How to Make the Perfect Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
Italian-American · Easy · 30 min · 4 servings
These incredibly tender and cloud-like lemon ricotta pancakes are made with creamy whole milk ricotta for a texture that is unlike any ordinary pancake you have made before. The lemon zest adds a floral brightness that makes these feel truly special.
Why this recipe works
This Lemon Ricotta Pancakes recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 30 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 340 calories with 14g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 whole lemons zested and juiced
- 3 whole large eggs separated
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 0.5 cup whole milk
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Separate Eggs and Mix Yolk Batter
Separate the eggs carefully. Whisk egg yolks with ricotta, milk, honey, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a large bowl until smooth. Fold in the flour until just combined without overmixing.
Step 2: Beat the Egg Whites
In a clean separate bowl beat the egg whites with a hand mixer or stand mixer until stiff peaks form. This is the secret to the impossibly light and fluffy texture of these pancakes.
Step 3: Fold and Cook
Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the ricotta batter in three additions using a rubber spatula. Heat a nonstick pan over medium-low heat, grease lightly, and cook pancakes using a quarter cup of batter per pancake for 3 minutes per side.
Step 4: Serve Immediately
Serve the pancakes immediately while still warm, stacked high with a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh lemon curd, or fresh berries. These pancakes do not keep well so enjoy them right away.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- whole milk ricotta → full-fat cottage cheese blended smooth
- honey → maple syrup for a different natural sweetness
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Deflating the egg whites by stirring rather than folding them into the batter
- Cooking on too high a heat which burns the outside before the fluffy interior sets
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 340 calories, 14g protein, 38g carbs, 15g fat, 1g fiber.
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