Lemon Ricotta Pancakes

These homemade gourmet pancakes are moist, fluffy, bright with lemon, and just rich enough to feel indulgent. Ricotta is probably the secret ingredient. A lemon ricotta pancake just feels more sophisticated than your standard diner fare—but don’t get me wrong, I love a good greasy spoon too!

Do I have to rest the pancake batter?

The rest period for your pancake batter doesn’t have to be dramatic, but if you can let it sit for 5 or 10 minutes before cooking, the flour hydrates more and the baking powder starts to work. Your ricotta hotcakes will come out more tender, more evenly textured, and with better lift.

How do you know when it is time to flip the pancakes?

Your pancakes will tell you when they’re ready! Watch for bubbles forming on top, especially toward the center. The edges will start to appear slightly dry and set. That usually means it’s time. You already know that if you try flipping too early, it will be a little messy. Although enjoying that first sacrificial pancake while the others are cooking never hurt anybody!

Because lemon ricotta pancakes are slightly richer than standard pancake recipes, they might take a tiny bit longer to set. I recommend working with medium heat.

How do I make my pancakes fluffy instead of flat?

First and foremost, don’t overmix the batter. This is the number one pancake crime! Once the wet ingredients get poured into the dry, stir gently and stop as soon as the flour disappears. Lumps are okay, I promise! Overmixing develops gluten, which leads to dense, flat pancakes instead of fluffy, tender pancakes with ricotta cheese. And secondly, make sure your baking powder is fresh. Believe it or not, this makes a difference! If you’ve had the same container in your cupboard for years, it’s time to get a new one.

Will leaving the pancakes in my oven dry them out?

Not if you do it properly. An oven on its lowest setting—just warm enough to hold temperature—is perfect for keeping your pancakes warm while you finish cooking. Keep this in mind for when you’re hosting brunch so everyone can eat together (including you!) instead of waiting for the next flapjack to flop out of the pan. I recommend placing them in a single layer if possible, rather than stacking immediately, which can trap steam. 

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Sort of. Baking powder starts working once liquid is introduced, so it’s best to start cooking soon after the batter is mixed. If you make the batter too far ahead, this lemon ricotta pancake recipe may lose some lift. If you want to get a head start, you could mix your wet and dry ingredients separately the night before. Combine the dry ingredients in one bowl, whisk the wet ingredients in another, and pop them both in your fridge. Mix in the morning.

What about the toppings?

I love to hold a pancake brunch in the springtime when it’s nice outside, but you can do the same any time of year indoors! The most fun is providing a variety of unexpected toppings. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Mascarpone Pistachio Butter: Equal parts mascarpone and pistachio spread mixed together and served with crushed toasted pistachios and sliced strawberries.

Miso-Caramel Sauce: 1 cup of caramel sauce with a tablespoon of white miso stirred in thoroughly, served with toasted chopped pecans and sliced bananas.

Hot Honey & Feta: For a Greek-inspired twist, try a crumble of salty feta over the warm pancake and drizzle with spicy honey.

Balsamic Roasted Strawberries: Roast strawberries with a splash of balsamic vinegar and black pepper and serve them with toasted slivered almonds.

Maple Syrup & Bacon: Crispy bacon slices with a generous drizzle of maple syrup.

Lemon Curd & Mascarpone: Double-down on the lemon profile with a dollop of lemon curd and a dollop of thick and creamy mascarpone. Yum!

Dishes to Serve with Lemon Ricotta Pancakes for a Well-Rounded Brunch Spread

These lemon ricotta pancakes pair beautifully with savory dishes that balance out their citrusy sweetness. Try them with some of the dishes below for a filling and memorable brunch.