Lemon Bundt Cake Hack

Main CoursePasta

Apr 24

Written By Lauren Lane

For the cake:

1 package lemon cake mix (see note 1)

3 ounces instant lemon pudding mix (see note 2)

2/3 cup water

1/2 cup olive oil or vegetable oil

1 teaspoon lemon zest (see note 3)

1/3 cup lemon juice from 2-3 lemons

4 large eggs

6 ounces blueberries, fresh or frozen

For the glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar

3 tablespoons water or lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Generously coat large Bundt pan with shortening or nonstick spray.

In a large bowl, whisk together cake mix and dry pudding. Add water, oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and eggs, and stir to combine. Carefully fold in blueberries.
Pour into prepared pan and bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean with a few crumbs attached.
Cool 15 minutes in pan. Invert on to a rack set over a baking sheet and cool completely.
To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, water, and vanilla. Drizzle over cooled cake and let harden for at least 10 minutes.:
Notes:
Blueberries: Both fresh and frozen blueberries work here, just be sure to use only 6 ounces (not more). You don’t need to thaw frozen blueberries; just toss them in frozen.
Yield: This Lemon Blueberry Cake makes 12 servings (or 9 if you like large slices).
Storage: Store covered at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap the unglazed cake in 2 layers of freezer-safe plastic wrap. Label, date, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before glazing.

You may also like my protein-packed Cottage Cheese Bagels!

Veggie-Loaded Version

If you’re looking to boost your daily vegetable intake, consider adding:

Spinach or Kale: Stir in a generous handful just before mixing the sauce with the pasta. The greens add color and a subtle earthiness that complements the creamy cottage cheese pasta sauce.
Cherry Tomatoes: Halved and lightly roasted, they offer a burst of tangy sweetness that balances the mild flavors of the sauce.
Broccoli or Zucchini: Lightly steamed or sautéed, these vegetables add texture and a nutritious crunch to your pasta with cottage cheese sauce.
Protein Boost
For those who prefer a heartier meal:
- Grilled Chicken: Sliced grilled chicken works perfectly, contributing a satisfying element without overwhelming the delicate sauce.
- Shrimp: A quick sauté of shrimp can take your dish to a sophisticated level—imagine a seafood twist on cottage cheese alfredo sauce.
- Tofu: For a vegetarian option, lightly pan-fried tofu cubes offer a satisfying protein boost that keeps the dish plant-friendly.
  Spicy Kick
  If you enjoy a bit of heat:
  - Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch added to the garlic during sautéing can give your sauce a pleasant kick.

Dairy-Free Alternative

For those who are lactose intolerant or seeking an alternative:

Cashew Cream: Soak cashews overnight, blend with water until smooth, and use as a substitute for cottage cheese. It won’t mimic a traditional cottage cheese pasta sauce exactly, but it makes for a delicious alternative.
Plant-Based Cottage Cheese: Many stores now offer dairy-free cottage cheese, which can be blended into a creamy sauce for a vegan version of pasta with cottage cheese sauce.
This section shows that regardless of your taste, there’s a variation to suit every preference—whether you’re a fan of a hearty cottage cheese alfredo sauce or prefer your dish light and vegetable-forward with a classic cottage cheese pasta sauce.

🗒 Substitutions

Sometimes the ingredients you want aren’t available. Here are some smart substitutions that keep the spirit of the dish intact:

Milk: Most types of milk work, though whole milk is best for creaminess. Unsweetened almond or oat milk can be used if you’re aiming for a dairy-free cottage cheese alfredo sauce.
Parmesan: Pecorino Romano or even a sharp cheddar can bring a delightful flavor twist to your cottage cheese cheese sauce.
Pasta: While I often choose fettuccine, you can try spaghetti, rigatoni, or even spiralized vegetable noodles for a gluten-free variation of cottage cheese pasta sauce.
Herbs and Spices: Fresh parsley or basil is ideal, but if unavailable, dried basil or an Italian seasoning blend works in a pinch. If nutmeg is missing, a tiny pinch of cinnamon may work—use very sparingly!
🗒 Best Served With
Pairing your dish with the right sides can make all the difference. Here are some of my favorite accompaniments for your pasta with cottage cheese sauce:
- A Crisp Green Salad: The fresh crunch of mixed greens, lightly tossed in a lemon vinaigrette, complements the creaminess of your cottage cheese pasta sauce.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, garlic bread remains a classic side that pairs perfectly with any pasta with cottage cheese sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly seasoned asparagus or green beans add both color and nutrition to your meal.
- A Glass of White Wine: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio serves as an ideal beverage to highlight the flavors of a refined cottage cheese alfredo sauce.
- Fruit-Infused Water: For a non-alcoholic option, serve refreshing water with slices of cucumber or lemon to cleanse the palate between bites.
These pairings are crafted to enhance the unique flavors of your dish, ensuring every bite of your cottage cheese cheese sauce creation remains satisfying.🤔 Common Questions
Every favorite recipe comes with its share of questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about this dish:
How much sauce should I add?
As much or as little as you’d like! If you like a lot of sauce you may want a double batch of sauce!
Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
Absolutely. Low-fat cottage cheese works in your cottage cheese pasta sauce for a lighter version. Keep in mind that the texture might be slightly less creamy, so you might consider blending it with a bit more milk or even a touch of cream for added richness.
Is this sauce suitable for vegans or those with dairy allergies?
Traditional cottage cheese is a dairy product. For a dairy-free pasta with cottage cheese sauce, try substituting with plant-based cottage cheese or blended cashews to create a creamy sauce. There are recipes available that mimic a cottage cheese alfredo sauce using cashews, nutritional yeast, and a splash of almond milk.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for meal prep?
Yes—you can prepare the sauce ahead of time, then combine them when ready to serve. Storing the components separately helps maintain the ideal texture. When reheating, add a bit of liquid to bring back the creaminess of your cottage cheese cheese sauce.
How can I make my sauce even smoother?
Blending is key. If your sauce isn’t as smooth as desired, try blending it a second time or using an immersion blender directly in the pan. A high-speed blender is ideal for achieving that silky cottage cheese pasta sauce texture.
What if my sauce seems too thick?
Simply add some reserved pasta water or milk gradually while stirring until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency. This method works well for keeping your pasta with cottage cheese sauce fluid enough to coat every piece of pasta.
Can I add other spices or ingredients?
Absolutely—cooking is all about personalization. Feel free to add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or a dash of smoked paprika for extra depth. Experimentation with your cottage cheese alfredo sauce is encouraged, so adjust the flavors to suit your taste.
I hope these answers address your questions and inspire you to make this dish your own. Whether you stick to the basics of a classic cottage cheese pasta sauce or try one of the variations of pasta with cottage cheese sauce, this recipe is versatile enough to become a staple in your kitchen.