Blueberry Lemon Ricotta Pancakes ππ«π₯
Hey there! If youβre the kind of person who believes breakfast should feel like a little celebration (Iβm totally with you), then youβre going to fall in love with these Blueberry Lemon Ricotta Pancakes. Theyβre soft, fluffy, and bursting with juicy blueberries β but what really makes them special is the creamy ricotta and bright hint of lemon zest. They taste like sunshine on a plate! βοΈ
I love making these on slow weekend mornings with a big mug of coffee and some background music. They feel fancy enough for brunch guests but are actually super easy to make. Plus, your kitchen will smell like a bakery while theyβre cooking β which is reason enough to make them if you ask me!
Nutritional Benefits
These pancakes donβt just taste amazing β theyβre also full of good-for-you ingredients! Ricotta adds protein and calcium, making these more filling than your typical pancakes. The blueberries are loaded with antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, while the lemon brings a refreshing dose of vitamin C and helps balance the sweetness. You can use whole-wheat flour for extra fiber or a little oat flour if you want to sneak in some whole grains. So yes, you can totally call these a *better-for-you* indulgence. π
Adaptable Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose blend or oat flour for an easy swap.
- Dairy-Free Version: Substitute ricotta with almond-based ricotta and use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk.
- Extra Protein Boost: Add one scoop of vanilla protein powder or 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt to the batter.
- Berry Mix-Up: Try raspberries, blackberries, or a mix of berries if you want to switch up the flavor.
- For Dessert: Stack them high and top with whipped cream, lemon curd, or a drizzle of white chocolate β no one will complain!
Blueberry Lemon Ricotta Pancakes Recipe
Ingredients (Makes 8β10 pancakes)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or whole-wheat flour)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup milk (or more as needed)
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- Butter or oil, for cooking
- Maple syrup, extra blueberries, and lemon slices for serving
Instructions
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In another bowl, combine milk, ricotta, eggs, vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Combine gently: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined β itβs okay if there are a few lumps. Donβt overmix, or your pancakes will be dense!
- Add the blueberries: Gently fold in the blueberries with a spatula so theyβre evenly distributed through the batter.
- Cook the pancakes: Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a bit of butter or oil. Pour 1/4 cup of batter per pancake and cook for about 2β3 minutes per side, or until golden and fluffy. Flip carefully once bubbles form on the surface.
- Serve & enjoy: Stack your pancakes, drizzle with maple syrup, and top with more blueberries and lemon zest. Dig in while theyβre warm and fluffy!
Practical & Valuable Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients: Cold eggs or milk can make the batter stiff and less fluffy. Let them sit out for 10 minutes before mixing.
- Donβt press the pancakes: Let them rise naturally β pressing them down with a spatula flattens the texture.
- Frozen blueberries tip: Toss them in a teaspoon of flour before folding into the batter to prevent color bleeding.
- Keep warm: Place cooked pancakes on a baking sheet in a 200Β°F (90Β°C) oven while you finish the rest so they stay fluffy and warm.
- For extra lemony flavor: Add a teaspoon of lemon extract or serve with a lemon-honey drizzle β itβs next-level delicious.
- Leftovers? Stack with parchment paper between each pancake and freeze in a zip bag. Reheat in the toaster or microwave for a quick weekday treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make the batter ahead of time? Yes! Mix the dry and wet ingredients separately and combine them right before cooking for the best texture.
- Can I use low-fat ricotta? You can β itβll still be creamy, just slightly less rich. Whole milk ricotta gives the fluffiest texture though.
- Why are my pancakes dense? Usually from overmixing the batter. Stop as soon as everything is combined, even if it looks a little lumpy.
- Can I use plant-based ricotta? Absolutely! Almond or cashew-based ricotta works beautifully β just add an extra splash of milk if the batter feels thick.
Serving Idea: Cozy Weekend Brunch Vibes π«βπ
When I make these for brunch, I love serving them with a side of crispy bacon or scrambled eggs for contrast. Add a small bowl of extra blueberries, a pot of warm maple syrup, and maybe a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top β it looks gorgeous and feels like something from your favorite cafΓ©. For an extra treat, serve with a cappuccino or iced vanilla latte. Itβs brunch perfection!
Call to Action
Did you make these Blueberry Lemon Ricotta Pancakes? Iβd love to see your beautiful stack! Snap a photo and tag me on Pinterest β I love seeing your creations. Donβt forget to save this recipe for your next weekend breakfast or brunch; trust me, itβs one of those recipes everyone will ask for. π«ππ₯π


