Light Fluffy Ricotta Pancakes

Featured in: Breads & Sweet Bakes

These light and fluffy ricotta pancakes deliver a tender, airy texture thanks to whipped egg whites folded gently into a ricotta-enriched batter. The slight lemon zest brightens up the flavor, while melted butter adds richness. Cooked on a nonstick skillet until golden, they make an elegant breakfast or brunch option. Serve warm with maple syrup or fresh berries for a delightful start to your day.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 16:51:00 GMT
Fluffy golden-brown ricotta pancakes, drizzled with maple syrup, perfect for a special breakfast treat. Save
Fluffy golden-brown ricotta pancakes, drizzled with maple syrup, perfect for a special breakfast treat. | circuitbites.com

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

I first tried this recipe on a weekend morning and loved how easy it was to make while still feeling special.

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients: 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp baking soda, ¼ tsp salt
  • Wet Ingredients: 1 cup (240 g) ricotta cheese (whole milk or part-skim), ¾ cup (180 ml) milk, 2 large eggs separated, 1 tsp vanilla extract, zest of 1 lemon (optional), 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter (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.
Product image
Cook complete meals by frying, sautéing, simmering, and boiling with easy nonstick cleanup every day.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Cook complete meals by frying, sautéing, simmering, and boiling with easy nonstick cleanup every day.
Check price on Amazon
Stack of light and airy ricotta pancakes, topped with fresh berries, ready for a delicious brunch. Pin it
Stack of light and airy ricotta pancakes, topped with fresh berries, ready for a delicious brunch. | circuitbites.com

This recipe has become a weekend favorite in our family, bringing smiles and cozy mornings together.

Notes

For extra lemon flavor, add more zest or a splash of lemon juice. Substitute whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste. Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt for added protein. Wine pairing: Try with a lightly sparkling Moscato for brunch.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls, whisk, electric mixer or hand whisk (for egg whites), nonstick skillet or griddle, spatula, measuring cups and spoons

Nutritional Information

Calories: 235, Total Fat: 10 g, Carbohydrates: 24 g, Protein: 11 g per serving

Close-up of bubbling, cooked ricotta pancakes on a griddle, anticipating a delightful first bite. Pin it
Close-up of bubbling, cooked ricotta pancakes on a griddle, anticipating a delightful first bite. | circuitbites.com
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Enjoy these ricotta pancakes with your favorite toppings for a delightful breakfast treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes these pancakes fluffy?

Folding whipped egg whites into the batter introduces air, creating a delicate and airy texture.

Can I substitute ricotta cheese with another dairy product?

Cottage cheese or mascarpone can be alternatives but may affect texture and flavor subtly.

How do I prevent the pancakes from sticking?

Use a nonstick skillet and brush lightly with melted butter before cooking each pancake.

Is it possible to add flavor variations?

Adding lemon zest or vanilla extract enhances brightness and aroma without overpowering the batter.

What toppings complement these pancakes?

Maple syrup, fresh berries, powdered sugar, or a dollop of Greek yogurt pair well to balance richness.

Light Fluffy Ricotta Pancakes

Delicate, airy pancakes enhanced by creamy ricotta and a hint of lemon zest.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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 additional for cooking

Instructions

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 used, and melted butter until smooth.

Step 03

Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just incorporated, keeping some lumps for tenderness.

Step 04

Beat egg whites: Whip egg whites in a clean bowl until soft peaks form, then carefully fold them into the batter to maintain airiness.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Cook pancakes: Pour ¼ cup batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook until bubbles appear and edges set, about 2 minutes, flip and cook 1 to 2 minutes more until golden.

Step 07

Serve warm: Plate pancakes and serve immediately with preferred toppings such as maple syrup, fresh berries, or powdered sugar.

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), milk, eggs, and dairy products. Verify pre-packaged items for other allergens.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 235
  • Total Fat: 10 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 24 g
  • Protein: 11 g