Fluffy Ricotta Pancake Recipe

If you’ve tried my fluffy pancake recipe, then you’ll love this one too. This fluffy ricotta pancake recipe has a cloud-like texture that is deliciously creamy. If you are looking for that something extra for your pancakes, then adding ricotta to your pancake batter will definitely do that for you. Your weekend breakfasts will never be the same again.

I love ricotta everything. So, it’s only obvious that I would also try adding ricotta to my pancakes. I wanted to create something that was delicious but at the same time light and fluffy. Something everyone in the family could indulge in. The consistency of this ricotta pancake batter is a bit thicker than the fluffy pancake recipe because of the addition of the ricotta. So, this recipe makes one beautifully thick and airy pancake. Simple, quick, and fluffy, you’ll fall in love with this easy ricotta pancake recipe.

While the ricotta keeps the batter nice and moist, it’s the egg whites once beaten to a cloud-like consistency that helps keep the pancakes nice and light. These fluffy ricotta pancakes are something you must try. They are a lift-up from the usual fluffy pancake recipe.

This ricotta pancake recipe makes super fluffy breakfast pancakes with a delicious creamy ricotta flavor. It’s a great crowd pleaser and can be served for breakfast or brunch.

How to make the best fluffy ricotta pancakes?

If you are looking for how to create the perfect fluffy pancake, here are some tips to get you the best-tasting pancake.

·       Get the batter right

To make the perfect fluffy ricotta pancake, you have to get that batter right. Too runny and the pancakes will spread out without the fluff you are looking for. If the batter is too thick, you may get a gluggy type consistency and this could leave you with an undercooked pancake. The batter needs to be thick but still run off the spoon.

·       Separate the eggs

Separate the eggs and beat the whites to a cloud-like consistency. This is probably the most important step in getting those fluffy pancakes. You probably don’t need to go as stiff as a meringue but if you have an electric hand beater, I’d highly recommend beating the egg whites till they form a cloud-like consistency.

·       Don’t overmix the batter.

Slowly fold the egg whites into the rest of the pancake mixture. Overmixing will lead to dense pancakes, which let’s face it, no one wants to eat.

·       Let your batter rest for 5 to 10 mins

If you do this step, make sure you only fold your egg whites in right before you are ready to cook the pancakes so the batter remains light and fluffy.

These ricotta pancakes are tall, fluffy, and creamy for a few reasons:

• The ricotta keeps the batter nice and moist and also thick.
• Add just the right amount of milk. Too much milk results in watery batter and not enough milk, well you’ll end up with a dough. I find 2/3 cups milk is just the right amount of milk for this recipe.
• The egg whites need to be beaten to a cloud-like consistency. When adding these to the batter mixture you have to fold them into the mixture gently. The key is to keep our pancakes fluffy.

Variations for fluffy ricotta pancakes

These ricotta pancakes taste good on their own. But here are a few variations for you to try.

• Sprinkle lemon zest into your batter to make some delicious lemon ricotta pancakes.
• Add a tsp of vanilla for a subtle vanilla flavor (use pure vanilla extract).
• Add berries into your batter. For e.g. raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries. You can go the extra step and add some lemon zest to get the perfect lemon blueberry ricotta pancakes. These are honestly a show stopper!
• Leave out the sugar from the recipe and add a tablespoon of maple syrup or honey instead.
• Add a tsp of cinnamon to your batter. Ricotta and cinnamon pair really well.

What to serve with these fluffy pancakes?

These are some of the different ways I serve up these fluffy ricotta pancakes.

• You could serve these delicious ricotta pancakes with a dollop of butter and honey and they’d be so delicious. Of course, I like to go the whole way so I always serve mine with maple syrup and fresh fruit or a compote.
• If you want more of a savory breakfast you can serve these pancakes with a side of bacon and scrambled eggs.
• Adding fresh curd-like lemon curd or passionfruit curd is a good accompaniment to these ricotta pancakes.
• Serve with a side of thick yogurt, sliced banana, and honey
• Other fruits you can use are peaches, feijoas, and apricots. These delicious pancakes go with almost anything. So using seasonal fruit can be a win for everyone.

How to cook the perfect fluffy ricotta pancakes?

• Your non-stick pan should be on low heat. Wait till you get it nice and hot.
• Add a generous amount of butter and make sure it coats the pan. Alternatively, you can use an oil spray.
• Measure about 1/3 cup of batter and start pouring from the center and continue in a circular motion to get that perfect round shape. By measuring the batter out, you get perfect size pancakes all around.
• Put a lid on top of the pan leaving it cracked open. Once you see bubbles forming on the top, they are ready to be flipped. Don’t rush the flipping process. Let the underside cook properly until golden brown. Make sure you use a good spatula to flip the pancake. You only need to flip once through the cooking process. Please don’t be tempted to flip these over and over again.

This fluffy ricotta pancake recipe makes a great Sunday morning breakfast. My kids love them, and even my husband who doesn’t have much of a sweet tooth loves them too. This recipe is a game-changer and I’m certain it will become one of your family favorites too.

If you love pancakes, I hope you’ll give this fluffy ricotta pancake recipe a try. There’s something about the ricotta that turns these pancakes into a decadent breakfast.

Bon Appetit!

Alternate Ricotta Pancake Recipes

• To make Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, simply add 1 tsp of lemon zest and 1 tsp of lemon juice to the recipe above.
• To make Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes, simply add ½ cup of blueberries to the recipe above.
• To make Lemon Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes, add 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 tsp lemon juice, and ½ cup blueberries to the recipe above

Frequently Asked Questions

Do the ricotta pancakes have a cheesy flavor?

Adding ricotta to your pancakes doesn’t give it a cheesy flavor. You get more of a richness and creaminess to your pancakes.  It’s almost like a custard-like center.  They are definitely more decadent than the fluffy pancake recipe.

How are ricotta pancakes different from normal pancakes?

Ricotta pancakes have a delicious creamy flavor, a soft fluffy texture, and are the thickest pancakes you’ll ever eat. The ricotta cheese adds a luxurious flavor and pairs perfectly with fresh fruit and maple syrup.

Can I make the ricotta pancakes ahead of time?

Yes, these pancakes are perfect to make ahead and reheat well. The ricotta keeps them nice and moist so you even store them in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat in the microwave. But if you want to make enough to last you a few days during the week, you can very well do that with this recipe.  

Can I freeze the ricotta pancakes? 

Yes, indeed you can. To freeze them, cook the ricotta pancakes, and then lay them out in one layer on a cooling rack. Once they have cooled down transfer them to a tray lined with a baking sheet and place the pancakes into the freezer for 30 minutes (or until they are hard). Then divide them between freezer bags with a sheet of parchment paper between them. To reheat, place the pancakes onto a plate and microwave for 20 to 30 seconds for each pancake.

Can you make fluffy ricotta pancakes without buttermilk?

Yes, most definitely. While a lot of recipes call for buttermilk, this one doesn’t. This recipe requires just regular milk.

If you ever desperately need buttermilk and don’t have any at home, you can create your own buttermilk by adding a tablespoon of white vinegar to a cup of milk. Let that rest for about 10 mins and voila, you have your own homemade buttermilk! No vinegar, no problem, just use some freshly squeezed lemon juice instead. 

Why are my pancakes flat?

• The biggest reason for flat pancakes is an overmixed pancake batter. Overmixing your batter will deflate the air bubbles making it hard for the pancakes to rise. You also develop too much gluten which results in a chewy type pancake consistency. Use a gentle hand when folding the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix just until incorporated.
• Another reason your pancakes could turn out flat is if your baking agents are stale. So always make sure you check the expiry date before using any baking agent.
• Turn your pancakes over gently and only once during the entire cooking process. If you keep flipping and pressing down on them, you’ll lose the fluffy pancake element.

Should you let the pancake batter rest?

Yes, you should let the pancake batter rest. Resting the batter for about 5 minutes helps it to relax any gluten that may develop, resulting in the best fluffy pancakes ever.

More pancake recipes

• Fluffy Pancakes Recipe