Are you ready to elevate your pancake game to a whole new level? Look no further than these mouthwatering Lemon Ricotta Pancakes. Bursting with tangy lemon flavor and creamy ricotta goodness, these pancakes are an absolute delight to the taste buds.
Whether you’re looking for a special breakfast treat or simply want to impress your family and friends, these pancakes are sure to become your new go-to recipe.
Ricotta Cheese: The Secret Ingredient for Perfect Pancakes
You may be wondering, “Cheese in pancakes? Really?” Trust us, it’s a game-changer. The ricotta cheese in these pancakes adds a level of moisture and richness that is simply unmatched. Don’t worry, you won’t actually taste the cheese. Instead, it creates a velvety texture and buttery flavor that will make you fall in love with every bite.
Unlike other types of cheese, ricotta has a mild and creamy flavor that pairs perfectly with the bright and citrusy notes of lemon. Think of it as a secret ingredient that takes your pancakes to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- Zest of 2 lemons
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Butter or oil for greasing the pan
- Fresh berries and maple syrup for serving (optional)
Lemon ricotta pancakes recipe
Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating these fluffy, lemony pancakes:
Step 1
Preheat your electric griddle or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. If using a skillet, make sure to lightly grease it with butter or vegetable oil.
Step 2
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients – flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Create a well in the center using your hands.
Step 3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, ricotta, eggs, and vanilla until well blended. Add melted butter, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the milk mixture and whisk until combined.
Step 4
Pour the wet mixture into the well of the dry ingredients and whisk gently until just combined. Remember, lumps are good in pancake batter as they lead to fluffier pancakes.
Step 5
Butter the griddle or skillet just before pouring the batter. Alternatively, you can use vegetable oil.
Step 6
Pour about 1/3 cup of batter onto the griddle for each pancake. Leave enough space between them to allow for spreading. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the bottom is golden brown, then flip and cook the other side until golden brown as well.
Step 7
Serve the pancakes immediately, drizzled with your favorite syrup or topping. We recommend trying them with fresh strawberry syrup, blueberry syrup, lemon curd, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Variations to Suit Your Taste
While these Lemon Ricotta Pancakes are perfect as is, you can always experiment with different flavors and add-ins to make them your own. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Blueberry or Raspberry: Add a handful of fresh blueberries or raspberries to the batter for bursts of juicy sweetness in every bite. Simply drop the berries onto each pancake after ladling the batter onto the griddle.
- Chocolate Chip: For the ultimate indulgence, mix in some chocolate chips into the batter. You can also swap the lemon zest for orange zest to create a heavenly chocolate orange combination.
- Cannoli Inspired: If you’re a fan of cannoli, why not add a touch of cinnamon to the batter? It will give your pancakes a delightful cannoli-inspired flavor that’s hard to resist.
Toppings to Take Your Pancakes to the Next Level
The possibilities for toppings are endless when it comes to Lemon Ricotta Pancakes. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
- Fresh Strawberry Syrup: Drizzle your pancakes with a homemade strawberry syrup made with fresh strawberries. It adds a burst of fruity goodness and pairs perfectly with the lemony pancakes.
- Blueberry Syrup: If you prefer a tangy and slightly tart flavor, try topping your pancakes with a homemade blueberry syrup. The combination of blueberries and lemon is simply divine.
- Jam: Spread your favorite jam or preserve over the pancakes for a burst of fruity flavor. Raspberry, strawberry, or even lemon curd would be delightful choices.
- Lemon Curd: Embrace the lemony goodness by topping your pancakes with a dollop of tangy and creamy lemon curd. It adds a delightful burst of citrus flavor.
- Butter and Powdered Sugar: Sometimes simplicity is key. Just a pat of butter and a sprinkle of powdered sugar can truly elevate these pancakes.
- Maple Syrup: If you’re a traditionalist at heart, you can never go wrong with classic maple syrup. Its rich and sweet flavor pairs perfectly with the lemon ricotta pancakes.
The Perfect Weekend Breakfast Treat
These Lemon Ricotta Pancakes are more than just a breakfast; they’re an experience. They’re the perfect way to kickstart your weekend and make every Saturday or Sunday morning feel like a special occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them with your loved ones or savoring a quiet moment alone, these pancakes will make your mornings brighter and more delicious.
More Breakfast Recipes to Explore
If you’re a breakfast enthusiast like us, you’ll love exploring other delicious recipes to start your day on the right note. Here are a few more breakfast ideas to inspire your culinary adventures:
- Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes: A classic pancake recipe that never disappoints. These fluffy buttermilk pancakes are a breakfast staple that everyone will love.
- Cinnamon French Toast: Indulge in the comforting flavors of cinnamon and vanilla with this delightful French toast recipe. It’s the perfect way to start your day on a sweet note.
- Eggs Benedict: Elevate your brunch game with this classic eggs benedict recipe. Poached eggs, Canadian bacon, and hollandaise sauce come together for a decadent and satisfying meal.
- Avocado Toast: Jump on the avocado toast trend with this simple and nutritious recipe. Top your toast with creamy avocado slices, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
