A plate with a towering arrangement of gluten-free lemon and ricotta pancakes

These gluten-free lemon & ricotta pancakes are featherlight and perfect for breakfast, as a snack or to treat children. The flavour is fresh and summery, especially when topped with fresh strawberries and an extra squeeze of lemon.

There is very little sugar in the batter which is great for those looking for a low-sugar snack or for keeping the sugar down with children. Any extra sweetness needed can be compensated with the fresh strawberries, jam and extra sprinkling of sugar. Who knew that pancakes could be healthy?

The pancake batter improves when left to rest for at least 30 minutes, but if you are after the fluffiest and best-looking pancakes, make the batter before you go to bed and add the whisked egg whites in the morning. Making them for breakfast will be a breeze and super efficient!

Table setting of gluten-free lemon ricotta pancakes
A plate with a towering arrangement of gluten-free lemon and ricotta pancakes

Gluten-Free Lemon & Ricotta Pancakes

by Sandra - Fun Without Gluten
These pancakes have a fluffy texture, citrusy flavour and an Italian flair with the addition of ricotta cheese. The ricotta does not give a cheese flavour to the pancakes, instead, it acts as a replacement for milk and adds some lift to the pancake batter.
5 from 4 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Batter Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Breakfast, Kids' Snacks, Snack
Cuisine Italian
Servings 12 10-cm pancakes

Equipment

  • Handheld electric whisker, or
  • Stand mixer with a whisk attachment

Ingredients
  

  • 240 g ricotta cheese
  • 3 eggs, separated at room temperature
  • 1 tbsp white sugar
  • 1 lemon * grated zest only
  • 70 g store-bought or homemade gluten-free flour
  • melted butter, for brushing the pan

Serve with

  • fresh strawberries
  • 1 lemon slices & some wedges * use lemon that had zest removed
  • white sugar, to sprinkle on pancakes
  • strawberry jam, in a small bowl

Instructions
 

Making the pancake batter

  • In a medium bowl, break up the ricotta in a medium bowl using a fork.
  • Separate the eggs, placing the egg yolks with the ricotta. Place the egg whites in a glass or ceramic bowl to whisk later.
  • Add the sugar and lemon zest to the egg yolks and ricotta. Whisk thoroughly until the batter is somewhat smooth.
  • Sieve the flour over the mixture and fold in gently.
  • Cover and allow the batter to rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
  • Whisk the egg whites until they form stiff peaks.
  • Gradually fold the egg whites into the ricotta mixture.

Frying the pancakes

  • Heat up a non-stick frying pan or a cast iron griddle to medium-high.
  • Test to see if the heat is ideal by sprinkling some water on the surface. The droplets should dance in the pan.
  • Brush the pan with a thin film of melted butter by using a silicone pastry brush or a folded wad of paper towels.
  • Pour the ricotta mixture into the pan by using either a regular size ice-cream scoop or a ¼ measuring cup. Spread the batter with the back of a spoon to form a 10cm round pancake.
  • Fry for 1-2 minutes until the bottom is golden then flip over and repeat on the other side for another 1-2 minutes. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil while frying the remaining pancakes.

Serving

  • Serve with fresh strawberries, extra white sugar and lemon pieces and a dollop of strawberry jam on the side.

Notes

  • Keeps for 2 days chilled
  • Reheat in the microwave covered for 1.30 mins on 2nd highest setting.
  • Not suitable to freeze
Keyword gluten-free breakfast dish, gluten-free italian, gluten-free pancakes, gluten-free snack
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A plate with a stack of gluten-free lemon and ricotta pancakes with strawberry jam next to it
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