These Lemon Ricotta Pancakes are like no other pancake you've ever tried! Light with a wonderful flavor, they're perfect for every day or a special brunch.

I'll never forget the first time I had breakfast in bed. Do you mean that I don't even have to step out of this warm bed, I get to just lie here under these cozy covers until my delicious breakfast arrives? Until you experience it for the first time, I don't think anyone can fully appreciate what a wonderful treat this is.
It's fun to be the one doing the surprising, too! The girls and I have surprised Alan with breakfast in bed and I'm really not sure which one of us enjoys it most. It's such a joy to try to be quiet and sneak up the stairs with a tray of goodies and deliver it at just the right moment.

With Mother's Day around the corner, I took some time to think about what would make my own mom happy and what I would make for her for breakfast. Lemon Ricotta Pancakes are perfect for her. She loves all things lemon and these lemon ricotta pancakes have a light, lemony flavor without being overpowering. The ricotta creates a different texture than "regular" pancakes, so mom will know she's getting something special.
{Side Note: If you haven't tried making your own ricotta, why not give it a try? It's almost as easy as boiling water - seriously. Store-bought will work just as well in this recipe though, so there should be no worries if you choose to go that route.}
These lemon ricotta pancakes are beloved by everyone in our family (and I've even made it for a few of my clients who have loved them, too). I hope you enjoy them as much as we do!

Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Fresh Raspberries
These light but flavorful pancakes are a breakfast dream!
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ c butter
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ t baking powder
- 3 large eggs, separated
- 2 T granulated sugar
- zest from two large lemons
- 1 t vanilla extract
- ¾ t kosher salt
- ¾ cup ricotta cheese, preferably whole milk ricotta, not low-fat
Instructions
- Heat milk over low heat until warm; add butter and whisk until butter is melted and fully incorporated. Set aside and allow to cool.
- Sift flour and baking powder into a large mixing bowl.
- Place egg yolks, sugar, lemon zest, vanilla and salt in a large bowl and whisk to combine. Add the cooled milk mixture from the saucepan and whisk to thoroughly combine. Add to flour mixture and stir gently, just until ingredients are moistened and no flour streaks remain.
- Whip egg whites to stiff peaks. Very gently fold the whites into the batter. Gently fold in the ricotta. Be careful with this step; you want to keep the batter light and fluffy.
- Preheat a nonstick or cast iron pan over medium heat. Add approximately ½ T butter and, when butter is melted, immediately add small amounts of batter to pan to form pancakes. Cook until bubbles form, then flip and cook the other side until golden brown.
- Top with powdered sugar and plenty of fresh raspberries.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 486Total Fat: 24gSaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 205mgSodium: 666mgCarbohydrates: 47gFiber: 2gSugar: 11gProtein: 20g
This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix.
More delicious breakfast recipes:
- Oatmeal Pancakes
- Raspberry Almond Flour Pancakes
- Skillet Cinnamon Rolls (with a cream cheese dip)
- Homemade Andouille Sausage
Also, take a look this list of delicious pancake toppings.
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Susan | LunaCafe says
These look so marvelous. You've inspired me to make my own ricotta. 🙂
Kristy Bernardo says
I'm so glad! You'll love it, Susan 🙂
Cecile Manabat says
the pancakes looks delicious and healthy food.
the wicked noodle says
Thanks Cecile!
Amy (Savory Moments) says
Pancakes are one of my favorite weekend breakfast/brunch meals. I like these lemony ones - very yummy!
the wicked noodle says
Thanks Amy!
Valerie says
If only my cats had thumbs (one does, but he can't cook!), so I could experience breakfast in bed. These pancakes are exquisite!!
And I'm so sorry for not visiting, or writing...or calling... Please excuse my hermit ways/laziness. XO
the wicked noodle says
Only if you excuse the same for me. Miss you, V 🙂
Amanda@ChewTown says
Now they are some gorgeous looking perfect pancakes! Wow!
the wicked noodle says
Thanks Amanda!
wok with ray says
Breakfast in bed is always the best. These pancakes are just amazingly delicious whether it's on the bed or on the table. Have a great week, Kristy! 🙂
the wicked noodle says
Thanks Ray, you do the same!
BusyWorkingMama says
The flavor sounds wonderful - I love lemony breakfast treats.
the wicked noodle says
Thanks so much!
Hazel says
What a fabulous idea for a special breakfast. I'm not sure i'm going to be able to restrict it to just special occasions! I absolutely love the combination of lemon and ricotta 🙂
the wicked noodle says
You & me both, Hazel, it's so good. Thanks for swinging by!
Gustoso says
These look light and fluffy.
the wicked noodle says
Thanks Gustoso 🙂
Andrea Meyers says
Love these pancakes! They are so pretty and perfect for a breakfast celebration.
the wicked noodle says
Thanks, A!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
These look like breakfast heaven, Kristy! Such a great flavor combo!
the wicked noodle says
Thank you, Laura!
john@kitchenriffs says
I love anything lemon! So these pancakes definitely are something I'd enjoy. Great recipe! I haven't had breakfast in bed in ages. Definitely something to do again! Fun post - thanks.
the wicked noodle says
Thanks John!
Crystal @ Simply Playful Fare says
These look so good! I've been toying with the idea of having my mother and mother-in-law over for brunch this Sunday. This might just be the perfect addition to accompany a breakfast casserole. I love ricotta pancakes! (And am dying to make my own ricotta soon.)
the wicked noodle says
Awesome, Crystal! Let me know how it turns out!
Cookin Canuck says
What beautiful pancakes, Kristy! These would definitely be a welcome treat on Mother's Day. And yes...I really need to try my hand at making ricotta.
the wicked noodle says
You should, Dara, it's amazing!
Daniela says
What a treat for mother's day!
I think I'll pass on the recipe to my children so they know what I would like for Sunday:)
Kristy, the pictures are very pretty.
the wicked noodle says
lol, Daniela!! Thanks and Happy Mother's Day!