Light and Amazing Lemon Ricotta Pancakes

Honestly, what is better than pancakes? There are so many different varieties that you can come up with from scratch! Today I’ve got this lovely and light lemon ricotta pancakes that you will enjoy any day of the week!

Lemon Ricotta Pancakes

I’ve mentioned before a LOT over the last few months that I’ve really had to get creative with all meals. Before the quarantine, I was pretty stuck in our food rotation. However, that included my mom bringing over meals, us going out to eat, and most of the family getting a lot of their meals elsewhere.

Why This Recipe Works:

Lemon Ricotta Pancakes are the epitome of a light and fluffy breakfast treat. The ricotta cheese adds a creamy richness, while the lemon zest imparts a zingy freshness that enlivens the palate. The combination of these flavors results in a perfectly balanced and indulgent pancake. Additionally, the airy texture achieved through the combination of ingredients is unparalleled compared to regular pancakes. This recipe is simple enough to whip up on a lazy morning, yet elegant enough to serve at a special brunch or gathering. The hint of lemon zest not only adds a delightful tang but also elevates the dish, making it feel refined and gourmet.

The delicate sweetness of these Lemon Ricotta Pancakes pairs beautifully with a range of toppings. From a simple dusting of powdered sugar to a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup, the possibilities are endless. For an extra burst of citrusy goodness, try serving them with a homemade lemon curd.

Lately though, I’ll be honest. I’m getting tired of my own food. Just the sheer thought of creating another meal for 5 people makes me feel super overwhelmed. I started turning to Pinterest for some new fresh ideas. 

FAQs about Lemon Ricotta Pancakes:

Q: Can I use store-bought ricotta or should I make my own?

A: Both store-bought and homemade ricotta work well in this recipe. If you have the time, homemade ricotta can add an extra touch of freshness.

Q: Can I use another type of citrus besides lemon?

A: Absolutely! You can substitute the lemon zest with orange or lime zest for a different flavor.

Q: Why are my pancakes not fluffy?

A: Overmixing the batter can cause pancakes to be dense. Mix just until combined for fluffy pancakes.

Q: Can I make the pancake batter ahead of time?

A: It’s best to make the batter just before cooking, but you can mix the dry ingredients in advance and then add the wet ingredients when you’re ready to cook.

It’s a good thing I love to cook because I’ve had to dig deep to find the motivation to cook everyday! Especially while trying to wrangle 3 kids, keep the house clean, workout and of course run a business all on my own. 

Tips and Tricks For Making Lemon Ricotta Pancakes:

1. Gentle Mixing: Gently fold in the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients to keep the pancakes light and fluffy.
2. Even Cooking: Use a griddle or a large flat pan for even cooking, and make sure it’s properly heated before adding the batter.
3. Perfect Size: Use an ice cream scoop or a 1/4 cup measuring cup to pour the batter onto the griddle for uniformly sized pancakes.
4. Fresh Ricotta: If using store-bought ricotta, opt for a fresh and high-quality brand for the best flavor and texture.
5. Check for Doneness: Look for bubbles on the surface of the pancakes and check if the edges are set before flipping.

I pretty much love lemon anything. I am a sucker for these lemon lime bars and this amazing lemonade recipe. This one is a bit different! Adding the lemon flavor to pancakes was something I did realize my breakfast cooking rotation needed.

Variations For These Pancakes:

1. Blueberry Lemon Ricotta Pancakes: Add fresh blueberries to the batter for a fruity twist.
2. Lemon Poppy Seed Ricotta Pancakes: Add a tablespoon of poppy seeds to the batter for a crunch and flavor reminiscent of lemon poppy seed muffins.
3. Almond Lemon Ricotta Pancakes: Substitute almond extract for the vanilla extract and add some slivered almonds for a nutty flavor.
4. Coconut Lemon Ricotta Pancakes: Add a tablespoon of coconut flour and some shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist.

Check out these amazing pancake recipes before you go!

• Easy St. Patricks Day Rainbow Pancakes
• Easy Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe For Brunch
• Amazing Healthy Homemade Peanut Butter Oat Pancakes
• Pawaffle Toast – French Toast Waffle Pancakes

If you are looking for a full list of fun and delicious sweet breakfast recipes be sure to check out this list –> The Best Sweet Breakfast Recipes

Yield: 10 medium pancakes

Light and Yummy Lemon Ricotta Pancakes

Prep Time: 1 minute

Total Time: 1 minute

A lovely light pancake recipe that is perfect for any occasion!

Print

Ingredients

• ¾ cups ice cold water
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• 1 heaping tablespoon grated lemon zest (3 small lemons)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (2 small lemons)
• 1 cup self-rising flour

Instructions

1. Whisk water and baking soda together in a mixing bowl. 
2. Add ricotta cheese, lemon zest, vegetable oil, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, butter, lemon juice, and flour until just combined. (Don’t over mix, lumps are okay)
3. Over medium-high heat, grease griddle or pan and scoop out ¼ cups of batter on the griddle or pan.
4. When the edges of the pancake start to look dry or when the pancake surface begins to bubble, flip and cook other side until cooked.

Nutrition Information

Yield

10

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 111Total Fat 5gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 3gCholesterol 29mgSodium 252mgCarbohydrates 13gFiber 0gSugar 3gProtein 3g

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Before you go, check out these great posts!

Easy Lemon Poppyseed Scones Recipe

Easy Copycat Chick-Fil-A Frosted Lemonade Recipe

Simple Lemon Muffins Recipe With 4 Ingredients

Nellie

Hi! I’m Nellie. I am an entrepreneur, a busy mama of 3 and a wife to my high school sweetheart. I have been sharing content for over 12 years about how to cook easy recipes, workout tips and free printables that make life a little bit easier. I have been featured in places like Yahoo, Buzzfeed, What To Expect, Mediavine, Niche Pursuits, HuffPost, BabyCenter, Mom 2.0, Mommy Nearest, Parade, Care.com, and more!

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