Ricotta Lemon Pancakes
Why this recipe works
- Tender ricotta crumb: Ricotta adds moisture and softness without making the pancakes heavy.
- Fresh lemon balance: Lemon zest and juice cut through the richness of the ricotta and butter.
- Fast breakfast method: A simple whisked batter and short pan-fry keep the recipe comfortably under 30 minutes.
Get the most out of this recipe
Texture tips
- Mix lightly: Stop whisking as soon as the dry flour disappears; a few small ricotta lumps help keep the pancakes tender.
- Rest the batter: Letting the batter stand briefly allows the flour to hydrate and the baking powder to start working before cooking.
Common mistakes
- Avoid high heat: A pan that is too hot will brown the outside before the centres are cooked through; medium heat gives more even results.
- Flip when ready: Wait until bubbles appear and the underside is golden before turning, so the pancakes hold their shape.
Make-ahead tips
- Freeze cooked pancakes: Cool completely, freeze in a single layer, then bag once firm to prevent them sticking together.
- Reheat gently: Defrost in the fridge and warm in a dry frying pan over a low heat until piping hot throughout.
Serving ideas
- Simple finish: Serve warm with icing sugar, extra lemon zest, fresh berries, or a little honey.
- Breakfast pairing: Good with coffee, black tea, or a bright citrus juice.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Finely zest the lemon, then squeeze it and measure out 2 tbsp juice. Keep a little extra zest aside for serving, if you like.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the plain flour, caster sugar, baking powder and fine sea salt. This helps the pancakes rise evenly.
- In a second bowl, whisk the eggs, then whisk in the ricotta, whole milk, lemon zest and the measured lemon juice until mostly smooth. A few small ricotta lumps are fine and keep the pancakes tender.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and whisk just until you no longer see dry flour. Leave the batter to stand for 5 minutes to hydrate and thicken slightly.
- Melt a little of the unsalted butter in a frying pan over a medium heat. Spoon in the batter to make 6 to 8 small pancakes, then cook for 2 to 3 minutes until bubbles appear and the underside is golden.
- Flip and cook for 1 to 2 minutes more until golden and cooked through. Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more butter as needed, then serve warm with the reserved lemon zest if using.
Recipe notes
Tips
- Keep the heat at medium so the pancakes colour evenly without burning before the centres set.
- For the lightest texture, whisk the batter only until combined; overmixing can make the pancakes tough.
- If serving anyone who is pregnant, elderly, or immunocompromised, use eggs that are stamped as suitable for eating raw and cook the pancakes until piping hot throughout.
Substitutions
- Replace Whole milk with the same amount of Almond drink for a lighter, dairy reduced batter.
- Replace Caster sugar with the same amount of Acacia honey, whisking it into the wet ingredients so it dissolves evenly.
- Replace Unsalted butter with the same amount of Plant-based butter for cooking the pancakes.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 2 days
- Cool completely, then refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 2 days. Freeze in a single layer, then bag once firm; defrost in the fridge and reheat in a dry frying pan over a low heat until piping hot.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 2 servings
- Total time: 25min (20min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: Italian
-
Allergens:
Eggs Gluten Milk Wheat
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