Dreamy Italian Ricotta Pancakes — Extra Fluffy & Light

There is something special about pancakes made the old-fashioned way: mixed gently by hand and cooked slowly on the stovetop until each one turns a perfect golden brown. This ricotta version is pure Italian comfort, soft, tender, and beautifully fluffy thanks to the rich ricotta and a touch of almond flour.

Just like Nonna, we keep things simple. A bowl, a whisk, and a little patience are all you need. Fold everything together with love and your kitchen will soon smell like a cozy Sunday morning.

When it comes to serving, you can dress them up or keep them humble. A spoonful of fresh berries, a light drizzle of maple syrup, or a snowy dusting of icing sugar all make these pancakes shine. Or enjoy them plain, warm, soft, and irresistibly delicate. However you choose to serve them, one thing is certain: they are absolutely deliziosi.

Mangia and enjoy! 💛

Link to instructional video below!

In This Blog, You’ll Learn...

• How to make soft and fluffy Italian-style ricotta pancakes mixed entirely by hand.

• Why ricotta and almond flour create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

• How to cook the pancakes on the stovetop so they turn golden and airy every time.

• Easy topping ideas to serve them simple or dressed up, just like Nonna would.

INGREDIENTS:

• Eggs, 3

• Ricotta, 1 cup

• Almond flour, 6 oz

• All purpose flour, 2 oz

• Milk of choice, 3 oz

• Baking powder, 1 tsp

• Oil, 1 tbsp, your preferred type (for brushing the pan)

Optional Toppings

• Fresh strawberries

• Maple syrup

• Icing sugar

• Fresh mint leaves

---

DIRECTIONS:

1. Mix the batter:
   In a medium bowl, combine the eggs, ricotta, almond flour, all purpose flour, milk, and baking powder. Mix gently by hand until the batter is smooth and well combined. A few small ricotta specks are perfectly fine and help keep the pancakes tender.

2. Heat the pan:
   Warm a large frypan over medium heat. Lightly brush the surface with oil to prevent sticking and to give the pancakes a beautiful golden finish.

3. Cook the pancakes:
   Using a large spoon, scoop portions of batter onto the hot pan, forming pancakes to your preferred size. Cook for about 1½ minutes per side, or until each pancake is puffed, golden, and cooked through.

4. Serve and enjoy:
   Leave them plain or dress them up with berries, maple syrup, icing sugar, or a sprig of fresh mint. Serve warm for the full Nonna effect.

Mangia! 💛

Remember, the best recipes are made with patience and a happy heart. Enjoy these pancakes fresh off the pan and share them with someone you love.

Watch Nonna Make Fluffy Italian Pancakes!

Tips for Italian Style Pancakes!

1. Use whole-milk ricotta for the fluffiest texture
   Low-fat ricotta tends to be watery, which can make the batter thin and the pancakes flat. Whole-milk ricotta keeps the batter thick and gives you that tender Italian-style fluff.
   
   
2. Do not overmix the batter
   Stir only until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, which can make pancakes dense instead of soft and airy.
   
   
3. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes
   This allows the flours to hydrate and the baking powder to activate slightly, giving you taller, more even pancakes.
   
   
4. Cook low and slow
   Ricotta pancakes brown faster than regular pancakes because of their higher dairy content. Medium-low heat ensures they cook through without burning.
   
   
5. Flip only once
   These pancakes are delicate. Wait until bubbles form on top and the edges look set, then flip gently. Too many flips deflate the batter.
   
   
6. Use a lightly oiled pan, not a heavily greased one
   A thin brush of oil helps the pancakes develop an even, golden surface. Too much oil leads to patchy browning and shallow frying instead of proper pancake cooking.

Following these tips will help ensure perfect Italian Style Pancakes! 

Looking for More Good Stuff?

Did you Know?

Ricotta has been used in Italian cooking for over 1,000 years

Ricotta is one of Italy’s oldest dairy products, traditionally made from reheating the whey left over from cheese production. Its naturally light, creamy texture is why Italians use it in both sweet and savory dishes, from cannoli to gnocchi, and it works beautifully in pancakes too.

Italy has a long tradition of flourless or low-flour baked goods

Your use of almond flour is very Italian. Regions like Sicily and Puglia have relied on almonds for centuries, creating cakes, cookies, and pastries with little to no wheat flour. Using almond flour in these pancakes gives them a texture similar to many Italian dolci.

Italian breakfasts are typically simple, sweet, and dairy-based

While pancakes themselves are not traditionally Italian, a light, sweet breakfast is. Italians often start the morning with pastries, ricotta-based baked goods, or simple cakes. These ricotta pancakes fit right into that Italian breakfast culture: soft, lightly sweet, and dairy-rich.

Other Recipes you Might Like!