Light Lemon Pancakes

Category: Start Your Day Right

Pancakes with a creamy ricotta twist and citrusy lemon zest. They're soft, light, and perfect for breakfast or brunch favorites.

Ranah
Updated on Mon, 05 May 2025 11:40:35 GMT
A lemon-topped stack of light pancakes, dusted with powdered sugar and creamy middle layers. Pin
A lemon-topped stack of light pancakes, dusted with powdered sugar and creamy middle layers. | chefemmakitchen.com

These Lemon Ricotta Pancakes bring a burst of sunshine to your morning table. I came up with this idea while looking for something unique for our Sunday gatherings, and they've turned into our can't-miss weekend tradition. The smooth ricotta mixed with tangy lemon peel makes these pancakes incredibly airy and soft – they're like biting into fluffy morning clouds.

Breakfast Bliss

There's real magic when you mix ricotta and lemon in pancakes. Every mouthful gives you that perfect mix of light, fluffy texture with a zingy citrus kick. My kids always hang around the stove watching them bubble up, each one begging to get the first batch. These pancakes turn even the most ordinary day into something worth getting up for.

Straight From My Home

  • Quality Flour: 1½ cups gently sifted for the best texture.
  • Simple Sugar: 2 tablespoons for that hint of sweetness.
  • Leavening Duo: 1 teaspoon each of baking powder and soda for maximum fluffiness.
  • Smooth Ricotta: ¾ cup whole milk, as fresh as possible.
  • Tangy Buttermilk: 1 cup to make them incredibly soft.
  • Bright Lemons: Zest from 2 plus 2 tablespoons juice for that sunshine flavor.
  • Country Eggs: 2 large at room temperature for better mixing.
  • Aromatic Vanilla: 1 teaspoon to add warmth.
  • Melted Butter: Just enough to create golden edges.
  • Maple Syrup: A generous drizzle on top makes everything better.
A stack of fluffy pancakes is topped with whipped cream and a slice of lemon, surrounded by lemon halves and sprinkled with powdered sugar. Pin
A stack of fluffy pancakes is topped with whipped cream and a slice of lemon, surrounded by lemon halves and sprinkled with powdered sugar. | chefemmakitchen.com

Crafting Morning Delights

Bowl One
Stir your dry stuff together with a light touch until everything's combined.
Wet Mixture
Beat the ricotta and lemon bits until they're smooth and look like puffy clouds.
Gentle Blend
Pour wet into dry and stir just enough – a few small lumps make better pancakes.
Hot Surface
Get your pan nice and warm, pour small rounds of batter, wait for those tiny bubbles, then flip once.
Breakfast Ready
Pile them up while still warm, add your favorite fruits and a drizzle of syrup for pure joy.

Personal Touches

I love throwing in handfuls of fresh blueberries or sprinkling ripe raspberries over the top. Crunchy almonds give a nice texture, and shredded coconut turns them into a tropical treat. For extra special days, a dollop of whipped cream on top makes everyone at the table smile.

Storage Smarts

You can keep these tasty cakes in your fridge for up to three days if you wrap them well. Pop extras between sheets of wax paper and freeze for quick breakfasts later on. A quick trip through the toaster brings back their just-made freshness.

Memorable Mornings

From lazy weekend brunches to birthday celebrations or just because you want to start your day right, these pancakes always bring a smile. Their cloud-like softness and bright lemony taste turn regular mornings into something you'll remember all day.

Zesty Breakfast Dreams

The real secret is how the smooth ricotta works with those fresh lemon zest flecks. Together they create something that's both cozy and refreshing at the same time. Each forkful reminds me why taking simple ingredients and treating them with care makes the most unforgettable breakfast moments.

A stack of fluffy pancakes topped with lemon slices and whipped cream, dusted with powdered sugar, is displayed on a white plate with additional lemon slices in the background. Pin
A stack of fluffy pancakes topped with lemon slices and whipped cream, dusted with powdered sugar, is displayed on a white plate with additional lemon slices in the background. | chefemmakitchen.com

Final Thoughts

Fluffy pancakes featuring creamy ricotta and fresh lemon. They're a sunshine-like treat, ideal for brunch or a comfy morning meal.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Why didn't my pancakes fluff up?

Don't overdo the stirring, a few lumps are good! Also, check your baking powder—it should be fresh to give the batter the right lift.

→ Can I prep the batter in advance?

Fresh batter always works better since leavening agents activate quickly. If you need to, keep dry and wet parts separate until you're ready to cook.

→ What can I use instead of buttermilk?

For a quick fix, combine 1 tablespoon of lemon juice with milk and let it sit for a few minutes. You’ll get a good alternative to buttermilk.

→ What makes ricotta a good addition?

Adding ricotta creates tender, moist pancakes. It also brings some protein into the mix and keeps everything light and airy.

→ Can I freeze leftover pancakes?

Cool them down completely, then stack with wax paper in between each. Pop them in the toaster or oven to reheat later!

Light Lemon Pancakes

Soft pancakes with lemon zest and creamy ricotta. Easy to whip up and delicious for any special breakfast or brunch spread.

Preparation Time
15 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
35 mins
By: emma

Category: Breakfast

Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Cuisine Type: American

Yield: 4 Servings (12 pancakes)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian

What You'll Need

01 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.
02 1 tablespoon lemon peel shavings.
03 1/2 cup smooth ricotta cheese.
04 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice.
05 1 cup tangy buttermilk.
06 1 cup plain white flour.
07 1 tablespoon granulated sugar.
08 1/4 teaspoon fine salt.
09 1 teaspoon baking powder.
10 1/2 teaspoon baking soda.
11 2 eggs, large size.
12 Butter for your pan.
13 Maple syrup to drizzle.
14 Lemon slices and fresh mint to decorate.

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Toss together the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and soda in a bowl.

Step 02

Blend ricotta, eggs, buttermilk, lemon peel, the juice, and vanilla in another bowl.

Step 03

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ones and gently mix. It's okay if it looks lumpy.

Step 04

Get your skillet hot over a medium flame and melt a bit of butter in it.

Step 05

Scoop about 1/4 cup batter for each pancake, cook until bubbles form, then flip and cook the other side.

Step 06

Drizzle syrup over the pancakes, then accent with lemon wedges and mint.

Additional Notes

  1. Great choice for a lazy Sunday breakfast.
  2. Handle the batter gently without overdoing it.

Tools You'll Need

  • A big frying pan.

Allergy Information

Check every ingredient for potential allergens. Consult a healthcare professional for concerns.
  • Milk-based products (buttermilk, ricotta).
  • Egg content.
  • Gluten (from flour).

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

These details are for informational purposes and don’t replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 220
  • Fats: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 9 g