Super light and fluffy Ricotta Pancakes with lemon are sure to become a new family favorite breakfast! These puff up beautifully and have wonderful flavor with the zest of an entire lemon.

Ricotta Pancakes stacked on plate with fruit and drizzled with maple syrup

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Why We Love these Lemon Ricotta Pancakes:

These breakfast pancakes are satisfying and keep you full because they are high in protein – there’s a surprising amount of ricotta cheese in this recipe and you get to use the entire 15 oz container without wondering what to do with the rest of it.

Most ricotta pancakes that I’ve come across have about half the amount of ricotta which is basically a pancake with a little ricotta mixed in, but not these! Just like our Cottage Cheese Pancakes, the main ingredient here is Ricotta which keeps them super light and they go down easy in a melt-in-your-mouth kind of way.

Ingredients for ricotta pancakes with ricotta cheese, buttermilk, flour, eggs, sugar, lemon, salt, sugar, and baking powder

Watch Ricotta Cheese Pancakes Video:

Watch how to make these EASY Ricotta Pancakes. The pancake batter is quick and easy to make and comes together in one bowl. All you need is a bowl and a whisk. You’ll feel so good about what’s in this recipe.

Process of making pancake batter in bowl

When to Flip Ricotta Cheese Pancakes:

Pancakes are ready to flip when you see bubbles pop and remain open on the surface. This is true for these Ricotta Pancakes and ALL pancakes.

Keep pancakes over medium heat so they don’t brown too quickly before they have a chance to cook through. We set to medium heat on the skillet or 325˚F on the griddle.

Bubbles on pancake indicating it's time to flip

The Best Oil for Cooking Pancakes:

  • Coconut Oil – We love coconut oil because it’s slightly healthier fat and if using unrefined coconut oil it is good for high heat cooking and adds a pleasant coconut sweetness.
  • Cooking Oils – A flavorless high heat cooking oil like light olive oil or canola oil will work.
  • Butter – If using butter that isn’t clarified, wipe the pan clean between every 2 batches to get rid of any browned butter. You can also do a combination of butter and oil which will increase your smoke point so the butter doesn’t burn as quickly.

Cooked lemon ricotta pancakes on a serving platter

Our Favorite Toppings for Ricotta Pancakes:

My personal go-to toppings for pancakes are sour cream, honey, and fresh berries. I find the combination of sweet and tangy irresistible. For company and special mornings, we love to elevate pancakes with these toppings:

  • Raspberry Maple Syrup – a blended combination of real maple syrup with raspberries for the ultimate breakfast syrup
  • Strawberry Sauce – our homemade topping is quick and easy to whip up and can’t be beaten.
  • Cherry Sauce – filled with juicy plump cherries; this tastes like cherry pie filling.
  • Fresh Fruit – we love a variety of berries and stone fruit depending on what is in season.
  • Real Maple Syrup (from Vermont) – REAL maple syrup makes all the difference.
  • Jams and Jellies – our homemade plum jam is a must-try – no pectin needed!
  • Fruit Preserves – we love homemade peach preserves where you can see the texture of the fruit

Fluffy Ricotta Cheese pancakes topped with berries and maple syrup

Brilliant Ways to Reheat Pancakes:

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers of these pancakes, you can cover and refrigerate them for up to 3 days then reheat when you’re ready for pancakes again.

  • Toaster – put pancakes individually into the slots of a toaster and toast as you would a slice of bread until they are heated through.
  • Air Fryer – put cold pancakes into the air fryer basket and air fry at 350˚F for about 3 minutes or just until heated through.
  • Frying Pan – set the burner to medium heat. Brush skillet with a little butter if desired and flip pancakes until warm.

Pancake slices on a fork

More Pancake Recipes You’ll Make Over and Over:

These Ricotta Pancakes will make a breakfast person out of you! Below are our top-rated pancake recipes (all tested and approved by our family). You can explore all of our breakfast recipes here.

Here’s my sweet girl making these ricotta pancakes. This is one of those easy recipes the whole family can help with.

girl making pancake batter

Fluffy Lemon Ricotta Pancakes (VIDEO)

4.98 from 87 votes
Ricotta Pancakes stacked on plate with fruit and drizzled with maple syrup
Light and fluffy Lemon Ricotta Pancakes are sure to become a new family favorite breakfast! These puff up beautifully and have wonderful lemon zest flavor. This recipe makes 18 (4-inch) pancakes.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 6 people

Instructions

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs and sugar until well blended.
  • Mix in ricotta cheese, buttermilk and salt and whisk until blended.
  • In a separate bowl, sift together flour and baking powder then whisk the flour mixture into the cheese mixture.
  • Stir in the zest of 1 lemon. If you let the batter rest for 10-30 minutes, the pancakes will be even fluffier.
  • Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt in your oil. Spoon batter into the pan (about 2 Tbsp per pancake) and sautee 2-3 min per side. Repeat with remaining batter, adding more oil as needed.

Nutrition Per Serving

245kcal Calories28g Carbs12g Protein9g Fat5g Saturated Fat109mg Cholesterol205mg Sodium359mg Potassium1g Fiber6g Sugar361IU Vitamin A1mg Vitamin C244mg Calcium2mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Fluffy Lemon Ricotta Pancakes (VIDEO)
Amount per Serving
Calories
245
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
9
g
14
%
Saturated Fat
 
5
g
31
%
Cholesterol
 
109
mg
36
%
Sodium
 
205
mg
9
%
Potassium
 
359
mg
10
%
Carbohydrates
 
28
g
9
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
6
g
7
%
Protein
 
12
g
24
%
Vitamin A
 
361
IU
7
%
Vitamin C
 
1
mg
1
%
Calcium
 
244
mg
24
%
Iron
 
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: lemon ricotta pancakes, ricotta pancakes
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $
Calories: 245
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

If you make this recipe, I’d love to see pics of your creations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Hashtag them #natashaskitchen

4.98 from 87 votes (27 ratings without comment)

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Samantha
    June 11, 2021

    Could you use Oat Flour vs. Regular Flour or would it effect the recipe?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 11, 2021

      Hi Samantha, I haven’t tried this with oat flour. If you give that a go, I would love to know how you like that.

      Reply

  • Yanill Lora
    June 3, 2021

    Wow this recipe is the best one I’ve done thus far. I’ve made lemon ricotta pancakes many times and I’m always aiming for fluffiness. I’m happy i found this recipe now I’m going to use this to make my lemon ricotta pancakes! So fluffy and i love the consistency and the flavor is perfect. Recommend this recipe!!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      June 3, 2021

      Love it! Thank you for taking the time to leave your review here. I’m happy that you loved this recipe!

      Reply

  • Laura
    June 2, 2021

    These pancakes are sensational! Best recipe I have found so far. Can’t wait to try different flavor profiles!

    Thanks Natasha! ❤️

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 2, 2021

      I’m so happy you enjoyed them, Laura! Thank you so much for sharing that with me.

      Reply

  • Irma Barragan
    May 7, 2021

    Wow! These are delicious! I let the batter set about 30 minutes and used my large Pampered Chef cookie scoop to spoon them out. I got exactly 16 pancakes. I love your recipes!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 7, 2021

      That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Irma!

      Reply

  • Olga
    May 4, 2021

    It’s a bomb! completely in love with the recipe thank you so much! please come up with a flan recipe

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 4, 2021

      I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us, Olga!

      Reply

  • Nanette
    May 4, 2021

    Natasha I am so happy to have stumbled upon your site. What a lovely recipe and your daughter is beautiful~! I can’t wait to see more of your recipes.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 4, 2021

      I’m so happy you discovered our blog. Welcome! 🙂

      Reply

  • Karen Bragg
    April 18, 2021

    We had a bed and breakfast in Maine for 10 years. Wish I had this recipe for our guests! Topped with fresh fruit and toasted almonds, these are lovely to look at and have a light lovely texture. I might add a little fresh lemon juice next time to add a bit more lemon accent.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      April 18, 2021

      Sounds like a great plan, Karen. I hope it becomes a favorite for you and your guests!

      Reply

  • DORINA NISKOPOULOU
    April 3, 2021

    Hello!
    Can we use a different kind of flour lower in glouten, like dingel flour?
    Thank you
    This comment concerns lemon pancakes.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 3, 2021

      Hi Dorina, I have not tried that substitution to advise. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe.

      Reply

      • MIvo
        September 9, 2021

        Hi, what’s a substitute for buttermilk?

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          September 9, 2021

          Hi MIvo, plain kefir will also work well instead of buttermilk. You can also make your own buttermilk at a ratio of 1 cup whole milk to 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice. Combine and let it sit 10 minutes to curdle then stir and use.

          Reply

  • Julie
    March 31, 2021

    Recipe says 1 1/4 cups Ricotta, yet video says 1 3/4 cup Ricotta….I’m a bit confused. Which is correct please ?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 31, 2021

      Hi Julie, 15 oz on the container is a weight measurement, but when you transfer it into a US measuring cup, it measures to 1 1/4 cups ricotta. I hope that helps.

      Reply

  • Dave
    March 25, 2021

    My 3 yo granddaughter gives me the same “two thumbs up” when I make her anything. So cute.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 25, 2021

      Aww, that’s the best! Thank you so much for sharing that with me. I’m all smiles

      Reply

  • Carol
    March 14, 2021

    Oh my! These pancakes are light, lemony and luscious! What a way to start our Sunday morning. You’re becoming my go-to site for new recipes. Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 14, 2021

      Thank you, Carol! I’m very happy that you trust my recipes.

      Reply

  • Marcia Pfeifer
    March 13, 2021

    Wow, made these this morning and I am not a pancake lover , but these were so tasty, light and delicious! So yummy
    .

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 13, 2021

      I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us!

      Reply

  • Elizabeth
    February 22, 2021

    This recipe is amazing. I made them for dinner tonight. Everyone loved them sadly we had no leftovers!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 23, 2021

      I’m glad everyone enjoyed this recipe! You can make more next time just to be sure.

      Reply

  • Cecilia Feld
    February 22, 2021

    This Ricotta pancake recipe is the absolutely. The tenderness of the pancake is delicate, yet hearty. The lemon zest is so refreshing. My only go to pancake recipe from here on out. Definitely 5 stars for this.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 22, 2021

      That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Cecilia!

      Reply

  • B. Atrice
    February 21, 2021

    I usually do not keep buttermilk on hand, but I made a good substitute with 3/4 c. 2% milk, a dollop of sour cream, and a splash of vinegar. I also whip the eggs until really frothy, and omit the salt and add a wee bit more baking powder. So delicious! And it feels better to be eating more protein in your pancakes. I’ve made these several times now, and they really are good.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 21, 2021

      I’m happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing that with us.

      Reply

  • Sandy Freeman
    February 15, 2021

    If you told me that I would enjoy a pancake with ricotta cheese in it I would’ve to you you’re crazy! OMG these are amazing! I made a few for my son without the lemon just to see how we liked that base batter. They were awesome! I then added the lemon and wowza what a yummy breakfast!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 15, 2021

      Yay excellent! I’m so happy that you and your son enjoyed these pancakes. Thanks for your awesome review!

      Reply

      • Danielle
        January 2, 2022

        Hi Natasha!

        I am having a bit of trouble with these, they keep coming out kind of gummy and gooey in the center. I’ve tried changing the heat to low and medium low with no success. The outside is borderline burnt on low heat with the inside not cooked. Any suggestions? I cook all the time and rarely have trouble. Thanks

        Reply

        • Natasha
          January 3, 2022

          Hi Danielle, I haven’t had that happen – are you changing anything in the recipe? Maybe using too much ricotta?

          Reply

  • Dena
    February 13, 2021

    These pancakes are outstanding! The only ones I will ever cook now. Thanks for this great recipe!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 13, 2021

      That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review!

      Reply

      • Mar
        March 14, 2021

        These were amazing! Only made them today for the first time and we are already obsessed. So good!

        Reply

        • Natasha's Kitchen
          March 14, 2021

          I’m happy to hear that you found a new favorite, Mar. Thank you for sharing!

          Reply

  • Victoria Felipe
    February 3, 2021

    Thank you Natasha for sharing your recipes!
    God bless you and your family😊❤️

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 3, 2021

      You’re welcome! I’m so happy you’re enjoying our recipes, Victoria!

      Reply

  • Erin Lambert
    January 31, 2021

    I made two batches of these pancakes for my family and froze them. They are wonderful, fluffy and the flavors are spot on. I love your recipes and make something new almost every week!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 31, 2021

      I’m happy to hear that, Erin. Thank you!

      Reply

  • Lea
    January 31, 2021

    You cannot mess these up! haha! My first try making these, had to go to the store for baking powder, then I was ready to cook. I cooked right along with the video, I was my own sous chef; used my little glass stacking bowls with ingredients measured out. Mixed batter and cooked my first four in the pan. Hmmm very thin and I’m thinking “looks like the baking powder didn’t work, I just bought it it has to be fresh!” THEN it dawns on me I didn’t put it in. I go to my purse and get it out, add it to the mix let it rest another 30 min. and proceeded to make the perfect pancakes. They rose and were fluffy just like the video. I will make them again soon as they were delicious. The lemon flavor was just right. We ate them with nothing on them, cooked in coconut oil was perfect! Thanks Natasha for another great meal with leftovers for breakfast.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 31, 2021

      Fantastic! Thank you Lea for sharing your experience making this recipe. That is a great comment and feedback, we appreciate it!

      Reply

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