Deliciously Fluffy Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
If you're looking for a delightful breakfast that combines the richness of ricotta cheese with the refreshing brightness of lemon, these lemon ricotta pancakes are exactly what you need! Fluffy, light, and bursting with flavor, these pancakes are perfect for leisurely weekend brunches or even as a quick weekday treat. With a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of pancakes that are not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying. Let's explore the ingredients you'll need, step-by-step instructions to make these delightful pancakes, and some helpful tips and reasons you'll love this recipe!
Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe:
Bright and Flavorful: The combination of lemon and ricotta creates a refreshing flavor that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch. These pancakes are a delightful departure from traditional breakfast options.
Fluffy and Moist: Thanks to the ricotta cheese and the combination of baking soda and baking powder, these pancakes are incredibly fluffy and moist, making each bite a pleasure.
Versatile Serving Options: Whether you prefer them topped with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream, these pancakes can be customized to suit your taste. They also make a fantastic base for a variety of toppings, including nuts or yogurt.
Perfect for Meal Prep: You can easily double this recipe and make a larger batch to enjoy throughout the week. Simply reheat the pancakes in the toaster or microwave for a quick and delicious breakfast option.
Helpful Tips:
Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh lemons for juice and zest. Fresh ingredients make a world of difference in the taste of your pancakes.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: A few lumps in the batter are fine; overmixing can result in tough pancakes. Gently fold the ingredients together until just combined.
Keep Pancakes Warm: If you’re making a large batch, keep the cooked pancakes warm in an oven set to the lowest temperature (around 200°F or 95°C) until you’re ready to serve.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to customize the pancakes by adding mix-ins like blueberries, chocolate chips, or nuts for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients You'll Need:
All-Purpose Flour (2 cups or 240g): This is the base of our pancake batter, providing structure and a tender crumb. All-purpose flour is versatile and readily available, making it an ideal choice for pancakes.
Granulated Sugar (1/4 cup or 50g): A touch of granulated sugar adds sweetness to the pancakes, balancing the tartness of the lemon. It helps create a lovely golden color when cooked, making your pancakes visually appealing.
Baking Soda (1 and 1/2 teaspoons): This leavening agent helps the pancakes rise and become fluffy. Baking soda reacts with the acidity of the lemon juice, giving the pancakes a light and airy texture.
Baking Powder (3/4 teaspoon): In addition to baking soda, baking powder provides extra lift, ensuring that your pancakes are perfectly fluffy and not dense.
Salt (3/4 teaspoon): A pinch of salt is essential for enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients and balancing the sweetness.
Large Eggs (2, room temperature): Eggs contribute moisture and richness to the batter. Using room temperature eggs ensures that they mix well and create a smooth batter.
Whole Milk (1 and 1/2 cups or 340ml): Whole milk adds creaminess and moisture to the pancake batter, resulting in rich and tender pancakes. If you prefer a lighter option, you can use low-fat milk, but the pancakes may be slightly less rich.
Full-Fat Ricotta Cheese (1 cup or 227g): Ricotta cheese is the star ingredient in this recipe, adding creaminess and a subtle tang. It contributes to the pancakes' moist texture and delightful flavor.
Pure Vanilla Extract (1 and 1/2 teaspoons): A splash of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile of the pancakes, adding warmth and depth.
Fresh Lemon Juice (1/4 cup or 57ml): Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides acidity, which brightens the flavor of the pancakes and balances the richness of the ricotta. Using fresh lemon juice is key to achieving that vibrant citrus flavor.
Lemon Zest (2 teaspoons): The zest of the lemon adds an intense lemon flavor without the acidity. It provides a wonderful aromatic quality that elevates the pancakes to the next level.
Maple Syrup or Fresh Whipped Cream: For serving, drizzle your pancakes with pure maple syrup for a touch of sweetness, or top them with freshly whipped cream for an indulgent treat. Both options enhance the flavor and presentation of your pancakes.
Instructions:
Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients first ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the room temperature eggs, whole milk, ricotta cheese, pure vanilla extract, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined. The ricotta cheese should be fully incorporated into the mixture, resulting in a smooth and creamy batter.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold everything together using a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to tough pancakes, so it’s best to keep the batter light and airy.
Let the Batter Rest: Allow the pancake batter to rest for about 10-15 minutes. This resting period lets the flour absorb the moisture, resulting in fluffier pancakes.
Preheat the Pan: While the batter rests, preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. To check if it’s hot enough, sprinkle a few drops of water onto the surface; if they sizzle and evaporate quickly, the pan is ready.
Cook the Pancakes: Lightly grease the skillet with cooking spray or a small amount of butter. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2-3 minutes. Flip the pancakes and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on the other side until golden brown and cooked through.
Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, transfer the pancakes to a warm plate. Serve them immediately with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. Garnish with additional lemon zest or fresh berries for a pop of color and flavor.
