Vibrant Lemon Ricotta Pancakes Recipe

Milena Manolova

April 20, 2024 at 7:00 AM·6 min read

Pouring honey over stack of pancakes - Milena Manolova/Mashed

This recipe for lemon ricotta pancakes from recipe developer Milena Manolova combines the zesty vibrance of fresh lemon with the rich, luxurious texture of ricotta cheese. The result? A deliciously light and tender pancake. This recipe calls for yogurt instead of milk or buttermilk, which not only adds moisture to the batter but also imparts a tangy flavor that complements the tartness of the lemon and the creaminess of the ricotta cheese.

Simple enough for every day, these unique and easy-to-make pancakes are also perfect as a seriously good way to upgrade a lazy weekend brunch, especially if you dress them up with a few additions or toppings. Add in your favorite fruits: Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and even dark sweet cherries would pair well with the bright citrus flavor. You could also add chocolate chips or poppy seeds for a different twist -- the possibilities are endless! With their soft and fluffy texture, perfectly balanced flavors, and endless customization options, these lemon ricotta pancakes might become part of your breakfast repertoire.

Gather All The Ingredients For The Lemon Ricotta Pancakes Recipe

Ingredients for lemon ricotta pancakes - Milena Manolova/Mashed

Here is what you need to make these lemon ricotta pancakes: all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, plain yogurt, ricotta cheese, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vegetable oil or butter for brushing the skillet.

Step 1: Combine The Dry Ingredients

Bowl with flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder - Milena Manolova/Mashed

In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 2: Whisk The Remaining Ingredients

Bowl with yogurt, ricotta cheese, eggs, sugar, vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice - Milena Manolova/Mashed

In a separate bowl, whisk the yogurt, ricotta cheese, eggs, sugar, vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice, until smooth.

Step 3: Combine The Wet And Dry Ingredients

Bowl with pancake batter and flour - Milena Manolova/Mashed

Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients.

Step 4: Mix Until No Dry Patches Remain

Whisking pancake batter in a bowl - Milena Manolova/Mashed

Mix just until the batter is smooth and no dry patches remain.

Step 5: Grease A Skillet

Brushing a skillet with oil using silicon brush - Milena Manolova/Mashed

Brush some oil or butter onto a skillet on medium heat.

Step 6: Add Some Of The Batter To The Hot Skillet

Pancake batter on a skillet - Milena Manolova/Mashed

Add 2-3 heaping tablespoons of the pancake batter. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 7: Cook The Pancakes

Pancake on a skillet - Milena Manolova/Mashed

Repeat with the rest of the batter.

Step 8: Serve And Enjoy!

Stack of lemon ricotta pancakes on a plate with lemon slices on top and on the side - Milena Manolova/Mashed

Serve with your favorite toppings.

Can These Pancakes Be Made Gluten-Free Or Dairy-Free?

Holding a fork with a stack of pancakes over a plate with pancakes and lemons on the side - Milena Manolova/Mashed

Lemon ricotta pancakes can be customized to accommodate various dietary preferences. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour. Look for a blend that includes a mix of flours like rice flour, tapioca starch, and potato starch, which will help to create a light and fluffy texture in your pancakes. When using gluten-free flour, check if it has xanthan gum, if it doesn't, then add it yourself, as it can help to bind the ingredients together and give the pancakes structure. Gluten-free batters can sometimes be a bit thicker than regular batters. Letting pancake batter rest for 10-15 minutes before cooking will help to hydrate the flour and create a smoother texture (whether the batter is gluten-free or not). Gluten-free pancakes can be a bit more delicate than regular pancakes, so cooking them on a lower heat will help to prevent burning and create a more evenly cooked pancake.

The acidity in yogurt works as a replacement for buttermilk in the recipe and helps to activate the baking soda, resulting in light and fluffy pancakes. You can easily switch it out for a dairy-free version. Similarly, you can buy or make dairy-free ricotta cheese, such as cashew ricotta, to add tender creaminess without the dairy. To make the pancakes vegan, you can choose from a variety of egg substitutes, ranging from bananas to nut butter.

What Does Adding Ricotta Cheese Do To Pancakes?

Plate with lemon ricotta pancakes and a lemon slice on top - Milena Manolova/Mashed

When you add ricotta cheese to pancakes you enhance their texture, flavor, and nutritional value. It adds moisture and richness to the batter, resulting in a fluffy and tender crumb. Ricotta cheese has a mild, slightly sweet taste that adds a subtle depth of flavor to your pancakes. It's also a good source of protein, which can help make pancakes more satisfying. Since ricotta cheese adds volume to the batter, it can be used to replace some of the flour in the pancake recipe, making it lighter and more delicate.

If you don't have ricotta cheese on hand or are looking for a different flavor profile, you can substitute cottage cheese, sour cream, or mascarpone cheese. These ingredients will add creaminess and richness, but keep in mind that any of these substitutions will, more or less, affect the texture and flavor of the pancakes, which are likely to be less fluffy but with a tangier flavor than pancakes made with ricotta. You might need to adjust the amount of flour or yogurt in the recipe. Don't be afraid to experiment and find the right balance.