Recipe: Fluffy Ricotta Pancakes

Breakfast should always be cozy, delightful, and deliciously satisfying. Nothing quite embodies those qualities like Fluffy Ricotta Pancakes. These pancakes are ultra-light, tender, and have a hidden secret: whey! That's right—using leftover whey from homemade ricotta (or yogurt!) is the secret to achieving pancake perfection.

Need some ricotta? Follow this link to learn how to make you own.

We’re big fans of recipes that minimize food waste while maximizing flavor, and this pancake recipe does exactly that. Incorporating whey not only adds nutritional benefits but also gives these pancakes a uniquely soft and airy texture. It’s a beautiful way to bring sustainability into the kitchen without sacrificing an ounce of deliciousness.

Ricotta pancakes are already special thanks to their creamy richness, but whey takes it to another level, making every bite fluffier than the last. The whey adds a subtle tang that brightens up the flavor, while the ricotta keeps things rich and decadent. Whether you're whipping up weekend brunch or a weekday treat, these pancakes are simple, sustainable, and sure to impress.

We always make these pancakes after whipping up a fresh batch of ricotta with our FarmSteady Fresh Cheese Making Kit. If you’ve never made ricotta at home, you absolutely should—it’s so easy, incredibly delicious, and makes this fluffy pancake recipe even more rewarding. And the bonus? You’re left with plenty of whey to use in this recipe.

What we love most about this recipe—besides the fluff factor—is how adaptable it is. Want to make them citrusy? Add a bit of lemon or orange zest. We find that this keeps the flavors light, and delicate—allowing for the ricotta to really come through. But if you're feeling particularly indulgent, fold in some mini chocolate chips. These pancakes are a canvas for your breakfast creativity.

Looking for toppings inspiration? A drizzle of maple syrup, fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar complements these pancakes beautifully. Slather on your favorite jam, add a pat of butter, or layer with nut butter and sliced bananas for a more filling twist. But you know how to eat pancakes, so we don’t need to tell you that!

Make it Your Signature Pancake Recipe

Whether you’re used to making buttermilk pancakes or reaching for a box of pancake mix, this fluffy ricotta version is about to become your new go-to. The texture is unbeatable, the flavor is subtly rich, and the recipe is endlessly customizable.

You can even try a whole grain variation by swapping in a bit of whole wheat flour—just keep an eye on the moisture to keep them perfectly tender.

Ready to flip your breakfast game? Grab your spatula, heat up the griddle, and let’s dive into this delicious stack of Fluffy Ricotta Pancakes. You’ll never look at breakfast the same way again.