Fluffy Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Berries

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Start your morning right with these Fluffy Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, topped with fresh berries for a burst of flavor.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-13T17:18:49.645Z

These Fluffy Lemon Ricotta Pancakes are a delightful way to elevate your breakfast or brunch. The combination of light ricotta cheese and zesty lemon creates a unique texture and flavor that will impress your family and friends.

Why You'll Love These Pancakes

  • Lemon zest adds a refreshing twist to classic pancakes.
  • Ricotta makes them incredibly fluffy and rich.
  • Perfectly paired with a medley of fresh berries.

The Perfect Breakfast Treat

These Fluffy Lemon Ricotta Pancakes are the perfect breakfast treat for any day of the week. The combination of ricotta cheese and lemon zest not only makes the pancakes incredibly fluffy but also infuses them with a refreshing citrus flavor. They are light yet satisfying, making them a delightful choice for breakfast or brunch. Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea, and you have a meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

What sets these pancakes apart is the balance of texture and flavor. The ricotta cheese contributes to a moist interior, while the slight tang from the lemon zest brightens up each bite. These pancakes are sure to impress your family or guests, making them a go-to recipe for special occasions or leisurely weekends.

Berries: The Perfect Companion

Fresh berries are a natural complement to these luscious pancakes. Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries not only add a vibrant pop of color but also provide a burst of sweetness and acidity that balances the richness of the ricotta. You can mix and match your favorite berries or even add a fruit compote for extra flavor. Each berry adds its unique taste, enhancing the overall experience of this breakfast dish.

To elevate your pancake presentation, consider arranging the berries artfully on top of the stacks. A drizzle of maple syrup or a light dusting of powdered sugar can transform your pancakes into a gourmet dish, perfect for impressing brunch guests or enjoying a cozy morning at home.

Tips for the Best Pancakes

For the best results, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you begin. This helps create a smoother batter and ensures even cooking. Additionally, don't overmix the batter; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to dense pancakes, while gentle folding keeps them light and airy.

If you're making these pancakes for a crowd, you can keep them warm in the oven on a low setting. Simply place the cooked pancakes on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with foil. This way, everyone can enjoy their pancakes hot off the griddle without the hassle of cooking in batches.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your pancakes:

Pancake Ingredients

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Butter or oil for cooking

Topping Ingredients

  • Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
  • Maple syrup (optional)
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Make sure to have all ingredients prepped before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect pancakes:

Prepare the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, eggs, milk, and lemon zest until smooth. In another bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Cook the Pancakes

Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a little butter or oil. Pour 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake onto the skillet. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, about 3-4 minutes, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown.

Serve

Stack the pancakes on a plate, top with fresh berries, and drizzle with maple syrup or dust with powdered sugar as desired.

Enjoy your delicious pancakes!

Nutritional Benefits

These pancakes are not only delicious but also pack a nutritional punch. Ricotta cheese is a great source of protein and calcium, making these pancakes a wholesome option for breakfast. The addition of fresh berries increases the antioxidant content and adds dietary fiber, which is essential for a balanced diet.

Using whole grain flour instead of all-purpose flour can further enhance the nutritional value, providing more fiber and essential nutrients. This small substitution can help you start your day on a healthier note while still enjoying the fluffy texture and delightful flavors of these pancakes.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with different flavors in your pancake batter. Adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract can enhance the overall flavor profile, or you might consider incorporating spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm twist. These subtle changes can elevate your pancake experience, making them even more enjoyable.

For a fun twist, try adding chocolate chips or nuts into the batter. This not only adds texture but also creates a decadent treat that can satisfy sweet cravings. Pairing these variations with different toppings can keep your breakfast routine exciting and new.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these pancakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the pancakes and store them in the fridge. Reheat in a toaster or microwave.

→ What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?

You can use cottage cheese or even cream cheese for a different flavor and texture.

→ Can I freeze these pancakes?

Absolutely! Just separate them with parchment paper and store in an airtight container.

→ What kind of berries work best?

Any berries work well, but strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are particularly delicious.

Fluffy Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Berries

Start your morning right with these Fluffy Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, topped with fresh berries for a burst of flavor.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration10 minutes
Overall Time25 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Pancake Ingredients

  1. 1 cup ricotta cheese
  2. 1 cup all-purpose flour
  3. 2 large eggs
  4. 1/4 cup milk
  5. 1/4 cup sugar
  6. 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  7. 1 tablespoon baking powder
  8. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  9. Butter or oil for cooking

Topping Ingredients

  1. Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
  2. Maple syrup (optional)
  3. Powdered sugar (for dusting)

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, eggs, milk, and lemon zest until smooth. In another bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Step 02

Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a little butter or oil. Pour 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake onto the skillet. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, about 3-4 minutes, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown.

Step 03

Stack the pancakes on a plate, top with fresh berries, and drizzle with maple syrup or dust with powdered sugar as desired.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Total Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 140mg
  • Sodium: 240mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 12g
  • Protein: 10g