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Start your day with a burst of flavor! Lemon Ricotta Pancakes are the fluffy breakfast delight you’ve been waiting for. These pancakes combine creamy ricotta and fresh lemon juice for a zesty twist on a classic. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll impress your family or treat yourself. Let’s delve into this delicious recipe that promises to brighten up your morning routine. Get ready to whip up something special!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Light and Fluffy: These pancakes are incredibly light due to the ricotta, making them a delightful breakfast treat.
- Zesty Flavor: The fresh lemon juice and zest add a refreshing zing that brightens up your morning.
- Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 10 minutes, these pancakes are perfect for a busy morning or a leisurely brunch.
- Versatile Toppings: These pancakes pair well with a variety of toppings, from berries to syrup, allowing for endless customization.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 large eggs
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 tablespoons melted butter (plus extra for cooking)
Important Ingredient Notes
Choosing the right ricotta cheese
For the best flavor, use whole milk ricotta. It has a creamy texture that makes the pancakes rich and fluffy. Look for fresh ricotta in the dairy section. Avoid the low-fat versions; they lack creaminess.
Fresh vs. bottled lemon juice
Fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor. It adds brightness and zest to the pancakes. Bottled lemon juice can taste flat and should be a last resort. Always zest your lemon before juicing for added flavor.
Alternative sweeteners
You can use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar. If you want a lower-calorie option, try stevia or agave syrup. Be sure to adjust the amounts since these sweeteners differ in sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Mixing the Wet Ingredients
First, grab a large bowl. Add 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 2 large eggs, the zest of 1 lemon, 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Whisk these together until smooth. This step is key. A smooth mix ensures your pancakes will be light and fluffy. If you see lumps, don’t worry. Just keep whisking until it looks creamy.
Preparing the Dry Ingredients
Next, take another bowl. Measure 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Add 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. It’s important to level the flour and sugar. Use a knife for this. This way, you get the right amount. Mix these dry ingredients well.
Cooking the Pancakes
Now, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter to coat the bottom. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on top and the edges look set. This takes about 2-3 minutes. Flip the pancakes carefully. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until they are golden brown. Remove them from the skillet and keep warm in a low oven. Repeat this with the rest of the batter, adding more butter as needed. Enjoy those fluffy pancakes warm!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving Fluffy Pancakes
To get your pancakes fluffy, avoid overmixing the batter. When you mix too much, the gluten in the flour becomes tough. This makes pancakes dense instead of light. Mix just until you see no dry flour. It’s okay if a few lumps remain.
Resting the batter is also key. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. This allows bubbles to form and makes the pancakes airy. The batter will thicken, leading to a better texture.
Cooking Techniques
Using a non-stick skillet is best for these pancakes. It helps them cook evenly and prevents sticking. If you use a regular skillet, you may need more butter. This can lead to uneven cooking, which we want to avoid.
Make sure to use the right amount of butter when cooking. Too little can cause sticking, while too much can make the pancakes greasy. Just a small amount is enough to coat the skillet. This helps create a nice golden crust.
Presentation Suggestions
For toppings, fresh berries are a great choice. They add color and flavor. You can also drizzle extra lemon juice on top for a zesty kick. A sprinkle of powdered sugar gives a nice touch too.
Serving these pancakes warm makes them even better. You can stack them high and add a side of yogurt. This adds creaminess and balances the flavors. Enjoying them with a cup of tea or coffee makes for a perfect breakfast treat.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh lemons for zest and juice to maximize the flavor of your pancakes.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined to keep your pancakes fluffy.
- Adjust Heat as Needed: If pancakes are browning too quickly, reduce the heat to ensure they cook through without burning.
- Keep Them Warm: Place cooked pancakes in a warm oven (around 200°F) to keep them warm while you finish cooking the rest.

Variations
Flavor Enhancements
You can add fun flavors to your Lemon Ricotta Pancakes. One way is by mixing in fresh berries. Try adding blueberries or raspberries to the batter. They create bursts of flavor with each bite. Plus, the bright colors make your breakfast look amazing.
Another option is to infuse herbs. A little thyme or basil adds a unique twist. These herbs pair well with lemon and ricotta. Just chop them finely and fold them into the batter. This gives your pancakes a fresh and savory taste.
Dietary Alternatives
If you need gluten-free pancakes, swap the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour. Make sure it has a good mix of starches. This helps keep the pancakes light and fluffy.
For vegan options, replace the eggs with flaxseed meal. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. You can also use a plant-based ricotta. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty pancakes.
International Twists
Lemon Ricotta Pancakes have roots in Italian cooking. You can explore different styles from around the world. For example, you can add a bit of coconut for a tropical flair. This reminds you of fluffy pancakes in tropical regions.
In Sweden, pancakes are thinner and often served with jam. You could serve your Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with berry jam for a twist. Each variation tells a story and adds a new layer of flavor.
Storage Info
Storing Leftover Pancakes
To keep leftover pancakes fresh, place them in an airtight container. Line the container with parchment paper to avoid sticking. If you plan to store them in the fridge, they last for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Lay the pancakes flat on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then stack them in a freezer bag. They will last for up to two months in the freezer.
Reheating Techniques
For reheating, I recommend using an oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the pancakes on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 10 minutes until warm. This method keeps them fluffy. If you choose the microwave, heat them in 15-second bursts. Be careful not to overheat, as this may dry them out.
Shelf Life
In the fridge, these pancakes last about three days. Always check for signs of spoilage. If they smell sour or have an off color, it’s best to toss them. Fresh pancakes should be light and fluffy. If they feel dense or hard, they may have gone bad.
FAQs
Can I make Lemon Ricotta Pancakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter in advance. Mix the wet ingredients first. Then, mix the dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Combine them just before cooking. This way, you keep your pancakes fluffy. Store the batter in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good stir before cooking.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta, try cottage cheese. Blend it smooth for a similar texture. Cream cheese is another option but may be richer. Greek yogurt can work too, giving a tangy flavor. Just adjust the sugar to taste, since yogurt can be tart.
How do I know when my pancakes are cooked?
Look for bubbles forming on the surface. The edges should look set, not wet. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes on medium heat. When you flip them, they should be golden brown. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until fully done.
Can I add other flavors to the batter?
Absolutely! You can mix in spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. Vanilla extract adds sweetness too. Fresh fruit, like blueberries or bananas, is a great addition. Just fold them in gently to keep the texture light.
Lemon Ricotta Pancakes are a delicious choice for breakfast. We covered main ingredients, from creamy ricotta to zesty lemon juice. I shared tips for making them fluffy and tasty. You learned cooking techniques, variations, and how to store leftovers.
Explore new flavors and make this dish your own. Happy cookin
Zesty Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
Delicious and fluffy pancakes made with ricotta cheese and fresh lemon juice.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 zest of 1 lemon
- 1 4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (plus extra for cooking)
In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Whisk together until smooth and well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a small amount of butter to coat the surface.
Pour about 1/4 cup of the pancake batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look slightly set (about 2-3 minutes).
Flip the pancakes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through.
Remove from the skillet and keep warm in a low oven. Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more butter to the skillet as necessary.
Serve the pancakes warm with extra lemon juice drizzled on top, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or fresh berries as desired.
Serve with extra lemon juice, powdered sugar, or fresh berries.
Keyword breakfast, lemon, pancakes, ricotta
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