You know those bright yellow pancakes you see on plates across the dining room when you walk into any First Watch restaurant? Those sunny stacks of fluff are their insanely popular Lemon Ricotta Pancakes. Just one sweet and tangy bite and you’ll totally get why people go crazy over them! Last weekend, I visited First Watch with my two little champs and they became fans of the pancakes over their Banana Crunch Pancakes. So, I decided to make them at home in my kitchen.
The best part is how easy they are to make right in your own kitchen with just a few simple ingredients. And in today’s recipe I’m going to share my First Watch Lemon Ricotta Pancakes Copycat Recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Ricotta Pancake Recipe
This pancake recipe combines the richness of ricotta cheese with tangy lemon zest for a uniquely bright and creamy flavor. Unlike traditional pancakes made with only flour, milk, and eggs, the addition of ricotta makes these extra thick and luscious.
When cooked up on the griddle, the exterior gets perfectly golden and crispy while the interior stays melt-in-your mouth tender. Each bite is a wonderful balance of sweet and tart flavors from the sugar and lemon.
Making them is simple too. You likely have all the ingredients on hand already – no fancy equipment required. Just mix up the batter, ladle it onto a hot skillet, then top the finished pancakes with all your favorite accompaniments.
What Do These Lemon Ricotta Pancakes Taste Like?
At first bite, you get the fluffiness of the pancake along with a bright pop of lemon. As you continue chewing, the sweetness builds along with the creamy ricotta tang.
The texture is thick and rich but lighter than an average pancake thanks to the airy ricotta. Unlike sometimes dense whole wheat versions, these have a cloud-like quality that almost melts on your tongue.
Bright citrus flavors mesh beautifully with the gentle sweetness from the sugar. Each component – the lemon, ricotta, vanilla, baking powder – adds layers of flavor that combine into a harmonious breakfast symphony.
How to Make First Watch Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
It only takes 20 minutes of active prep time to make the famous First Watch lemon ricotta pancakes at home. It’s quick, easy, and tastes great.
First Watch Pancakes Ingredients
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons white sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Butter for the pan
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Mixing the Wet Ingredients
First things first, grab a medium-sized mixing bowl and start by adding in our ricotta cheese. Make sure it’s nice and creamy, without any excess liquid at the bottom.
Step 02: Add Eggs
Crack two medium-sized eggs into the ricotta cheese bowl and mix thoroughly.
Step 03: Adding Milk and Some Zest
Now, add half a cup or 125ml of whole milk. After that add some zest to one lemon. Trust me, this lemony flavor is what makes these pancakes extra special.
Step 04: Mixing the Ingredients
Now give the ingredients a good mix together with a wooden spoon or any spoon you have in your kitchen until they are well combined. After mixing, set the bowl aside to work on our next step.
Step 05: Adding Flour and Sugar
In a small mixing bowl measure out 1 cup of standard or all purpose flour. To that, add three tablespoons of sugar for that perfect hint of sweetness.
Step 06: Add Baking Powder and Salt
Next, add 1 tsp of Baking Powder and a pinch of salt to round out the flavors.
Step 07: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
Using the wooden spoon give the dry ingredients a quick mix together until they are all combined.
Step 08: Mixing it All Together
Now, pour the dry ingredients into the bowl with the wet ones. Grab your trusty wooden spoon and gently fold everything together. We want the batter to be thick and luscious, so don’t overmix. A few lumps are totally fine!
Step 09: Cooking Preparation
Heat up a frying pan over medium-low heat. I prefer using cast iron, but a non-stick pan works great too. Take about half teaspoon of butter and add it to the pan.
Step 09: Cooking The Pancakes
Scoop in about a third of a cup of pancake batter. You can make your pancake larger or smaller depending on your needs. Let them cook on medium heats for 3-4 minutes until the edges start to set, then flip and cook for a few more minutes on the other side.
Check occasionally underneath and adjust the heat so they don’t burn.
Step 10: Serving Up Deliciousness
Once your pancakes are golden and fluffy, stack them up high on a plate. Dust them with powdered sugar and get creative with your toppings. Lemon curd, berries, or a dollop of cream fraiche are all fantastic choices.
Topping Ideas
While lemon ricotta pancakes taste delectable on their own, extra toppings take them to extraordinary new heights. Sweet, fruity, creamy, or indulgent – the possibilities satisfy any craving.
Here are sensational topping ideas to delight your taste buds:
- Powdered Sugar: A light dusting adds sweetness while letting the lemon ricotta flavor shine.
- Whipped Cream: Mounds of fluffy, vanilla-scented whipped cream pair divinely.
- Lemon Curd: Tart, smooth lemon curd contrasts the pancake richness.
- Berries: Fresh mixed berries lend pops of color, sweetness and fruit flavor.
- Bananas: Sliced bananas foster unexpected caramelized flavors.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips melt deliciously over the top.
- Toasted Nuts: Chopped toasted pecans, walnuts or almonds crunch things up.
- Sweet Ricotta: Dollop on extra ricotta cheese blended with honey or maple syrup.
- Nutella: Choco-hazelnut spread is always a crowd pleaser.
- Maple Bacon: Crispy maple bacon crumbles add a smoky, salty twist.
Feel free to get creative with your own genius combinations!
How to Store Leftover Pancakes
Love having leftovers ready for quick breakfasts during your busy work week? Follow these tips for storing extra lemon ricotta pancakes:
- Allow pancakes to cool completely before packing up. This prevents unwanted condensation that leads to sogginess.
- Place pancakes in a single layer separated by parchment paper inside an airtight container. This stops them from sticking together.
- Refrigerate for 3-4 days maximum for best texture and flavor. Map any leftovers kept longer to reheating only.
- To reheat, place a single pancake on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30 second intervals until warm, checking occasionally. You can also wrap in foil and reheat in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. Serve with desired toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to include lemon zest in the recipe?
The lemon zest gives the pancakes a nice citrusy taste, but you can leave it out if you’d rather have plain ricotta pancakes. However, putting lemon and ricotta together makes a delicious taste that I really think you should try!
Why are my pancakes not spreading much in the pan?
The pancake batter for these Lemon Ricotta Pancakes is quite thick, so it won’t spread as much on its own. Using a 1/3 cup measure should give you about 8 pancakes. You can gently spread the batter with a spoon if needed, but don’t worry if they’re not perfectly round—they’ll still taste delicious.
How do I know when the pancakes are cooked through?
Cook the pancakes over medium-low heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the edges start to look set. You can also check by pressing the center of the pancake—if it springs back, it’s ready to flip! Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your stove and pan.
What sweeteners can be substituted for regular sugar?
Brown sugar, maple syrup, agave, or honey provide similar sweetening effects. Reduce any liquid sweeteners slightly to maintain ideal batter thickness.
Conclusion
First Watch’s lemon ricotta pancakes have achieved legendary status for good reason – they are out-of-this world delicious! With creamy ricotta and bright citrus flavors, this easy homemade recipe lets you satisfy your cravings any day of the week.
Whip up a batch on your next lazy Sunday morning or impress overnight guests at your next weekend brunch. Top with anything from fresh fruit to chocolate chips depending on your mood.
As you take your first sweet, tangy bite, you’ll understand why this signature recipe still remains a menu favorite years later. So fire up those griddles and get ready to fall in love with these famous fluffy pancakes.
