This year-end feels different – in the best possible way. A few weeks ago, I stepped into a brand-new chapter of my professional life by joining a new company as Director of Business – Web & Tech. It’s one of those milestones that makes you pause, take a deep breath, and quietly say, “I did this.”
While cooking and travelling are my passions, my weekdays belong to meetings, strategies, and deadlines. And honestly, I love both worlds. Somewhere between corporate calendars and kitchen counters, I’ve learned that life doesn’t ask you to choose just one dream. Sometimes, it allows you to live many – side by side.
And this particular story? It’s one I felt compelled to share with you – because you’re not just readers, you’re family.
A Christmas Celebration at the Office
Joining a new company just before Christmas has its own kind of magic. The office was already dressed in festive colours, conversations felt warmer, and there was a sense of togetherness in the air.
As we planned a small office Christmas celebration, I felt grateful. Grateful for the opportunity, for the people, and for the timing. It felt like the universe was quietly celebrating with me.
When My Colleagues Discovered My Love for Baking
Somewhere between coffee breaks and casual conversations, my colleagues found out about my love for cooking and baking. And once that happens, there’s no turning back, right?
“You bake?”
“Then you have to bake something for us.”
What started as playful curiosity quickly turned into enthusiastic requests. And honestly, I didn’t need much convincing. Baking for people has always been my love language – it’s how I say thank you, how I celebrate, and how I connect.
Why I Chose a Blueberry Bundt Cake for Christmas
When it came to deciding what to bake, I wanted something that felt festive yet comforting. Something elegant, not overly heavy, and perfect for sharing. That’s when the idea of a Blueberry Bundt Cake felt just right.
There’s something about a bundt cake – it looks beautiful without trying too hard, slices neatly, and feels perfect for a Christmas celebration. The blueberries add a gentle sweetness, making it ideal for an office setting where everyone wants “just one more slice.”
A Little Rule at Home (And a Lot of Love)
There’s an unwritten rule in my house – if I bake something for others, I have to bake something for my family too. Sometimes it feels a little unfair (especially on busy mornings), but strangely, it also reassures me of how much they love my baking. And honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
So before the blueberry bundt cake made its way to the office, my kitchen was already in full action mode. A vanilla cake for home, chocolate chunk cookie dough resting patiently, and garden focaccia dough prepped to be baked over the weekend. It was one of those hectic mornings that don’t feel exhausting – just beautifully full. The kind where the kitchen is messy, the clock is ticking, and your heart feels oddly calm.
My son usually sticks to his favourites – vanilla or anything chocolate – so I didn’t expect him to even touch the blueberry cake. I baked a small one just for V, knowing he’d enjoy it. And he did. But what I didn’t expect was my son casually saying, “Mom, was this blueberry cake? I didn’t realise… I thought it was choco-chip, and I finished more than half. Please make it again for me.”
Music to a mother’s ears – truly.
How My Colleagues Reacted to the Cake
Everyone loved the cake – it was soft, just the right amount of sweet, and before I knew it, people were going back for seconds, thirds, and more until it disappeared in under 15 minutes. It was deeply gratifying and, in the best way possible, helped me connect with the team. It broke the ice instantly, made me feel like one of them, and gave us something to laugh and talk about.
Blueberry Bundt Cake Recipe for Christmas Celebrations
Baking this Blueberry Bundt Cake recipe felt extra special because it wasn’t just a Christmas cake – it was my way of celebrating a new professional journey.
This is one of those easy Christmas baking recipes that doesn’t demand perfection – just patience and love. And when the cake finally came out of the oven, golden and fragrant, I knew it was exactly what I wanted to share.
Blueberry Bundt Cake Recipe for Christmas
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, sieved
- 2 cups yogurt (homemade curd)
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup olive oil
- ½ cup cup blueberry puree (fresh or frozen, blended smooth)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C for 10 minutes. Grease and lightly dust an 8-cup bundt pan and keep aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the sugar and yogurt together on high speed for about 5 minutes until smooth and creamy. Add the baking powder and baking soda, mix on low speed, and let the batter rest for 3 minutes. You’ll notice bubbles forming.
- Add the oil and vanilla extract and mix well. Slowly add the flour in 4 batches, folding gently after each addition to avoid overmixing.
- Once the batter is smooth, gently fold in the blueberry puree at the end using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix – this keeps the cake light and airy.
- Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan. Tap lightly to release air bubbles. Bake at 200°C for 10 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 170°C and bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 30 minutes, then gently demould and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Other Festive Recipes to Try This Christmas
While this blueberry bundt cake became my way of celebrating a new beginning at work, Christmas always nudges me back into my kitchen for a little more. Once one cake is done, there’s usually that quiet urge to bake something else – just because the season feels right.
If you’re in the same mood, there are plenty of Christmas recipes that fit different moments. Like – Chocolate Babka, Cashew Cake, Chocolate Strawberry Tart, Gingerbread Man Cookies, Brandied Christmas Fruit Cake, Strawberry Pound Cake, and much more.
Each recipe carries the same warmth and comfort. Bake for others, bake for yourself, or bake just to slow down before the year ends.
Final Thoughts
As the year slowly comes to an end, this Christmas gave me a moment to pause and take it all in. Starting something new, sharing small celebrations, and feeling welcomed made me realise how nicely this year is shaping up, even before it officially ends.
Baking this cake for Christmas felt like my own little way of celebrating – both the season and a fresh beginning. If you do end up trying it, I’d genuinely love to know how you liked it.
