The Red, White & Blue Bundt Cake is a stunning dessert that’s perfect for any patriotic celebration. This cake stands out with its vibrant colors and zesty lemon flavor, complemented by delicious raspberry and blueberry swirls. Not only is it visually appealing, but it’s also incredibly easy to make, making it a go-to choice for summer gatherings and festive holidays like the Fourth of July.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- For the Glaze & Topping:
- How to Make Red, White & Blue Bundt Cake
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Step 2: Make Cake Batter
- Step 3: Divide & Color Batter
- Step 4: Layer in Pan
- Step 5: Bake
- Step 6: Make the Glaze
- Step 7: Color the Glaze
- Step 8: Decorate
- Step 9: Set & Serve
- How to Serve Red, White & Blue Bundt Cake
- Festive Plates
- Ice Cream Pairing
- Fresh Fruit Garnish
- Whipped Cream Topping
- Coffee or Tea Service
- How to Perfect Red, White & Blue Bundt Cake
- Best Side Dishes for Red, White & Blue Bundt Cake
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Red, White & Blue Bundt Cake
- Reheating Red, White & Blue Bundt Cake
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use different flavors of jam?
- How do I achieve vibrant colors?
- Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
- What’s the best way to serve this cake?
- How should I store leftover glaze?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Appearance: The vibrant red, white, and blue layers make this cake an eye-catching centerpiece for your table.
- Delicious Flavor: Combining zesty lemon with fruity jams creates a delightful taste that everyone will love.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this cake can be whipped up in no time.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for holidays, barbecues, or even just a fun summer treat.
- Customizable: You can adjust the colors and flavors to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Bundt pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Bundt pan: Gives the cake its signature shape and helps with even baking.
- Electric mixer: Makes mixing the batter quick and effortless, ensuring a smooth consistency.
- Mixing bowls: Keeps your ingredients organized and separated for easy preparation.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- Cooking spray
- 1 (15.25 oz) box white cake mix
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant lemon pudding mix
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup plus 1 tbsp lukewarm water (more as needed)
- ¼ cup raspberry jam
- 7+ drops red gel food coloring, divided
- ¼ cup blueberry jam
- 7+ drops blue gel food coloring, divided
For the Glaze & Topping:
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lukewarm water (plus more as needed)
- ¼ cup red, white, and blue sprinkles

How to Make Red, White & Blue Bundt Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Lightly coat a Bundt pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make Cake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the white cake mix and lemon pudding mix. Add in the eggs, vegetable oil, and 1 cup of lukewarm water. Beat with an electric mixer on medium-high speed for about 1 minute until smooth.
Step 3: Divide & Color Batter
- Scoop 1 cup of batter into a medium bowl.
- Stir in raspberry jam along with 5 drops of red food coloring. Adjust coloring for your desired shade.
- In another bowl, scoop another cup of batter.
- Mix in blueberry jam with 5 drops of blue food coloring. Again, adjust as necessary.
Step 4: Layer in Pan
Pour the red batter into the bottom of the prepared Bundt pan. Carefully layer the remaining plain lemon batter over it. Finally, pour the blue batter on top.
Step 5: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for about 40–45 minutes or until a tester inserted comes out clean. Allow cooling in the pan for 15 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Make the Glaze
In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of lukewarm water until smooth and thickened to a lava-like consistency. Add more water drop by drop if needed.
Step 7: Color the Glaze
- Scoop out ¼ cup of glaze into a small bowl; stir in 2 drops of red food coloring.
- Repeat with another ¼ cup for blue food coloring.
Step 8: Decorate
Drizzle the white glaze over your cooled cake first followed by blue glaze then red glaze. Top off with red, white, and blue sprinkles.
Step 9: Set & Serve
Allow the glaze to set for about 30 minutes before slicing into this festive treat. Enjoy!
How to Serve Red, White & Blue Bundt Cake
Serving the Red, White & Blue Bundt Cake can be a delightful experience for family and friends. This visually stunning cake is perfect for patriotic holidays or summer gatherings, making it a festive centerpiece for any table.
Festive Plates
- Use colorful plates to enhance the vibrant colors of the cake. The contrast adds to the visual appeal during celebrations.
Ice Cream Pairing
- Serve slices with a scoop of vanilla or lemon ice cream. The creaminess complements the zesty flavors of the cake perfectly.
Fresh Fruit Garnish
- Add fresh berries on the side for a refreshing touch. Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries make excellent accompaniments.
Whipped Cream Topping
- Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream. This addition brings an extra layer of lightness and sweetness.
Coffee or Tea Service
- Offer coffee or iced tea alongside the cake. The warmth of coffee or coolness of tea balances out the sweetness of the dessert.
How to Perfect Red, White & Blue Bundt Cake
To ensure your Red, White & Blue Bundt Cake comes out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow eggs and water to reach room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and better texture.
- Grease the Pan Well: Coat your Bundt pan thoroughly with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This ensures a clean release after baking.
- Check Batter Consistency: If your batter seems too thick, add more lukewarm water gradually. A well-mixed batter leads to an even bake.
- Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cake as it bakes. Every oven is different; check for doneness a few minutes early to avoid overbaking.
- Cool Before Glazing: Allow the cake to cool completely before adding glaze. This prevents melting and ensures beautiful layers remain intact.

Best Side Dishes for Red, White & Blue Bundt Cake
Pairing side dishes with your Red, White & Blue Bundt Cake can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some delicious options that complement this festive dessert.
- Grilled Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables grilled to perfection offers a savory balance to the sweetness of the cake.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze provide a refreshing contrast in flavors.
- Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness alongside each slice.
- Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad serves as a hearty side dish that pairs well with lighter desserts like this Bundt cake.
- Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw adds texture and tanginess that beautifully contrasts with the sweet flavor profile of the cake.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a classic summer side that complements festive meals perfectly.
- Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans provide a delightful richness that balances out lighter dishes.
- Pasta Salad: A chilled pasta salad with veggies makes for an easy-to-prepare side dish that everyone will enjoy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Red, White & Blue Bundt Cake, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.
- Skipping the Cooking Spray: Not coating the Bundt pan can lead to the cake sticking. Always use cooking spray generously to ensure a smooth release.
- Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too long can toughen the cake. Beat just until ingredients are combined for a light and airy texture.
- Not Testing for Doneness: Relying solely on bake time can result in an undercooked or overbaked cake. Use a toothpick or tester; it should come out clean when done.
- Ignoring Cooling Time: Cutting into the cake too soon can ruin its structure. Allow it to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before inverting.
- Inconsistent Food Coloring: Adding too much food coloring at once can lead to uneven hues. Start with small amounts and gradually add more until you reach your desired shade.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Keep the cake at room temperature for up to 24 hours if covered well, but refrigerate after that.
Freezing Red, White & Blue Bundt Cake
- Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months; label with dates for easy tracking.
Reheating Red, White & Blue Bundt Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350ºF and warm slices on a baking sheet wrapped in foil for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds; check often to avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a pan over low heat, covering with a lid for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Red, White & Blue Bundt Cake.
Can I use different flavors of jam?
Yes! You can experiment with other jams like strawberry or peach. Just adjust the food coloring accordingly.
How do I achieve vibrant colors?
To enhance color, add food coloring gradually until you reach your desired shades. Don’t forget to mix well after each addition!
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the white cake mix with a gluten-free version and ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
What’s the best way to serve this cake?
This festive cake is perfect for summer gatherings, parties, or patriotic holidays like Independence Day. Serve it on a colorful platter topped with fresh berries!
How should I store leftover glaze?
Store any extra glaze in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Re-whip before using it again as it may thicken.
Final Thoughts
The Red, White & Blue Bundt Cake is not only visually stunning but also bursting with zesty flavor that makes it perfect for any celebration! With its easy preparation and customizable aspects, such as choosing different jam flavors or adding fresh fruits, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. Try making it today and impress your family and friends!
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📖 Recipe Card
Print
Red, White & Blue Bundt Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Description
Indulge in the vibrant allure of the Red, White & Blue Bundt Cake, a perfect treat for your summer celebrations and patriotic gatherings. This delightful dessert features three colorful layers of zesty lemon cake swirled with luscious raspberry and blueberry flavors. Not only does it look stunning on any table, but it’s also incredibly simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for family barbecues or festive holidays like the Fourth of July. With its refreshing taste and customizable options, this Bundt cake is sure to impress both your guests and your taste buds!
Ingredients
- 1 (15.25 oz) box white cake mix
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant lemon pudding mix
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup plus 1 tbsp lukewarm water
- ¼ cup raspberry jam
- ¼ cup blueberry jam
- Red and blue gel food coloring
- For the glaze: powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, lukewarm water, sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a Bundt pan.
- Mix cake mix and pudding in a bowl; add eggs, oil, and water. Beat until smooth.
- Divide batter into three bowls; color one red with raspberry jam and food coloring, another blue with blueberry jam.
- Layer red batter in the pan, followed by plain lemon batter, then blue batter on top.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before glazing.
- Prepare glaze by mixing powdered sugar, lemon juice, and water; color portions red and blue.
- Drizzle glazes over the cooled cake; top with sprinkles.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (80g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg