WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Get ready to savor the joy of breakfast with my Lemon Ricotta Pancakes! This treat is fluffy, flavorful, and full of zest. You need just a few simple ingredients to whip up this delightful dish. In this post, Iβll walk you through the steps to create these tasty pancakes, share helpful tips, and explore fun variations. Ready to impress your family and friends? Letβs dive in!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of ricotta cheese and lemon zest creates a light and refreshing taste that elevates traditional pancakes.
- Fluffy Texture: The ricotta adds a creamy richness, making these pancakes incredibly fluffy and satisfying with every bite.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, these pancakes can be whipped up in about 20 minutes.
- Versatile Toppings: These pancakes pair wonderfully with maple syrup, fresh berries, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a delightful breakfast treat.
Ingredients
Complete List of Ingredients
To make lemon ricotta pancakes, you need:
β 1 cup ricotta cheese
β 1 cup all-purpose flour
β 1 tablespoon baking powder
β 1/2 teaspoon salt
β 1 tablespoon sugar
β 2 large eggs
β 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
β Zest of 1 lemon
β 1/2 cup milk (or more if needed)
β Butter or oil for cooking
β Optional: Maple syrup and fresh berries for serving
These ingredients come together to create a soft, fluffy pancake with a bright lemon flavor.
Substitutions for Key Ingredients
If you donβt have ricotta cheese, you can use cottage cheese. Just blend it until smooth. If you need a gluten-free option, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. For a dairy-free option, use almond or oat milk in place of regular milk. You can also use a plant-based yogurt instead of ricotta.
Nutritional Benefits of Each Ingredient
β Ricotta cheese adds protein and calcium.
β All-purpose flour offers carbohydrates for energy.
β Baking powder helps the pancakes rise, making them fluffy.
β Salt enhances the flavors.
β Sugar adds a touch of sweetness.
β Eggs provide protein and healthy fats.
β Vanilla extract gives a rich flavor.
β Lemon zest packs in vitamin C and brightens the taste.
β Milk hydrates the batter and adds creaminess.
β Butter or oil helps with cooking and adds flavor.
Each ingredient contributes to a balanced meal thatβs both tasty and nourishing. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Detailed Instructions for Making the Batter
To start, grab a large bowl. Add 1 cup of ricotta cheese and 2 large eggs. Mix them well. Then, pour in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and add the zest of 1 lemon. Next, add 1/2 cup of milk. Stir this mixture until it becomes smooth.
In another bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Whisk these dry ingredients together.
Now, slowly add the dry mix to the wet mix. Stir gently. Stop when the batter is just combined. It should look a little lumpy. If it feels too thick, add more milk by the tablespoon.
Cooking Tips for Flipping Pancakes
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease it with butter or oil. Use a ladle to pour the batter onto the skillet. Each pancake should be about the size of your palm.
Watch for bubbles to form on the surface of the pancake. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. When you see bubbles and the edges look set, itβs time to flip. Use a spatula to flip the pancake gently. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
If the heat feels too high, lower it to prevent burning. Repeat this with the rest of the batter.
Serving Suggestions for Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
Serve the pancakes warm. Top them with maple syrup for sweetness. Fresh berries add a nice touch, too. Blueberries or strawberries work great. You can also sprinkle some extra lemon zest on top for a burst of flavor. Enjoy your fluffy and flavorful lemon ricotta pancakes!
Tips & Tricks
How to Achieve Fluffy Pancakes
To make your lemon ricotta pancakes fluffy, start with fresh ingredients. Use room-temperature eggs for better mixing. When you mix the wet and dry ingredients, stir gently. This keeps air in the batter. Air helps the pancakes rise. If the batter feels thick, add more milk a tablespoon at a time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is over-mixing the batter. If you mix too much, your pancakes can turn out tough. Remember, a few lumps are okay! Another mistake is cooking on too high heat. Medium heat works best. This helps cook the pancakes evenly without burning them.
Enhancing Flavor with Additional Ingredients
You can enhance the flavor with fun additions. Try adding blueberries or chocolate chips for a twist. Some people love a dash of cinnamon for warmth. You can also mix in a little vanilla extract for depth. For a zesty kick, add more lemon zest. Each option brings a new taste and makes your breakfast exciting!
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ricotta: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh ricotta cheese. It makes the pancakes fluffy and rich.
- Donβt Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough pancakes.
- Adjust Consistency: If the batter seems too thick, gradually add milk to reach your desired consistency for fluffier pancakes.
- Perfect Cooking Temperature: Keep your skillet at medium heat. Too hot can cause burning while too low can lead to uneven cooking.

Variations
Gluten-Free Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
You can easily make gluten-free lemon ricotta pancakes. Just swap the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour. Use a one-to-one blend to keep the texture light. I suggest brands like Bobβs Red Mill or King Arthur. Follow the same steps in the recipe. Youβll still get those fluffy and tasty pancakes.
Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Different Fruits
Try adding fruits to your pancakes for new flavors. Blueberries and raspberries work great. You can fold them into the batter gently. Fresh slices of banana also add sweetness. You can even top the pancakes with mixed fruit for a colorful breakfast. The fruits enhance both taste and presentation.
Vegan Alternatives for Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
If you want vegan lemon ricotta pancakes, make a few simple swaps. Replace the ricotta cheese with silken tofu. Blend it until smooth for a creamy texture. Use plant-based milk, like almond or oat milk, instead of regular milk. For eggs, use flaxseed meal mixed with water. This creates a great binder. Lastly, keep the lemon zest for that fresh flavor. Enjoy your vegan twist on this classic dish!
Storage Info
Proper Storage Techniques for Leftover Pancakes
To keep your lemon ricotta pancakes fresh, store them in an airtight container. Let the pancakes cool to room temperature first. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This method keeps them fluffy.
How to Reheat Pancakes
Reheating pancakes is simple. You can use the microwave or a skillet. For the microwave, place pancakes on a plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for about 20-30 seconds. For the skillet, add a little butter over medium heat. Cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side. This way, they stay warm and tasty.
Freezing Lemon Ricotta Pancakes for Later Use
Freezing pancakes is a great way to save them. First, let them cool completely. Then, stack them with parchment paper in between. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to two months. When you want some, just thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat. Enjoy a quick breakfast with ease!
FAQs
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the batter ahead. Just mix all the wet and dry ingredients together. Then, store it in the fridge for up to 1 day. When you are ready to cook, give it a quick stir. If it seems thick, add a bit of milk to loosen it up.
What can I serve with Lemon Ricotta Pancakes?
These pancakes are great with many toppings. You can drizzle warm maple syrup over them. Fresh berries, like strawberries or blueberries, add a nice touch. Whipped cream or a dollop of yogurt also works well. For a bright twist, try a sprinkle of extra lemon zest.
How do I know when the pancakes are done cooking?
Pancakes are done when bubbles form on the surface. You should also see the edges looking set. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes on the first side. When you flip them, cook for another 1-2 minutes until they turn golden brown. If you are unsure, a toothpick can help. Insert it into the center; it should come out clean.
Lemon ricotta pancakes offer great flavor and nutrition. We covered ingredients, cooking tips, and even variations for dietary needs. Store leftovers properly to enjoy them later. Remember, you can tweak the batter and toppings to fit your taste. I hope you feel excited to try these pancakes at home. Enjoying delicious food can be simple and fu
Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
Fluffy pancakes made with ricotta cheese and lemon zest, perfect for breakfast.
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 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 zest lemon
- 0.5 cup milk
- as needed butter or oil for cooking
- optional maple syrup and fresh berries for serving
In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and milk until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; the batter should be slightly lumpy. If the batter is too thick, add more milk, one tablespoon at a time.
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil.
Pour a ladleful of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges appear set (about 2-3 minutes).
Flip the pancakes and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
Repeat with the remaining batter, adjusting the heat as necessary to prevent burning.
Serve warm with maple syrup and fresh berries on top for an extra burst of flavor.
Serve warm with maple syrup and fresh berries for added flavor.
Keyword breakfast, lemon, pancakes, ricotta
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?