Heavenly Ricotta Pancakes with Sweet Strawberry Drizzle

By Lynne Webb

Elevate your breakfast or brunch with these incredibly light, fluffy, and moist ricotta pancakes. Delicately flavored with fresh orange zest and served with a bright, homemade strawberry-orange sauce, they offer a gourmet experience that is perfect for any special gathering or a delightful treat for yourself.

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• 15 ounces (about 1 ¾ cups) full-fat ricotta cheese
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons whole milk
• 3 large eggs, separated (yolks and whites kept apart)
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 fresh orange (finely grated, approximately 1 tablespoon)

For the Homemade Strawberry-Orange Sauce:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and roughly chopped
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar (or more, to taste)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

1. **Prepare the Ricotta for Optimal Fluffiness:** This initial step is critical for achieving the lightest, fluffiest pancakes. Ricotta cheese contains a good amount of moisture, and removing the excess will prevent your pancakes from becoming dense or soggy. Place all 15 ounces of ricotta into a fine-mesh strainer or colander lined with cheesecloth, set over a bowl. Allow it to drain in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or even up to 4 hours, to ensure as much liquid as possible is removed.
2. **Begin the Strawberry-Orange Sauce:** While the ricotta is draining, you can start preparing the delightful sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, and ¼ cup of freshly squeezed orange juice. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. The strawberries will start to release their juices and soften.
3. **Thicken the Sauce to Perfection:** In a separate tiny bowl or ramekin, whisk together the 2 tablespoons of cold water and 2 teaspoons of cornstarch until a smooth, lump-free slurry forms. Once your strawberry mixture is simmering, gradually pour the cornstarch slurry into the saucepan while continuously stirring. Continue cooking and stirring for another 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce visibly thickens to a glossy, syrup-like consistency that coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat, transfer the sauce to a serving bowl, and let it cool. It will continue to thicken as it cools, developing a richer flavor.
4. **Combine the Dry Pancake Ingredients:** In a medium-sized mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the ¾ cup of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and ⅛ teaspoon of salt. Ensuring these dry ingredients are well combined distributes the leavening agents evenly, which is vital for a consistent rise and texture in your fluffy pancakes.
5. **Prepare the Wet Pancake Mixture (Yolks Included):** In a separate large bowl, combine the previously drained ricotta cheese, 2 tablespoons of whole milk, the 3 separated egg yolks (reserve the whites for a later step), ½ teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, and the finely grated zest of one fresh orange. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is completely smooth and uniform. The orange zest adds a beautiful, bright citrus note that elevates the overall flavor profile of these delicate pancakes.
6. **Whip the Egg Whites for Airy Volume:** This step is crucial for achieving the signature lightness of ricotta pancakes. In a clean, dry mixing bowl, using an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the reserved 3 egg whites on high speed. Continue beating until they form soft, airy peaks. The whites should be fluffy and hold their shape but not be overly stiff or dry. Overbeaten egg whites can make the batter difficult to fold.
7. **Gently Fold the Batter for Maximum Fluffiness:** Now, it’s time to bring all the pancake components together. Add the ricotta-milk mixture to the bowl containing your dry ingredients. Using a spatula, stir gently just until they are combined. It’s perfectly normal for the batter to have a few small lumps; resist the urge to overmix, as this develops gluten and can lead to tough pancakes. Next, gently whisk in about half of the whipped egg whites into the batter. This step helps to lighten the batter’s consistency. Finally, carefully fold in the remaining whipped egg whites using a gentle upward motion, until no streaks of white are visible. The key here is to preserve as much air as possible, which will contribute to the pancakes’ incredible airy texture.
8. **Cook Your Golden Ricotta Pancakes:** Lightly oil or butter a griddle or large non-stick frying pan. Heat it over medium-high heat. You can test the temperature by sprinkling a few drops of water on the surface; if they sizzle and evaporate quickly, your griddle is ready. For each pancake, spoon approximately 3 tablespoons of the delicate batter onto the hot griddle. Ensure to leave enough space between each pancake for even cooking.
9. **Flip and Finish Cooking:** Cook the pancakes for about 2-3 minutes on the first side. You’ll know they are ready to flip when small bubbles begin to appear and gently break on the edges and surface of the pancake, and the underside is golden brown. Carefully flip each pancake and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the second side is also golden brown and the pancake is cooked through in the center.
10. **Keep Pancakes Warm:** As you continue cooking the remaining batches, transfer the finished pancakes to a baking sheet and keep them warm in a preheated oven set to 200°F (95°C). This ensures that every pancake is served warm and fresh, maintaining its delicate texture.
11. **Serve with the Irresistible Sauce:** Arrange your beautifully cooked, fluffy ricotta pancakes in stacks on individual plates. Generously spoon the cooled Strawberry-Orange Sauce over the top. For an extra touch of elegance, you can garnish with a few fresh strawberry slices, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a small sprig of fresh mint. Enjoy this truly special breakfast or brunch!