Fluffy Lemon Ricotta Pancakes

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

Start your day with these light and airy pancakes that are bursting with fresh lemon flavor and creamy ricotta.

Ella

Created by

Ella

Last updated on 2025-12-08T16:21:28.555Z

These Fluffy Lemon Ricotta Pancakes are the perfect way to brighten up your breakfast routine. With a delightful combination of tangy lemon and creamy ricotta, they offer a unique twist on the classic pancake. Whether it's a special occasion or just a lazy Sunday morning, these pancakes are sure to impress!

Why You'll Love These Pancakes

  • Light and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
  • Bright lemon flavor that awakens your taste buds
  • Rich in protein from the ricotta, making them a satisfying meal
  • Versatile – perfect with syrup, fresh berries, or whipped cream

Perfect for Any Occasion

Fluffy Lemon Ricotta Pancakes are incredibly versatile, making them an ideal choice for breakfast, brunch, or even a delightful dinner. Their light and airy texture, combined with the refreshing lemon flavor, makes them perfect for warm summer mornings or cozy winter afternoons. You can easily adapt these pancakes to suit any occasion, whether you're hosting a holiday brunch or enjoying a quiet weekend at home.

These pancakes also make for a great base for creative toppings. While traditional maple syrup is always a hit, consider pairing them with fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a gourmet touch. Experimenting with different toppings allows you to customize the dish to your taste, ensuring that every bite is a unique experience.

Health Benefits of Ricotta

Incorporating ricotta cheese into your pancakes not only adds a creamy texture but also boosts their nutritional value. Ricotta is rich in protein, which helps keep you feeling satisfied and full longer. This makes these pancakes an excellent choice for a hearty breakfast that can energize your day without the post-meal slump often associated with sugary options.

Additionally, ricotta contains essential nutrients such as calcium and vitamin A, contributing to bone health and overall well-being. By choosing these Fluffy Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, you're treating yourself to a delicious meal that also supports your health goals.

Tips for the Best Pancakes

To ensure your pancakes turn out perfectly fluffy, avoid over-mixing the batter. It’s okay if there are a few lumps; this will help the pancakes rise better. Letting the batter rest for a few minutes before cooking can also enhance the texture, allowing the baking powder to activate fully, resulting in light and airy pancakes that everyone will love.

Another tip is to keep your skillet at a consistent medium heat. Too hot, and the pancakes will burn on the outside while remaining raw on the inside. If you're uncertain, do a test pancake to determine the right temperature and adjust as necessary. This small step will help you achieve that golden-brown color and perfect texture.

Ingredients

Ingredients

Pancake Ingredients

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Butter or oil for cooking

Mix all ingredients well for a smooth batter.

Instructions

Instructions

Prepare the Batter

In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, milk, eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.

Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid over-mixing.

Cook the Pancakes

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little butter or oil. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Serve

Serve warm with your favorite toppings such as syrup, fresh berries, or whipped cream.

Enjoy your delicious pancakes!

Serving Suggestions

These Fluffy Lemon Ricotta Pancakes are incredibly adaptable when it comes to serving options. For a refreshing twist, top them with a medley of seasonal fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. The tartness of the berries will complement the lemon flavor beautifully and add a pop of color to your plate.

For those who enjoy a sweeter touch, consider drizzling honey or agave syrup over the pancakes. A sprinkle of chopped nuts can also add a delightful crunch, making each bite exciting. Don't forget to offer a side of Greek yogurt or crème fraîche for a creamy contrast.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftover pancakes, storing them is easy. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for up to a month. When you're ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in a toaster or microwave until warmed through.

For those who prefer a freshly made taste, reheating them in a skillet with a little butter adds a lovely crispness to the outside. This method helps maintain the fluffy texture while giving them a delightful golden hue, making it feel like you're enjoying them fresh off the griddle.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a gentle stir before cooking.

→ Can I freeze leftover pancakes?

Absolutely! Allow them to cool completely, then stack them with parchment paper in between and freeze. Reheat in the toaster or microwave.

→ What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?

You can use cottage cheese or Greek yogurt as a substitute, but the flavor and texture will vary slightly.

→ How can I make these pancakes dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free ricotta alternative and substitute milk with almond milk or any other plant-based milk.

Fluffy Lemon Ricotta Pancakes

Start your day with these light and airy pancakes that are bursting with fresh lemon flavor and creamy ricotta.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration15 minutes
Overall Time25 minutes

Created by: Ella

Recipe Type: Quick & Easy

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Pancake Ingredients

  1. 1 cup ricotta cheese
  2. 1 cup all-purpose flour
  3. 1 tablespoon baking powder
  4. 2 tablespoons sugar
  5. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  6. 1 cup milk
  7. 2 large eggs
  8. Zest of 1 lemon
  9. 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  10. Butter or oil for cooking

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, milk, eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth.

Step 02

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.

Step 03

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid over-mixing.

Step 04

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little butter or oil. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Step 05

Serve warm with your favorite toppings such as syrup, fresh berries, or whipped cream.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 6g
  • Protein: 12g