Light Fluffy Ricotta Pancakes

Featured in: Sweet Treats & Baking

These light and fluffy pancakes incorporate creamy ricotta cheese folded gently into a batter of flour, sugar, and leavening agents. Beating egg whites separately and folding them in preserves airiness for an especially tender texture. Cooked on a lightly buttered skillet until golden, these pancakes offer a delicate, airy bite with a subtle hint of vanilla and optional lemon zest. Serve warm with toppings like maple syrup or fresh berries for an inviting brunch treat.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 09:18:00 GMT
Golden and fluffy ricotta pancakes topped with fresh berries, ready for a delicious brunch. Pin It
Golden and fluffy ricotta pancakes topped with fresh berries, ready for a delicious brunch. | metroladle.com

Delicate, airy pancakes enriched with creamy ricotta cheese, perfect for a special breakfast or brunch.

This recipe has become my go-to brunch treat, impressing family and friends alike with its airy softness and subtle tang from the ricotta.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour: 1 cup (125 g)
  • Granulated sugar: 2 tbsp
  • Baking powder: 1 tsp
  • Baking soda: ½ tsp
  • Salt: ¼ tsp
  • Ricotta cheese: 1 cup (240 g), whole milk or part-skim
  • Milk: ¾ cup (180 ml)
  • Eggs: 2 large, separated
  • Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
  • Lemon zest: of 1 lemon (optional)
  • Melted unsalted butter: 2 tbsp plus more for cooking

Instructions

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Step 1:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 2:
In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta, milk, egg yolks, vanilla, lemon zest (if using), and melted butter. Mix until smooth.
Step 3:
Gently fold the ricotta mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined (do not overmix lumps are fine).
Step 4:
In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the batter preserving as much air as possible for fluffiness.
Step 5:
Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Brush lightly with butter.
Step 6:
Pour ¼ cup batter for each pancake onto the skillet. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and edges look set about 2 minutes. Flip and cook another 1 2 minutes until golden.
Step 7:
Serve warm with your favorite toppings such as maple syrup fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar.
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Handle kitchen cleanup easily by disposing of food scraps, packaging, and cooking waste without leaks or odors.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Handle kitchen cleanup easily by disposing of food scraps, packaging, and cooking waste without leaks or odors.
Check price on Amazon
A stack of light and fluffy ricotta pancakes, perfect for dipping in warm maple syrup. Pin It
A stack of light and fluffy ricotta pancakes, perfect for dipping in warm maple syrup. | metroladle.com

My family loves gathering around these pancakes on weekend mornings for cozy conversations and laughter.

Serving Suggestions

Try serving with fresh berries maple syrup or a dollop of Greek yogurt for added protein and tang.

Variations

Substitute whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste or add lemon zest for a refreshing twist.

Storage Tips

Leftover pancakes can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month. Reheat gently for best texture.

Imagine the steaming, delicate ricotta pancakes, a delightful breakfast treat, served at home. Pin It
Imagine the steaming, delicate ricotta pancakes, a delightful breakfast treat, served at home. | metroladle.com
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These ricotta pancakes bring simple ingredients together for a light satisfying meal any time of day.

Recipe FAQs

What does ricotta add to the pancakes?

Ricotta contributes a creamy richness and moisture, resulting in a tender, fluffy texture that sets these pancakes apart.

How can I achieve the fluffiest pancakes?

Whip the egg whites to soft peaks separately and gently fold them into the batter to maintain airiness and lightness.

Can I substitute the flour used here?

Yes, whole wheat flour can be used for a nuttier flavor, but it may slightly alter the texture and color.

Is lemon zest necessary and what does it provide?

Lemon zest is optional but adds a bright, fresh note that complements the creamy ricotta and vanilla.

What cooking tools are essential for these pancakes?

A nonstick skillet or griddle, mixing bowls, a whisk or electric mixer for egg whites, and a spatula are recommended.

How should these pancakes be served for best flavor?

Serve warm with maple syrup, fresh berries, or a light dusting of powdered sugar to enhance their delicate taste.

Light Fluffy Ricotta Pancakes

Airy pancakes enriched with creamy ricotta for a tender, fluffy texture ideal for breakfast or brunch.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Duration
15 minutes
Total Duration
30 minutes


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Output 4 Portions

Diet Details Meat-Free

What You Need

Dry Ingredients

01 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
03 1 teaspoon baking powder
04 ½ teaspoon baking soda
05 ¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

01 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk or part-skim)
02 ¾ cup milk
03 2 large eggs, separated
04 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
06 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, plus more for cooking

How To Make It

Step 01

Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.

Step 02

Prepare Wet Mixture: In a separate bowl, blend ricotta, milk, egg yolks, vanilla extract, lemon zest if desired, and melted butter until smooth.

Step 03

Mix Batter: Fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients gently until just combined; a few lumps are acceptable.

Step 04

Incorporate Egg Whites: Beat egg whites until soft peaks form, then carefully fold them into the batter, preserving air for a light texture.

Step 05

Heat Skillet: Warm a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly brush with butter.

Step 06

Cook Pancakes: Pour ¼ cup batter per pancake onto skillet. Cook until bubbles appear and edges are set, approximately 2 minutes. Flip and cook 1–2 minutes more until golden brown.

Step 07

Serve: Present immediately with preferred toppings such as maple syrup, fresh berries, or powdered sugar.

Tools Needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Electric mixer or hand whisk for egg whites
  • Nonstick skillet or griddle
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Advice

Review each item for allergens. If you're unsure, speak with a medical expert.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), milk, eggs, and dairy products.

Nutritional Info (per portion)

Treat these details as a guide—they're not a substitute for professional medical advice.
  • Energy: 235
  • Fats: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Proteins: 11 g