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
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.
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.
That’s awesome Gen! Especially that kids are typically partial to chocolate chips 🙂
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.
I agree! I always say yes to pancakes 🙂
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?
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 🙂
Hello! This sounds yummy. But do you drain the ricotta?
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…
Wow! Just reading this post made me hungry. These look so lightweight and fluffy — the combination of flavors sounds delicious.
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
OMG! I must give this ricotta pancakes a try. Love the combination of lemon and ricotta cheese on pancakes.
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.
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.
Yum, I think adding ricotta in gives it such a great creaminess! These are beautiful.
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!
Thanks Catalina! Hope you’re having a happy Christmas!
Those pancakes look to die for. I always but extra ricotta when I make lasagna – totally using it for this now!
Totally! This is a great way to use extra ricotta cheese 🙂
Ricotta in pancakes???? That sounds amazing. I need to try this ASAP!
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 🙂
Thanks Sarmistha! I made the mistake of weighing myself this morning akkkk lol. Hope you like the pancakes!
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
Fiori di Sicilia sounds amazing. I haven’t used it actually, now I definitely need and want to 🙂
I could devour a stack of these!
Ooh this sounds so tasty!! I’ve never tried pancakes like this before but I love anything with citrus so definitely will!
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
Thank you! Hope you’re having a happy Christmas. And enjoy the pancakes!
Wow, these look amazingly light and fluffy, and easy to make, I’ll have to try this out!
I’ve just book marked this page. I am making these, I have some fresh Meyers lemons in the pantry.
Meyer lemons would be amazing. Hope you like them Stephanie!
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.
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.
I’m going to pin this recipe – I’ve been meaning to make my own pancakes for a while now!
These lemon ricotta pancakes look so fluffy and delicious. I would love to make them for breakfast.
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 🙂
Hi Dawn! Fellow Team Lemon! Hope you’re having a fabulous Christmas!
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!
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!
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!
Hope you got your lemon ricotta pancakes this morning 🙂 Happy holidays!
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 🙂
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!
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!
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.
Pancakes for dinner is always a welcome idea in our house 🙂
I’ll be making these this weekend!
I am always on the hunt for a good pancake recipe. Tried so many and still looking. Pinning to try this!
Hope you like them Rachel!
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.
Okay, now I am hungry! I have always enjoyed the scent of lemons. I never had it in pancakes but it sounds delicious.
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.
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!
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.
Homemade blueberry syrup sounds amazing Alicia!
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.
Yes please… oh I love pancake for breakfast. Would definitely whip this up in Christmas morning. Merry Christmas to you and Red!
Thanks Elizabeth! Merry Christmas to you and yours too 🙂
These photos are instagram worthy!! My son loves pancakes and this is going to be a big hit comes weekend. Thanks for the recipe!
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.
Certainly an interested flavor combination! They sound super-light – what would it take for you to send over a batch?!
These sound great! I’ve never heard of putting ricotta in a pancake like this, sounds awesome!
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…
This link should help, lots of options: https://tastessence.com/substitutes-for-ricotta-cheese
Your light fluffy lemon ricotta pancakes sound and look absolutely amazing! The lemon flavor must be super refreshing!
You had me at light and fluffy! These look amazing!
Oh what a wonderful way to start the morning. These pancakes sound super good and would be a great change of pace.
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!
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!
Nice! Now you can make them anytime you like. And it’s super easy too!
We had blueberry ricottapancakes recently but I love the idea of lemon! Totally going to try these!
Yummm now I want to have blueberry ricotta next! 🙂