As the sun streams through the kitchen window, the aroma of warm pancakes fills the air, wrapping me in a comforting embrace. I remember when my grandmother made pancakes every Sunday morning, her kitchen bustling with laughter and the sound of sizzling batter. One day, I decided to try something new, using my sourdough starter and ricotta cheese. The result? Light and fluffy pancakes bursting with a hint of lemony brightness. This recipe matters to me because it brings back those joyful mornings, and it’s a wonderful way to use my sourdough starter. What’s special about these pancakes is their unique texture and flavor, making them a delightful treat for any day of the week.
why make this recipe
Making Sourdough Lemon Ricotta Pancakes is a fantastic way to use your sourdough starter while treating yourself to a delicious breakfast. The combination of ricotta and lemon gives these pancakes a light and creamy texture that’s truly indulgent. Plus, they are packed with flavor and are incredibly easy to whip up. You can impress your family and friends, or simply enjoy a cozy morning at home with a comforting plate of pancakes.
how to make Sourdough Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
Ingredients
- 1 cup sourdough starter
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
Directions
- In a large bowl, mix together the sourdough starter, ricotta cheese, eggs, milk, and melted butter until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed.
- Preheat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and add a little butter or oil.
- Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown.
- Serve warm with maple syrup or your favorite toppings.
how to serve Sourdough Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
These pancakes are best served warm right off the skillet. Top them with a drizzle of maple syrup, fresh berries, or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special touch. You could also sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for an elegant finish. They make a delightful breakfast or brunch treat that will surely impress!
how to store Sourdough Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
If you have leftovers, store the pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze them for a quick breakfast option later. Just place parchment paper between the pancakes and store them in a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to eat, reheat them in a skillet or toaster.
tips to make Sourdough Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
- Make sure your sourdough starter is bubbly and active for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overmix the batter; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
- If the batter is too thick, add a little more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
- Experiment with other flavors by adding vanilla extract or using different citrus zest.
variation
You can add blueberries or chocolate chips to the batter for a fruity or sweet twist. You can also substitute lemon zest and juice for orange or lime for a different citrus flavor.
FAQs
Can I use plain yogurt instead of ricotta cheese?
Yes, plain yogurt can be used as a substitute for ricotta cheese, but the texture may be slightly different.
Can I make these pancakes gluten-free?
You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
How do I know when to flip the pancakes?
Look for bubbles forming on the surface and the edges starting to set. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes on medium heat.

Sourdough Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup sourdough starter
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon zest of lemon
- 1 tablespoon juice of lemon
Method
Preparation
- In a large bowl, mix together the sourdough starter, ricotta cheese, eggs, milk, and melted butter until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed.
Cooking
- Preheat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and add a little butter or oil.
- Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown.
Serving
- Serve warm with maple syrup or your favorite toppings.