueberry bundt cake?

November 6, 2025 •

5 min read

Did you know that the calorie count for a slice of blueberry bundt cake can vary dramatically from approximately 160 to over 400 calories? The exact number depends heavily on the recipe's ingredients, such as the amount of sugar and fat used, as well as the size of the slice itself.

Quick Summary

The calorie content of a blueberry bundt cake slice is highly variable, influenced by ingredients like butter, sugar, and flour type, as well as frosting and serving size. Nutritional information differs significantly between homemade recipes and store-bought versions. Making simple ingredient swaps can lower the overall calorie count.

Key Points

Calorie Variation: A slice of blueberry bundt cake can range from approximately 160 to over 460 calories, depending on the recipe's fat, sugar, and serving size.
Ingredient Impact: Rich, high-fat, and high-sugar recipes result in higher calorie counts, while substitutions like applesauce or yogurt can significantly lower them.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Homemade cakes offer more control over ingredients and calorie content, whereas commercial cakes often contain more sugar and fat for texture and shelf life.
Portion Control is Key: An oversized slice can easily double the calorie intake, making portion control the simplest way to manage your consumption.
Healthier Baking Options: Reduce sugar, use fat substitutes like fruit purées, and incorporate whole-grain flour to make a more nutritious version of the cake.
Blueberry Benefits: The blueberries themselves add beneficial antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, contributing a positive nutritional component to the dessert.

The Surprising Calorie Range of Blueberry Bundt Cake

When you think of a delicious blueberry bundt cake, calories might not be the first thing on your mind. However, if you're managing your nutrition, understanding the calorie content is crucial. The wide range of recipes and preparation methods means there is no single answer to the question, 'How many calories are in a slice of blueberry bundt cake?'. The calorie count can swing from a seemingly modest 160 calories for a light, homemade slice to a decadent 460 calories or more for a rich version laden with butter and sugar.

This nutritional variability is driven by several key factors, including ingredient choices, portion size, and frosting. For example, a commercial cake from a brand like First Street or Duncan Hines may be significantly different from a low-fat homemade recipe using applesauce as a fat substitute. Examining these differences can help you make a more informed decision and enjoy your treat while staying mindful of your health goals.

Factors That Influence Calorie Count

Ingredients and Recipe Choices

The most significant determinant of a bundt cake's calorie density is the recipe itself. Here are the main culprits behind a high-calorie count:

Fats: Traditional bundt cakes often use a large amount of butter or oil for moisture and flavor. Substituting some of the butter with healthier alternatives like applesauce, yogurt, or pureed pumpkin can significantly reduce the fat and calorie content.
Sugars: Many recipes call for a large quantity of granulated sugar. Reducing the sugar by up to 25% often goes unnoticed, or you can use low-calorie sweeteners. Fruits like blueberries naturally add sweetness, further allowing for a sugar reduction.
Flour: While all-purpose flour is common, some recipes use whole wheat or nut flours. While nut flours (like almond flour) might be lower in carbs, they can be calorie-dense due to their fat content. Whole wheat pastry flour adds fiber and can be a healthier alternative to all-purpose flour.
Frosting and Glazes: A rich cream cheese frosting or a heavy sugar glaze can add 50 to 150 extra calories per slice. Opting for a light, low-sugar glaze or no topping at all can be a simple way to cut back.

Commercial vs. Homemade

Store-bought bundt cakes are often made with different priorities than a homemade recipe. To ensure longer shelf life and moistness, commercial bakers may use more sugar, fat, and preservatives. A homemade cake gives you complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to tailor the recipe for a lower-calorie outcome. For instance, a homemade yogurt-based blueberry bundt cake might have around 402 calories per slice, similar to a commercial mix, but could be made with healthier, higher-quality ingredients.

Portion Size

This is perhaps the most straightforward way to manage calories. A small, modest slice will always have fewer calories than a generous, thick piece. Most nutritional information is based on a standard serving size (often a 1/8th or 1/12th of the cake), but a slice can easily be cut larger, doubling or tripling the calories and macros.

Comparison of Blueberry Bundt Cake Variations

The following table illustrates the potential calorie and macronutrient differences between various blueberry bundt cake recipes and commercial products, based on available data.


Type of Bundt Cake	Approximate Calories (per slice)	Key Ingredients/Notes	Primary Source
Rich Homemade (with butter)	461 kcal	Full-fat ingredients (butter, eggs), sugar, standard flour.	My Baking Addiction
Low-Calorie Homemade	164 kcal	Reduced fat (e.g., yogurt or applesauce), low-fat milk, possibly less sugar.	Eat This Much
Store-Bought (First Street)	270 kcal	Commercial recipe (3 oz serving), likely higher sugar content.	Eat This Much
Store-Bought (Western Sizzlin)	210 kcal	Commercial recipe, slice size unspecified.	Eat This Much
Yogurt Homemade	402 kcal	Uses yogurt, but may still contain a moderate amount of fat and sugar.	Fit Mitten Kitchen
Bundtlet (commercial)	240 kcal	Small single-serving portion, moderate fat/sugar content.	Nothing Bundt Cakes

Baking a Healthier Blueberry Bundt Cake

If you love baking and want a more nutritious dessert, here are some practical steps to reduce calories without sacrificing flavor:

Reduce Sugar: Start by reducing the sugar in your recipe by a quarter. The natural sweetness of the blueberries will often make up the difference. For more substantial reductions, use a high-quality, low-calorie sweetener like Stevia or erythritol.
Substitute Fats: Replace some or all of the oil or butter with a healthier alternative. Unsweetened applesauce, mashed banana, or Greek yogurt are excellent choices that add moisture.
Incorporate Whole Grains: For added fiber, replace up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Whole wheat pastry flour can be substituted one-for-one without affecting texture as much.
Lighten the Topping: Skip the heavy cream cheese frosting and opt for a light, lemon-based glaze made with a small amount of powdered sugar and lemon juice. You can also simply dust the cake with powdered sweetener or serve it with fresh fruit.
Add Extra Blueberries: Increase the amount of blueberries. This not only boosts the antioxidant content but also adds natural sweetness and moisture, allowing you to further reduce added sugar.

The Nutritional Upside of Blueberries

While we focus on calorie reduction, it’s important to remember the nutritional benefits of the main star, blueberries. They are rich in antioxidants, which help combat free radicals in the body. They also provide dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese. Incorporating more blueberries into your recipe can boost these benefits, making a moderate indulgence a little more worthwhile. While they don't erase the calories from the cake, they certainly provide a health boost that other less nutritious desserts lack.

Conclusion

So, how many calories are in a slice of blueberry bundt cake? The answer is that it varies widely, ranging from under 200 calories for a light, carefully crafted homemade slice to over 400 for a rich, dense commercial or traditional recipe. The key is to be mindful of the ingredients used and the portion size. By implementing simple baking substitutions—like reducing sugar, swapping fat for pureed fruit, or opting for a lighter glaze—you can enjoy a delicious slice of blueberry bundt cake that aligns with your nutritional goals. Portion control is also a powerful tool for including this classic dessert in a balanced diet. It’s a testament to the fact that you can have your cake and eat it too, as long as you're smart about it.

For more detailed healthy baking tips, a useful resource is the Bryan Health article on Make it a Healthy Bake!.

Frequently Asked Questions

A store-bought slice of blueberry bundt cake can vary, but commercial products often contain higher calories due to added fats and sugars for flavor and shelf life. For example, a 3 oz serving of First Street Blueberry Bundt Cake contains 270 calories.

Yes, absolutely. By controlling the ingredients, you can significantly reduce the calories. Swapping some fat with applesauce, cutting back on sugar, and using whole wheat flour are effective strategies.

The amount of fat and sugar are the biggest factors. Rich recipes that use a lot of butter or oil, along with a heavy sugar glaze or frosting, will have a much higher calorie count.

You can generally reduce the sugar in a recipe by up to 25% without a noticeable difference in taste or texture. The sweetness from the blueberries can also help compensate for less added sugar.

The size of your slice directly impacts the calorie count. If the recipe's nutritional information is based on an eighth of the cake, but you cut a piece that's a quarter of the cake, you'll double the calories and macros.

Yes, fat substitutes like unsweetened applesauce, mashed banana, or plain Greek yogurt can replace some or all of the oil or butter in a recipe. This is a great way to lower calories and add moisture.

Yes, blueberries are a nutrient-rich addition, providing antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins. While they don't make the cake a health food, they add beneficial nutrients that are good for you in moderation.