Blog

Wake up your taste buds with an enchanting breakfast classic remixed with a citrusy, Italian twist. Fluffy Orange Zest & Ricotta Pancakes drizzled with Citrus Syrup is a culinary masterpiece that is sure to delight. This recipe comes with a beautiful blend of heritage and innovation; pancakes have been a breakfast staple across various cultures for centuries, and adding the orange zest and ricotta cheese is a nod to Italy’s love for sweet, citrus-flavored pastries and ricotta-filled delights.

What makes this version truly special is the blend of airy, fluffy pancakes and creamy ricotta cheese, infused with the invigorating aroma of orange zest. The drizzle of homemade citrus syrup adds a radiant sweetness, creating a perfect symphony of flavors. Expect a refreshing, tangy burst of orange harmonizing perfectly with the rich and smooth notes of the ricotta, all wrapped up in a cloud-like pancake that melts in your mouth.

These pancakes make for a fantastic weekend brunch or a delightful dessert after a family dinner. Pair these luscious pancakes with a hot cup of coffee or a chilled mimosa to complete the experience. So, get your apron ready, because this Recipe is about to take you on a flavorful journey from the comfort of your own kitchen.

Main Ingredients

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup ricotta cheese
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• 2 tablespoons orange zest (from about 2 oranges)

Seasonings and Spices

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Optional Toppings

• to taste whipped cream
• to taste powdered sugar
• to taste additional orange zest
• to taste sliced fresh fruits (such as strawberries or bananas)

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, combine the 1.5 cups of all-purpose flour, 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder, 3 tablespoons of sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Mix these dry ingredients together until well combined.
   Tip: Ensuring that these dry ingredients are well mixed will create a uniform flavor throughout the pancakes.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the 2 large eggs, 1 cup of whole milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Once these ingredients are well combined, add in the 3/4 cup of ricotta cheese and mix until you achieve a smooth consistency.
   Tip: Avoid overmixing the ricotta cheese as it can make the batter too heavy.
3. Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and let it cool slightly. Then, add it to the wet ingredients.
   Tip: Make sure the butter is not too hot when adding it to the wet ingredients to avoid cooking the eggs.
4. Add 2 tablespoons of orange zest to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until it’s well incorporated.
   Tip: Grate the orange zest directly into the bowl for maximum flavor.

Cooking Instructions

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. The batter should be a bit lumpy.
   Tip: Avoid overmixing the batter as it can make the pancakes tough.
2. Preheat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat. Pour 1/4 cup of the batter onto the pan for each pancake.
   Tip: If you don’t have a non-stick pan, lightly grease the surface with butter or cooking spray.
3. Cook the pancakes until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2-3 minutes. Flip the pancakes and cook for another 1-2 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
   Tip: Flip the pancakes only once to keep them fluffy.

Finishing Touches

1. Serve the pancakes warm, topped with whipped cream, powdered sugar, additional orange zest, and fresh fruits to taste.
   Tip: The pancakes can be kept warm in a 200°F oven while you finish cooking the rest.
2. Drizzle the pancakes with homemade citrus syrup just before serving.
   Tip: To make homemade citrus syrup, combine equal parts of sugar and citrus juice (like orange or lemon) in a saucepan. Simmer until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly.