These zesty lemon ricotta pancakes are absolutely divine! They are so flavorful, buttery, moist with the perfect lemon flavor. Truly one of the best pancake recipes ever!
Check out our fluffy pancake recipe and pumpkin pancakes!
After having the lemon ricotta pancakes at Plow in San Fransisco, I knew I needed to come up with my own recipe. They had a very strong lemon flavor, so I knew I couldn’t be shy with the lemons.
It was Zan’s idea that I try making my own homemade ricotta because to get them tasting as good as Plow’s, it was important to use the best of the best. And let’s face it, homemade is always better.
We had leftovers, so Zan slathered it all over a frozen pizza as well, which took it to another level. Yes, we eat frozen pizzas over here from time to time… we’re working parents! Anyway, these pancakes are so delicious and would be a great addition to a festive Easter brunch or a sweet Saturday morning breakfast.
Ricotta Pancakes
Table of Contents
Whoever thought of adding ricotta to pancake batter – hats off to you! It really is an inspired addition to a regular pancake recipe. The pancakes definitely don’t taste ‘cheesy’, but rather have a wonderfully milky richness and creaminess to each bite. You have to give them a go!
How To Make Homemade Ricotta Cheese
Using homemade ricotta really does make the difference. I followed Ina’s recipe, which is so simple, you’ll be amazed!
Essentially, heat and stir your ingredients, let stand for a moment and then drain through cheesecloth. Super simple and so delicious!
However, if you want to save time (and dishes) you can use store-bought ricotta. Get a good, organic brand if you can.
Lemon Ricotta Pancakes – Perfect For Brunch
Pancakes are always popular at brunch, and these lemon ricotta pancakes just bring them to the next level, with their rich flavor and fluffy texture.
Not only do they taste extra special but they really are easy to whip up! Perfect for brunch gatherings.
Tips For Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
- Do not over mix your ingredients or you will get tough pancakes.
- The batter will be thicker than regular pancake batter and will be clumpier with the cheese.
- Use a cookie scoop or pancake dispenser.
- Make sure your pancakes are nice and golden brown before flipping.
Check Out These Other Great Brunch Recipes
The Best Banana Bread Recipe Ever
Our Favorite Blueberry Muffins
The Best Chorizo Quiche Recipe
All of our favorite brunch recipes!
Let us know if you make these lemon ricotta pancakes by leaving a comment and review below! We’d love to know your thoughts!
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Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Homemade Ricotta
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 1 cup organic whole milk
- 1 organic egg
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste, or vanilla extract
- 1 cup homemade ricotta cheese
- 1/3 cup + 3 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Combine the flour, baking powder, white sugar and salt in a bowl.
- Whisk lightly a few times to mix.
- In a large bowl, combine the milk, egg, melted butter, vanilla, lemon juice and zest.
- Whisk to mix.
- Add in the ricotta cheese and continue to mix. It’s okay to have clumps of ricotta cheese.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
- Whisk lightly until combined or you see just a few traces of flour.
- Do not over mix or you will get tough pancakes.
- The batter will be thicker and a little clumpy from the cheese.
- Over medium heat, melt some butter in a pan and let it brown just a little.
- Add in 1/2 cup of the batter and let it become a nice golden brown before flipping!
- Top with organic maple syrup, a little lemon zest and some powdered sugar. Yum!
Kristine says
I’ve been making these pancakes for about a year now and my friends and I absolutely love them! They are so fluffy and delicious I can’t go back to pancake mix ever again. I make them so often I have the recipe memorized! Thanks again for the recipe. 🙂
Eden says
Thank you Kristine!! I LOVE hearing this! Happy you love it!!
sj says
What did you service w them. Syrup?
Alicia says
Today we made them, and they are soooooo deliciouss…..we loveeeee them, my husband is so happy with this recipe…..thanks eden
Eden says
That is so great to hear! Thank you for taking the time to let me know they turned out great. It means the world!!
Devon says
OMG – my office is less than 1 mile from Plow but I’ve never even heard of it! Gotta run there soon and try these pancakes – they sound heavenly!
Tamara says
Could you do this with store bought ricotta? Would it change the consistency?
Paula says
yes you can, the consistency is the same- ( just for future people making it)
MarieClaude says
How many pancakes can you make with one recipe?
Paula says
mine made 12 decent size
Emily A says
Hi!
I am soo excited to try this recipe! Since I was a child my mom used to make similar pancakes. Do you know if I can substitute farmers cheese for the ricotta? Thank you!
Dina says
they look lovely!
Caroline says
So nice to have found your site through foodgawker! I love ricotta pancakes and yours, with the lemon, look so perfect! I’ve got some ricotta in the fridge right now…looking forward to making these this weekend!
molly yeh says
wow, these look so soft and yummy and delightful. i might need to make these for dinner… it’ll be brunch o’clock somewhere in the world, right?!
Kara says
Why is this post showing up in my rss? good anyway
Lauren says
Finally got around to making these and oh my gosh yum! Great recipe and easy to follow, however my batter was really thick and had to use a spatula to spread out the batter on the pan
TheodosIa says
Making these when I wake up!
TheodosIa says
Delicious! Never buying ricotta again, and I used a champagne vinegar with citrus essence. Also I served the pancakes with marionberry preserves. YUMMY!
Pam says
The pancakes look fantastic. The milk bottle caught my eye in 2nd grade I lived 2 blocks from the Broguiere’s Dairy in Montebello, CA I would walk down to visit the cows. They have the best chocolate milk I have ever had very creamy.
Alisha Broguiere says
Ran across this recipe on Pinterest and it caught my eye because of the Broguiere bottle, of course. Thank you for this comment, the dairy is still in Montebello! love hearing about when people went years ago, thank you for your business!
Sandra Batista says
Beautiful pancakes the flavour of the lemon sounds very good!!
Britton @ link building techniques says
I’ve never tried a lemon flavored pancake and this recipe seems to be quite interesting to make them.
Affordable office for rent in Singapore says
Pancake is my husband’s favorite but I haven’t tried it at home. This is quite different. Thanks for the recipe.
Anonymous says
I have heard about these pancakes being delicious.Now that I have found a trusted recipe…I will definately give them a try.
Maria says
The sound of lemon ricotta pancakes is making my mouth water like nothing else. Pancakes are my number one weakness. Thanks so much for posting the recipe. Can’t wait to make them!
Maria xx
http://www.cheekypinktulip.blogspot.com
Sugar and Charm says
You’re welcome Maria!! I have a weakness for pancakes too… really breakfast/brunch in general! I could eat pancakes for dinner 🙂
Sarah Kyle says
these look incredibly delicious!
Sugar and Charm says
Thanks Sarah! They were delicious!!