Citrus Ricotta Pancakes
Citrus Ricotta Pancakes – Bright, Fluffy, and Full of Flavor
If you’re looking for a way to elevate your weekend breakfast or brunch, these Citrus Ricotta Pancakes are just the thing! Light, fluffy, and infused with the sunny brightness of lemon and orange zest, these pancakes are the perfect combination of creamy and zesty. Whether you’re serving guests or treating yourself, this pancake recipe is a guaranteed hit.
These pancakes are melt-in-your-mouth soft and tender, they’re perfectly fluffy, and you’ll love that bit of brightness and tang from the lemon. These are the perfect pancakes for spring or summer and they’re likely to become a new family favorite!
My son is a lover of all things pancakes: Cottage Cheese Pancakes, Buttermilk Pancakes, Whole Wheat Pancakes etc. I knew I needed to up my game by making him more fun pancakes for breakfast.
Why You’ll Love These Citrus Ricotta Pancakes
These aren’t your average pancakes. Thanks to creamy ricotta cheese and a burst of citrus zest, they’re light in texture but rich in flavor. The tangy notes from lemon and orange balance perfectly with the sweet, mild ricotta, making every bite refreshing and indulgent.
Plus, they come together in just 25 minutes, making them a quick and impressive option for breakfast or brunch.
These are so simple to make even on a busy school day. Life is busy in the mornings and each kid and even adult is going in one direction or the other. These pancakes help slow our family down and make breakfast together even better.
Ricotta is one of the few cheeses that can be mixed into something that isn’t savory and it works wonders. Similar to the idea of cream cheese (but ricotta isn’t tangy and it has a thinner texture).
What do you need to make citrus ricotta pancakes?
This simple recipe uses pantry staples and fresh citrus to create something extraordinary:
- Ricotta cheese
- Sugar
- Large eggs
- Grated orange or tangerine zest
- Grated lemon zest
- Flour
How to Make Citrus Ricotta Pancakes
These pancakes are easy to whip up and cook beautifully golden brown. Here’s how:
- Whisk Together Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sugar, eggs, and both citrus zests until smooth and well-blended. - Add the Flour
Gently whisk in the flour until just combined. Don’t overmix—keeping the batter slightly lumpy helps maintain that light, airy texture. - Heat Your Griddle
Preheat a non-stick griddle or skillet to medium-low heat and lightly spray with cooking spray. - Cook the Pancakes
Scoop about ¼ cup of batter per pancake onto the griddle. Cook for about 4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. - Serve and Garnish
Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries, sliced citrus, or even a spoonful of lemon curd make perfect garnishes.
Tips for the Best Ricotta Pancakes
- Don’t skip the zest! It’s what gives these pancakes their signature citrus flavor.
- Use whole milk ricotta for a richer pancake, but part-skim works well too.
- Cook low and slow. These pancakes are delicate and need a gentle heat to cook through without burning.
Variations and Add-Ins
Want to mix it up? Try these tasty twists:
- Add vanilla extract or a touch of almond extract for added depth.
- Fold in blueberries or raspberries before cooking.
- Top with citrus syrup or honey for a naturally sweet finish.
Make It a Full Brunch
Pair your Citrus Ricotta Pancakes with:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Crispy bacon or sausage
- Freshly squeezed orange juice or a mimosa
Perfect for special occasions or a weekend treat!
Other Great Breakfast Options
- Classic Waffles Recipe
- French Toast
- Raspberry Cheesecake Pancakes
- Baked Egg Bites
- Bacon Eggs Veggie Hash
Citrus Ricotta Pancakes
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups ricotta cheese whole milk, part-skim, your choice
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp grated orange or tangerine zest
- 1 tsp grated lemon zest
- 2/3 cup flour
Instructions
- Whisk Together Wet IngredientsIn a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sugar, eggs, and both citrus zests until smooth and well-blended.
- Add the FlourGently whisk in the flour until just combined. Don’t overmix—keeping the batter slightly lumpy helps maintain that light, airy texture.
- Heat Your GriddlePreheat a non-stick griddle or skillet to medium-low heat and lightly spray with cooking spray.
- Cook the PancakesScoop about ¼ cup of batter per pancake onto the griddle. Cook for about 4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve and GarnishServe warm with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries, sliced citrus, or even a spoonful of lemon curd make perfect garnishes.
Nutrition
Our recipe card software calculates these nutrition facts based on averages for the above ingredients, different brands, and quality of produce/meats may have different nutritional information, always calculate your own based on the specific products you use in order to achieve accurate macros for this recipe.
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