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    Home » Recipes

    Published: Apr 7, 2021 Updated: Oct 15, 2023 By: Melissa Oleary

    Moist And Fluffy Ricotta Pancakes

    Jump to Recipe
    Total Time: 15 minutes minutes
    23 comments
    4.97 from 29 votes

    Moist and fluffy ricotta pancakes are the ultimate pancake breakfast. This ricotta pancake recipe will really help you up your pancake game and is perfect for everyday pancakes or special occasions. These ricotta pancakes are sweet, fluffy, delicious and so easy to make.

    ricotta pancakes on plate
    Moist and Fluffy Ricotta Pancakes.

    This ricotta cheese pancake recipe makes the most delicious tall and fluffy pancakes and the sweet ricotta adds a beautiful background note and richness. This ricotta pancakes recipe is basically Italian-style pancakes and just as easy as making regular pancakes.

    Why I love these

    This ricotta cheese pancakes recipe not only tastes amazing, it is a great way to use up that ricotta cheese that you only used half of for dinner the night before. I know that I am not the only one with this problem 🙂  

    I also love the addition of cinnamon to these fluffy ricotta pancakes. The combination of cinnamon and ricotta is really a match made in heaven.

    I have recipes like my fresh ricotta and tomato salad or my creamy mushroom and asparagus pasta that uses only about half a container of ricotta. Another great thing about these fluffy ricotta pancakes is they are much more substantial than just ordinary pancakes, keeping you satisfied longer.

    Fluffy ricotta pancakes

    Adding lemon to the pancakes

    You will often see lemon added to ricotta pancake recipes but I prefer the pure taste of the ricotta in my pancakes so I leave the lemon out. You can easily add that to the recipe if you like it.

    I have added quantities for that in the notes section in the recipe below.

    If you do decide on making these Italian pancakes as lemon ricotta pancakes, I suggest checking out my easy homemade 3 ingredient blueberry sauce, and making ricotta blueberry pancakes.

    Lemon and blueberry go so well together. The blueberry sauce can be made ahead of time too!

    ricotta pancakes

    Here are the ingredients you will need to make these fluffy ricotta cheese pancakes

    • Whole milk ricotta (try to use whole milk ricotta and not skim milk ricotta). Whole milk ricotta keeps the pancakes moist and fluffy.
    • Eggs. I use large eggs for these pancakes.
    • All-purpose flour.
    • Vanilla extract. This brings out the sweetness of the ricotta and imparts a beautiful vanilla flavor to the pancakes.
    • Sugar. Regular granulated sugar. This just helps lightly sweeten the pancakes.
    • Baking Powder. To give it rise.
    • Ground cinnamon. I love the combo of cinnamon and ricotta.
    • Kosher salt. If you do not have kosher salt, you can use regular table salt but just half the amount.
    • Whole Milk. Again, like the full-fat ricotta, this will ensure the pancakes are moist.
    • Vegetable oil.
    You see the rise in these delicious ricotta pancakes!

    The ingredients are the same as what you will find in traditional pancakes. The only addition is we are adding in some ricotta and adjusting quantities of some of the other ingredients.

    How to make ricotta pancakes

    Making these ricotta pancakes is as simple as:

    Wet ingredients for ricotta pancakes
    ricotta pancakes dry ingredients
    1. In one bowl, mix wet ingredients, including the ricotta cheese.
    2. In a separate bowl, mix dry ingredients together.
    ricotta pancake batter
    ricotta pancakes cooking
    1. Now add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients until it just comes together.
    2. Ladle ricotta pancake batter onto a preheated pan and cook.

    There are no special steps to making these delicious ricotta pancakes just follow the recipe below and you will be on your way to an amazing breakfast.

    Pro-Tip: You do not need to mix the ricotta pancake batter until completely smooth. Only mix the ingredients together lightly until a batter forms. A few lumps in the batter is fine. This will ensure that you have tender pancakes!

    What to serve with ricotta pancakes

    I love making these pancakes for special occasions because they are really enjoyed around here. I will usually make these ricotta pancakes on Birthdays or holidays because when I make these, they are really enjoyed by everyone.

    I also will add in yeasted waffles to the mix if it is for a group!

    You can add your own little festive touches like edible flowers or powdered sugar to dress them up or leave them as is. They are great either way.

    You can also make these pancakes even more decadent (and special) by making a really easy vanilla dessert sauce, or a honey simple syrup, blackberry puree, maybe a nectarine jam, or berry sauce to pour over the top! I even love adding some homemade strawberry sauce if I have time to make it.

    ricotta pancakes angle view

    Storing Leftovers

    If you do happen to have any pancakes left over, you can store them in the refrigerator covered for up to 2 days.

    To reheat the pancakes, place them on a plate and microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

    Faqs

    What is the secret to perfect pancakes?

    To make amazing pancakes, the secret is to not over-mix them. Overly mixed pancakes will be tough. Remember that a few lumps in the batter are fine.

    Is it better to cook pancakes with butter or oil?

    Cooking pancakes in butter is our preference for cooking pancakes because it cooks the outside of the pancakes evenly. Using oil can cook the outside of the pancakes a little faster than the inside.

    Give this Italian pancake recipe a try and I know you will be immediately hooked!

    More Delicious Breakfast Recipes:

    Making a special breakfast is one of my favorite ways to start the day. Here are some of our favorites.

    • For your classic breakfast, our Brioche French Toast or Baked French Toast are perfect.
    • If you are looking for a baked breakfast for the morning then our Fluffy Yogurt Biscuits or our Vanilla Scones or Blueberry Scones or our Blackberry Scones are perfect.
    • If you would like to try something new at breakfast, our Brussels Sprouts Hash or our Prosciutto and Eggs, or these Mini Pancakes (Pikelets)- how to make pikelets might be for you.

    More Ricotta Recipes

    If you love these fluffy and moist pancakes, you may also like these:

    • spinach and ricotta meatballs
      Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach
    • banana bread cake with ricotta on side
      Banana Bread Cake with Whipped Ricotta
    • savory palmiers
      Savory Palmiers with Parmesan and Ricotta
    • calzones sheet pan
      Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Calzones
    ricotta pancakes on plate
    Print Recipe
    4.97 from 29 votes

    Moist and Fluffy Ricotta Pancakes

    These light and fluffy ricotta pancakes are the perfect start to any morning.
    Prep Time5 minutes mins
    Cook Time10 minutes mins
    Total Time15 minutes mins
    Servings: 10 small pancakes
    US Customary - Metric

    Tried the Recipe? We Would Love To Hear From You In The Comments Below!

    Author: Melissa Oleary

    Ingredients

    • 1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour
    • 1 cup milk
    • ½ cup ricotta cheese
    • 3 large eggs
    • 2 tablespoons sugar
    • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil divided
    • 1 tablespoon baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

    Instructions

    • In a medium bowl, whisk together milk, 1 tablespoon of oil, ricotta, vanilla and eggs.
      Wet ingredients for ricotta pancakes
    • In a separate bowl combine all of the dry ingredients.
      ricotta pancakes dry ingredients
    • Add dry ingredients to wet mixture; whisk until just combined. Do not over mix. It is normal to still see some lumps. The batter will be thick.
      ricotta pancake batter
    • Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium.
    • Add 1 tablespoon of oil or butter to the skillet
    • Once your pan is nice and hot, spoon â…“ cup of batter for each pancake on to your skillet and cook until pancakes begin to rise and some light bubbles form, about 2-3 minutes.
      ricotta pancakes cooking
    • Flip pancake and repeat with the other side.
      ricotta pancakes
    • If pancakes are browning too quickly adjust your heat to medium low.
    • Place pancakes into a stack and serve with butter and maple syrup or your favorite toppings.
      ricotta pancakes closeup

    Notes

    For lemon ricotta pancakes:
    Omit the cinnamon in the recipe 
    Add to the batter: 1 teaspoon of lemon zest 
    juice of ½ of a lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
     
    For Homemade Berry Sauce Toppings:
    3 ingredient blueberry sauce
    Homemade mixed berry sauce

    Nutrition

    Calories: 170kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 58mg | Sodium: 284mg | Potassium: 88mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 166IU | Calcium: 134mg | Iron: 1mg

    Nutrition Values are estimates only.

    See full nutrition disclaimer here
    Course :Breakfast

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    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Linda says

      September 18, 2023 at 1:36 am

      Delicious. I had leftover ricotta cheese from making lasagna and was looking for a way to use it. These pancakes were fluffy and thick. I had a few blueberries to use up and added them. Delicious recipe. I will be making again!

      Reply
      • Melissa says

        September 18, 2023 at 11:27 am

        So glad you enjoyed them!

        Reply
    2. Laurie says

      August 13, 2023 at 12:44 pm

      5 stars
      These were amazing and really easy to make! Great recipe

      Reply
      • Melissa says

        August 13, 2023 at 8:42 pm

        Glad you enjoyed them!

        Reply
    3. Ma! says

      July 22, 2023 at 1:43 pm

      4 stars
      Delicious! Mine didn’t come out as fluffy as the pictures but they were still delicious and very easy to make!

      Reply
      • Melissa says

        July 22, 2023 at 4:34 pm

        So glad you enjoyed them 🙂

        Reply
    4. Carol says

      May 23, 2023 at 3:45 pm

      Could this batter be used to make waffles also?

      Reply
      • Melissa says

        May 23, 2023 at 4:37 pm

        Hi Carol. I haven't tried it but I would say probably not. Waffle batter needs lots of rise and usually egg whites that are whipped will help with that.

        Reply
    5. Laurie says

      May 21, 2023 at 5:19 pm

      5 stars
      I didn't have milk so used my 10% cream and diluted by half. These little pancakes were light and fluffy as promised. Using my own farm fresh eggs was extra wonderful. Served with homemade homegrown blackberry apple preserves. So good!

      Reply
      • Melissa says

        May 21, 2023 at 9:36 pm

        That sounds wonderful with the homemade preserves and fresh eggs!

        Reply
    6. Brenda says

      January 06, 2023 at 3:40 pm

      5 stars
      These came out amazing. Very fluffy

      Reply
      • Melissa says

        January 06, 2023 at 4:24 pm

        glad you enjoyed them 🙂

        Reply
    7. Karen says

      December 31, 2022 at 4:12 pm

      How come in the ingredients it says to separate the oil, but then in the instructions it says to add the oil ?

      And also in the instructions there are two different instructions.

      Reply
      • Melissa says

        December 31, 2022 at 4:30 pm

        Hi Karen. The oil is divided between the batter and some for the pan 🙂
        The thing you mentioned sounds like it comes from the "associated ingredients" that are added next to the instructions making it confusing. I removed that so it is more clear.
        Thanks for letting me know about this!

        Reply
    8. Melissa says

      December 30, 2022 at 1:38 pm

      So happy to hear that 🙂

      Reply
    9. Joey says

      November 19, 2022 at 2:09 pm

      5 stars
      Made these for breakfast and they were a hit!

      Reply
      • Melissa says

        November 19, 2022 at 2:41 pm

        Love hearing that!

        Reply
    10. Diane says

      November 18, 2022 at 2:43 pm

      5 stars
      These pancakes were amazing! Love the cinnamon flavor with the ricotta too 🙂

      Reply
      • Melissa says

        November 18, 2022 at 2:47 pm

        So glad you enjoyed them Diane!

        Reply
    11. Natasha says

      November 17, 2022 at 3:21 pm

      5 stars
      They came out so fluffy and delicious. A keeper recipe!

      Reply
      • Melissa says

        November 17, 2022 at 3:38 pm

        So glad to hear that!

        Reply
    12. Jennifer says

      August 10, 2021 at 8:09 pm

      5 stars
      These were amazing!

      Reply

    Trackbacks

    1. Italian Ricotta Cake- Ricotta Lemon Cake • Keeping It Simple Blog says:
      August 4, 2021 at 5:47 pm

      […] always make my ricotta pancakes with the leftover ricotta. Ricotta lasts for a couple weeks in the fridge so you can make a batch of […]

      Reply

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    I am so excited you are here. My name is Melissa and I started this recipe website to share easy recipes that I have been cooking for years. I have written hundreds of easy recipes that are tested and perfected. Some of the recipes I learned during my years of working in restaurants, some from owning my own food company and others come from friends and traveling.

    More about me →

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