Whip up a batch of these light fluffy lemon ricotta pancakes and start the day with sunshine on a plate! Bright lemon flavour, not too sweet, soft as a cloud.
Hi! How are you? We’re a week away from Christmas…are you all set? As of today, we’ve already gone to three holiday parties. And have done zero minimal workouts. I think of it as Santa’s gift to me lol.
If you’re looking for a break from all the rich, decadent holiday food (all that glorious food), you’ve come to the right place! I have these fantastic lemon ricotta pancakes for you. Light, bright flavours. Soft and airy. A most wonderful way to start the day.
So whether it’s Christmas morning or just your regular Saturday, make a batch of these pancakes and start the day happy.
Official Pancake Maker
I want a proper Belgian waffle maker
for Christmas (Red, are you reading this?). We’ve owned a few over the years, each of which we returned to the store because, well, they suck.
I’ve been asking around so that our next one will be The One (do you have a recommendation?) but in the meantime, I’ve been busy experimenting with all kinds of pancakes, earning me the much coveted title of Official Pancake Maker.
Have you tried these?
While I love both of them, these light fluffy lemon pancakes are my favourite.
Light fluffy lemon ricotta pancakes
First because it’s lemon. Those of you who’ve been with me since the start of TUB (thanks xoxo!) know I’m Team Lemon all the way (I have a whole category dedicated to lemons!).
But more than that, these pancakes are super soft and fluffy. You’d need to work the egg whites separately to give the pancakes their height and fluffiness but it’s totally worth it.
Third, it’s light and bright. Pancakes are usually rich and decadent but these are not overly sweet and I find that I prefer not to drown them in maple syrup (don’t judge me). It’s really a great recipe if you don’t feel like eating dessert for breakfast (let’s get real for a moment…I say no to dessert for breakfast too…sometimes…ok not very often…but it happens!).
Lemons > winter
Most people bake and cook with lemons in the spring and summer but I really love working with them in the winter. Citrus fruits are at their best in the winter and how can you say no to cheerful yellow things in the midst of a snow storm?
Hope you try these lemon ricotta pancakes one weekend soon. They are happy dance-worthy.
Related: How to Take Stunning Food Photos
Light Fluffy Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
Ingredients
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 3 egg yolks slightly beaten
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 3 egg whites
- 1 1/2 cups cake flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt divided
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk 1 cup ricotta cheese, 1 cup milk, 3 egg yolks, 1/4 cup sugar, 3 tbsp lemon juice and 1 tbsp lemon zest until smooth and fully incorporated. Set aside.
- Using a handheld electric mixer, a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment or a large bowl and a balloon whisk, beat the 3 egg whites until foamy. Add 1/8 teaspoon salt and continue whisking until you reach soft peaks.
- Prep your pan by placing it on the stove on medium heat so it's ready as soon as you mix your wet and dry ingredients. In the meantime, go back to your ricotta cheese mixture and sift 1 1/2 cups cake flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, and the rest of the salt over it. Stir until just combined (see note 1).
- Then gently fold your egg white mixture into your batter a third at a time. What you're looking for is a light, fluffy mixture.
- Put some oil or butter (or a combination) into your pan and pour the pancakes 1/3 cup at a time. Cook until golden brown at the bottom (2-3 minutes) then flip. Cook another 1-2 minutes (see note 2).
- Serve warm topped with maple syrup and your favourite toppings like dried blueberries.
Notes
- Do not over stir the batter. At this stage, you're not looking for a smooth and creamy mixture. Little lumps of flour is OK.
- Every stove is different so time and watch your first couple of pancakes to see what the right cook time is for you.
- These pancakes freeze really well. Just put them in a Ziploc bag (separated with parchment paper so they don't stick together) and freeze. Then just microwave each pancake for about a minute (no need to thaw) and you'll have good-as-new lemon ricotta pancakes!
Happy cooking!
Did you make lemon ricotta pancakes? What’s your favourite kind of pancakes? I’d love to hear from you in the comments section below.
Here are other breakfast and brunch ideas for you:
-
- Basic Granola Recipe
-
- Easy Huevos Rancheros
-
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
-
- Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash
And let’s get social! Find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, Google+ and Flipboard.
Or subscribe so you don’t miss a recipe. I promise I don’t spam (I hate spam too).
Do you want to improve your food photography, monetize your blog or start your very own food blog? Check out my Blogging Resources.
Sue Coughlin says
Wow. We went to brunch in Philadelphia this weekend and my husband was disappointed that he didn’t get the lemon ricotta pancakes that our friend got. I looked these up on line and made them tonight with fresh blueberries maple syrup and just a squirt of fresh whipped cream. Next time I will use a bit more lemon zest because my lemons were small. I think the cake flour, whipped egg whites, folding gently made all the difference. My husband had six pancakes . Thanks for the recipe. Wonderful with a breakfast meat for any meal.
Jolina says
Awww I’m glad your husband got to have his pancakes! Thanks for your kind words Sue, made my day 🙂 Have a lovely spring/summer!
Gen says
Weekends are pancake days at home and one weekend I decided to make your lemon pancakes. I wasnt sure how the kids would like it but they loved it and are requesting for more. It is so soft.
Jolina says
That’s awesome Gen! Especially that kids are typically partial to chocolate chips 🙂
Noida says
I’m so glad tomorrow is Sunday because that means I have a little extra time to make these! Yay – they look fabulous, I’m always searching for a delicious lemon ricotta pancakes recipe. Pancakes are always a good idea, no matter what season it is. I really like this recipe. I am very excited to try this recipe. Thanks for sharing useful ingredients.
Jolina says
I agree! I always say yes to pancakes 🙂
Laura says
These are so delicious! My pancakes didn’t look as fluffy as yours ha! but they were so soft. I wonder if I can use this same recipe for waffles?
Jolina says
Hi Laura! So glad you liked them. I haven’t actually tried them as waffles but I think that’s a delicious idea. Let me know how it goes 🙂
Theresa says
Hello! This sounds yummy. But do you drain the ricotta?
Jolina says
Hi Theresa! I buy ricotta in a tub which doesn’t typically have a lot of liquid in it. So I don’t drain it…
Olivia Stacey says
Wow! Just reading this post made me hungry. These look so lightweight and fluffy — the combination of flavors sounds delicious.
Becca Talbot says
I can’t say I’ve ever tried pancakes with Ricotta before! These look and sound delicious, and the recipe is pretty simple to follow too – thanks for sharing, I’m gonna bookmark this one for later 😉 x
Wanda Lopez says
OMG! I must give this ricotta pancakes a try. Love the combination of lemon and ricotta cheese on pancakes.
Lauren says
Oh wow my goodness these look amazing! I have to try these immediately!! So delicious! Thanks for the recipe! my family is going to enjoy these for sure.
Paige says
Oh they look so soft. Just seeing them makes my mouth water. Thanks for sharing the tip on working more on the egg and adding lemon. Lovely tips. I am going to try this recipe out today itself.
Jenni LeBaron says
Yum, I think adding ricotta in gives it such a great creaminess! These are beautiful.
CATALINA NINI says
Pancakes are always a good idea, no matter what season it is. How come yours are so fluffy ?? I never manage to get mine to look so great. But I guess I need more practice :D. Anyways, I hope that Santa listens to you and brings you The Belgian Waffle Maker. Merry Christmas!
Jolina says
Thanks Catalina! Hope you’re having a happy Christmas!
Michelle says
Those pancakes look to die for. I always but extra ricotta when I make lasagna – totally using it for this now!
Jolina says
Totally! This is a great way to use extra ricotta cheese 🙂
Julie says
Ricotta in pancakes???? That sounds amazing. I need to try this ASAP!
Sarmistha Goswami says
Ask me about parties and minimal workout! I have taken a week off from workout and don’t even want to count the amount of sinful food am having! So yeah, I do need healthy recipes more than ever and these pancakes look yummy. Am definitely trying this one and I hope you find your Waffle Maker real soon 🙂
Jolina says
Thanks Sarmistha! I made the mistake of weighing myself this morning akkkk lol. Hope you like the pancakes!
Ali Rost says
This recipe comes closest to the lemon ricotta pancakes we had at FIG in Santa Monica which were heavenly. Whenever I make them, I like to mix the ricotta completely and add a bit of Fiori di Sicilia for a bump in the citrus flavor. Separating and beating the egg whites makes all the difference. Definitely worth the effort. x
Jolina says
Fiori di Sicilia sounds amazing. I haven’t used it actually, now I definitely need and want to 🙂
Arlene Mobley says
I could devour a stack of these!
Laura says
Ooh this sounds so tasty!! I’ve never tried pancakes like this before but I love anything with citrus so definitely will!
RALy says
I’m definitely printing this recipe. I love love ricotta cheese therefore I’m going to try and make it. I hope you get your waffle maker for Christmas
Jolina says
Thank you! Hope you’re having a happy Christmas. And enjoy the pancakes!
Rachel says
Wow, these look amazingly light and fluffy, and easy to make, I’ll have to try this out!
Stephanie Sherlock says
I’ve just book marked this page. I am making these, I have some fresh Meyers lemons in the pantry.
Jolina says
Meyer lemons would be amazing. Hope you like them Stephanie!
Veena Azmanov says
I love Ricotta Pancakes. I think they are the best when it comes to light and fluffy pancakes. These look so pretty! I love the pop of color from the blueberries.
Marisa Franca says
What great looking pancakes. I think the touch of lemon gives them a fresh taste and the ricotta cheese – wow, great combination of ingredients. This would certainly be a special breakfast.
Kacie Morgan says
I’m going to pin this recipe – I’ve been meaning to make my own pancakes for a while now!
Vasundhra says
These lemon ricotta pancakes look so fluffy and delicious. I would love to make them for breakfast.
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
Yay for team lemon! These look delicious, Jolina! I would love to have these over the holidays with some bacon, juice and coffee and definitely minimal workout time 😉 Hope Santa brings you that waffle maker….and I’m definitely doing a happy dance 🙂
Jolina says
Hi Dawn! Fellow Team Lemon! Hope you’re having a fabulous Christmas!
Ana De- Jesus says
How lovely that you have been to three parties already that really is incredible! You are right that these pancakes are super fluffy! I love lemon too so its a win win for me!
Jolina says
Hi Ana! Parties are great, though I can barely fit into my jeans now LOL! Ah well…it’s Christmas anyhow 🙂 Hope you’re having fabulous holidays!
soonjoo says
My husband made me lemon ricotta pancakes last weekend and it was absolutely delicious! I never had pancake with ricotta cheese but this little addition makes huge different on taste! Since lemon is all year round and the price doesn’t really change in where I live maybe this time I’ll try to make lemon ricotta pancake for my husband this Christmas!
Jolina says
Hope you got your lemon ricotta pancakes this morning 🙂 Happy holidays!
Albert Bevia says
This is my kind of pancake, let me tell you, I will be making these beauties on x-mas morning for the family, thank you for this amazing recipe 🙂
Jessica Robinson says
My goodness do these pancakes look delicious! I love the idea of lemon and ricotta. All that’s missing is fresh blueberries on top! Thanks for sharing!
Sadaf says
These fluffy pancakes make me want to whip a batch right now. I’ll try your recipe next, all on the look out for perfect pancakes recipe!
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy says
These sound perfect for brunch or even dinner. I would also be tempted to use them as a base for dessert too. So many options with this tasty recipe.
Jolina says
Pancakes for dinner is always a welcome idea in our house 🙂
Komal says
I’ll be making these this weekend!
Rachel says
I am always on the hunt for a good pancake recipe. Tried so many and still looking. Pinning to try this!
Jolina says
Hope you like them Rachel!
Caitlin says
You can tell from the picture how light those are! They look like a totally different type of pancake from what I’m used to. Perfect for this season.
Tami says
Okay, now I am hungry! I have always enjoyed the scent of lemons. I never had it in pancakes but it sounds delicious.
Denise Wright says
I agree about citrus in winter….it really can brighten your mood. I too am on team lemon. However my hubby is an even bigger lemon fan. I already tagged him on FB. Let’s see if he gets the hint and makes these. He’s our official waffle maker so I think he’s up to the task.
Jolina says
Nice! I love how you guys have an office waffle maker haha 🙂 Hopefully I get my very own waffle maker soon. Hope you’re having a great day Denise!
Alicia Taylor says
Oh my! I will have to try these for Sunday breakfast when we have company over. They seem like a nice upgrade from standard fare. I’ll bet my homemade blueberry syrup would accent that lemon nicely.
Jolina says
Homemade blueberry syrup sounds amazing Alicia!
Cassie says
YES PLEASE! I absolutely love pancakes but have never tried a combination like this before! Sounds delicious! Can’t wait to make up a batch.
Elizabeth says
Yes please… oh I love pancake for breakfast. Would definitely whip this up in Christmas morning. Merry Christmas to you and Red!
Jolina says
Thanks Elizabeth! Merry Christmas to you and yours too 🙂
Sharon says
These photos are instagram worthy!! My son loves pancakes and this is going to be a big hit comes weekend. Thanks for the recipe!
Lois Alter Mark says
Oh my goodness, these sound absolutely delicious- and they look it,too! What a great way to lighten up a typically heavy morning staple. Would definitely help to start my day off on a bright note.
Scott says
Certainly an interested flavor combination! They sound super-light – what would it take for you to send over a batch?!
Stephanie says
These sound great! I’ve never heard of putting ricotta in a pancake like this, sounds awesome!
Anna says
Not fond of ricotta…. I can’t get past the texture. Is there anything you suggest to swap out the ricotta for? Those pancakes look delicious though…
Jolina says
This link should help, lots of options: https://tastessence.com/substitutes-for-ricotta-cheese
Heather Johnson says
Your light fluffy lemon ricotta pancakes sound and look absolutely amazing! The lemon flavor must be super refreshing!
Brandi says
You had me at light and fluffy! These look amazing!
Liz Mays says
Oh what a wonderful way to start the morning. These pancakes sound super good and would be a great change of pace.
Tonya says
I mean, what is better than lemon with blueberry!! Nothing! Lol! These look AMAZING! Plus “soft and airy”? Yes please!
Can’t wait to try these!
Nellwyn says
They used to have amazing lemon ricotta pancakes at this breakfast place near by house and I was SO sad when they look them off the menu recently. I’m very happy to have found this recipe so I can make them for myself at home!
Jolina says
Nice! Now you can make them anytime you like. And it’s super easy too!
Neely Moldovan says
We had blueberry ricottapancakes recently but I love the idea of lemon! Totally going to try these!
Jolina says
Yummm now I want to have blueberry ricotta next! 🙂