Lemon Ricotta Pancakes

Light, fluffy and extremely moist lemon ricotta pancakes! The use of egg whites makes them extra fluffy, while lemon and ricotta bring refreshing flavors. They are, to me, the ultimate pancakes recipe, and a definite breakfast favorite!

Ricotta cheese has a soft, moist, and slightly sweet texture that always works great in sweet and dessert recipes. Try it in this Lemon Ricotta Bundt Cake for instance: you will be amazed by the super moist crumb. Knowing my love for pancakes, it’s no surprise I then started looking for a ricotta pancakes recipe. After testing so many different versions, I finally came up with my own one that guarantees super soft, tender pancakes.

While I love a great basic pancakes recipe I can rely on, these lemon ricotta pancakes are my favorite pancakes – and they’ve been for years. They take a little bit more time and effort to make, but I promise they are worth it. They’re delicious as is, or with a simple drizzle of maple syrup and some fresh berries.

What goes into lemon ricotta pancakes?

• Ricotta cheese. Use plain, whole milk ricotta cheese for richness of flavor. Ricotta also brings moisture and refreshing notes to the pancakes.
• Lemon. You need both the juice and the zest (the latter is what brings all the lemony flavors to the pancakes).
• Buttermilk. Together with the ricotta, it brings moisture to the pancakes (as it does to many other baked goods, such as banana bread for instance).
• Eggs. While most pancakes recipe call for whole eggs, this one uses beaten egg whites on one hand and one yolk on the other end. The use of whipped egg whites helps create the fluffy texture, while the yolk ensure some richness.
• Flour + baking powder + baking soda. They help the lemon ricotta pancakes to hold their shapes and add a gentle lift while baking.
• Sugar. For some sweetness. You don’t need much, since you will probably drizzle maple syrup other your pancakes.

Why use ricotta in pancakes?

Cheese in pancakes, really? Oh yes, believe me! Ricotta has a rich and fresh texture, both firm and supple at the same time, with a slightly sweet flavor. It also has a high moisture content which makes the pancakes melt in your mouth. I recommend to use plain, whole milk ricotta (rather than part-skim ricotta) for richness of flavor.

The use of egg whites for fluffy pancakes

Using whipped egg whites is quite unusual in pancakes, but it’s the secret that create light and extra fluffy pancakes. While folding the whipped egg white into the batter, there should be still white bits of egg whites floating in the batter (as for a magic cake), which is totally fine. Combine gently but please do not over-stir to ensure an airy texture.

How to make lemon ricotta pancakes?

Let’s be honest here: making lemon ricotta pancakes takes a little bit more time and effort than your basic pancakes recipe.

• Prepare the dry ingredients. In a mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients together and set aside.
• Mix all the wet ingredients. In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, ricotta, egg yolk, vanilla, lemon juice and zest.
• Beat the egg whites, until soft and fluffy, using an electric hand mixer.
• Mix together. Gently fold in the beaten egg whites to the ricotta mixture, until just combined (it’s ok with some white bits remain), then stir in the flour mixture in two or three additions.
• Cook. Pour about 3 Tablespoons of batter for each pancake, and cook in a non-stick skillet over medium heat with a little bit of butter or canola oil, until set and golden on each side.

How to serve lemon ricotta pancakes?

To serve, dust with icing sugar, and top with fresh berries (keep in mind that blueberries and lemon always pair very well – but other berries work too), some fresh mint, and generously pour some maple syrup on top. Breakfast is ready!

Quick recipe variation

Lemon juice and zest add some bright, refreshing flavors to the pancakes. For a little variant, you can replace with some orange juice and zests (in the same amount of liquid).

More pancakes recipes:

• Basic Pancakes Recipe (to keep a lifetime)
• Crepes Recipe
• Fluffy Banana Pancakes
• Nutella-Stuffed Pancakes
• Healthy Apple Pancakes
• Whole Wheat Pancakes

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