Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Imagine pancakes that are light, fluffy and creamy all at once — thanks to the addition of ricotta. The bright zest and juice of lemon bring a refreshing lift, while juicy berries add bursts of sweet-tart flavour. Drizzled with a simple honey-lemon sauce and served with yoghurt and granola, this recipe turns breakfast into something special without being overly indulgent.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 cup (about 125 g) plain (all-purpose) flour
• ½ cup (about 60 g) wholemeal flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup (250 ml) reduced-fat milk
• ½ cup (about 120 g) low-fat ricotta (or cottage cheese)
• 1 cup sliced strawberries
• Zest and juice of one small lemon (reserve 1 teaspoon of zest to garnish)
• 1 tablespoon honey (for the sauce)
• 4 tablespoons reduced-fat Greek yoghurt (for serving)
• 1 cup fresh blueberries (for serving)
• 3 tablespoons natural muesli granola with macadamia & cranberry (optional, for serving)

Directions

1. Lightly spray a large, heavy-based non-stick frying pan with a little olive oil and preheat it over medium heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the plain flour, wholemeal flour, baking powder and sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until light and fluffy. Add the milk and ricotta, whisking until smooth.
4. Make a well in the centre of the dry-ingredients bowl and pour in the egg-milk-ricotta mixture. Stir until combined and the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
5. Spoon two ladlefuls of batter into the pan and cook both pancakes for about 2 minutes or until bubbles appear on the surface and pop. Using a spatula, carefully flip over and cook for about 2 minutes on the other side or until golden. Transfer the cooked pancakes to a plate and cover with a tea towel to keep warm. Repeat with the remaining batter to make roughly 8 pancakes in total.
6. To assemble: Stack two pancakes on each serving plate. Divide the sliced strawberries between each layer. In a small bowl, mix the reserved lemon zest, lemon juice and honey to make the sauce. Top each pancake stack with a dollop of Greek yoghurt and fresh blueberries. Drizzle over the lemon-honey sauce and sprinkle with the granola (if using) and the reserved zest for garnish.
7. Serve immediately, while warm, for best texture and flavour.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4 (approximately 2 pancakes per person)
Hands-on time: ~15 minutes
Total time: ~35 minutes

Variations

• Use frozen berries (blueberries, raspberries or mixed berries) instead of fresh; simply thaw or microwave slightly before serving.
• Swap the wholemeal flour for oat flour or a gluten-free flour blend to make the pancakes gluten-free (note slight texture change).
• Replace the honey-lemon sauce with maple syrup or a berry compote for a richer topping.
• Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the batter for extra warm flavour.
• For an indulgent twist, top the stack with whipped cream or mascarpone instead of or as well as the yoghurt.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: If you have leftovers, allow the pancakes to cool completely then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Freezing: You can also freeze cooked pancakes. Lay them flat (with a sheet of parchment between each) in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 1 month.
• Reheating: Reheat refrigerated or frozen pancakes in a low-medium oven (~150 °C / 300 °F) for about 5-10 minutes or until heated through. For frozen, you may heat a little longer. Avoid microwaving if possible to prevent a rubbery texture.

FAQs

What type of ricotta should I use?

Use full-fat or low-fat ricotta, whichever you prefer. Full-fat will yield a richer texture; low-fat works fine and keeps the dish lighter.

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes — you may substitute cottage cheese, though the texture will be slightly different (a little more grainy) but still delicious.

Why are my pancakes not fluffing up?

Over-mixing the batter can lead to dense pancakes. Stir just until combined and lumps remain. Also ensure your pan is at the right temperature (medium) and flip the pancakes once bubbles appear on the surface.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

You can mix the batter and store it in the fridge for up to 30 minutes, but for best rise and texture, it’s ideal to cook the pancakes soon after mixing.

What if I don’t have wholemeal flour?

You can use all plain (all-purpose) flour instead; the pancakes will still taste great though slightly lighter in texture.

Can the pancakes be made vegan?

You could attempt a vegan version by replacing eggs, milk and ricotta with appropriate plant-based substitutes, but results will differ significantly from the original recipe.

What else can I serve alongside these pancakes?

They pair well with additional fresh fruit, a side of smoked salmon and greens (for a savoury contrast), or simply a hot cup of coffee or tea for brunch.

How do I prevent the pancakes from burning or being under-cooked inside?

Use medium heat and set aside time for each side to cook (2-3 minutes); keep the pan preheated properly and flip when bubbles appear. Cover the cooked pancakes with a tea towel or keep in a warm oven while you finish the rest.

Are these pancakes suitable for kids?

Yes—they’re a fun, slightly fancier breakfast that kids will enjoy, especially topped with berries and honey. Consider reducing the sugar if you prefer a less sweet version.

Can I skip the topping of yoghurt and granola?

Absolutely. The pancakes themselves are flavourful and delicious on their own, so the toppings are optional extras you can adjust based on preference.

Conclusion

These Ricotta Pancakes with Berries & Lemon Honey Sauce combine creamy ricotta, bright lemon flavour and fresh berries into a breakfast or brunch treat that feels elevated yet remains simple. Whether you’re treating yourself on a weekend morning or making something special for guests, they strike the right balance of flavour, texture and freshness. Enjoy them warm, savour every bite—and don’t hesitate to adapt the toppings to suit your taste.

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