Fluffy Cranberry Orange Ricotta Pancakes

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

Indulge in the delightful combination of tart cranberries and zesty oranges in these light and fluffy ricotta pancakes. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch!

Anna

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2025-12-06T15:10:21.645Z

These Fluffy Cranberry Orange Ricotta Pancakes are a family favorite, combining the tanginess of fresh cranberries with the brightness of orange zest. The ricotta cheese adds a rich creaminess that makes each bite melt in your mouth. Perfect for holiday mornings or a special weekend breakfast!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Bright and zesty flavor from fresh cranberries and oranges
  • Incredibly fluffy texture thanks to ricotta cheese
  • Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy mornings
  • Great for both breakfast and dessert!

The Perfect Breakfast Treat

Start your day on a bright note with these Fluffy Cranberry Orange Ricotta Pancakes. The tartness of fresh cranberries combined with the zesty orange flavor creates a refreshing breakfast that invigorates the senses. Whether you're entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet morning at home, these pancakes are sure to impress. Their light and airy texture will have everyone asking for seconds!

These pancakes are not just for breakfast; they can easily transition into dessert. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you have a delightful treat that can satisfy any sweet tooth. The combination of flavors makes them versatile, allowing you to enjoy them any time of day.

Nutritional Benefits

In addition to being delicious, these pancakes offer a range of nutritional benefits. Ricotta cheese is a great source of protein and calcium, making these pancakes a wholesome choice to start your day. Fresh cranberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, contributing to overall health and wellness. The addition of orange zest not only enhances flavor but also adds vitamin C, boosting your immune system.

By choosing ingredients that provide nourishment, you're not just indulging in a tasty meal; you're also fueling your body with essential nutrients. Enjoying these pancakes can be a guilt-free pleasure, knowing they contribute positively to your diet.

Tips for Perfect Pancakes

To achieve the fluffiest texture possible, be careful not to overmix the batter. Gently folding in the cranberries ensures that the pancakes remain light and airy. Additionally, ensure your skillet is at the right temperature before pouring in the batter; too hot, and they may burn, too cool, and they may turn out dense. A medium heat is typically ideal for pancakes.

If you want to add extra flavor, consider incorporating spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter. This can elevate the taste profile and give a warm, cozy feel to your pancakes, making them even more delightful, especially during the colder months.

Ingredients

Ingredients

For the Pancakes

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries

For Serving

  • Maple syrup
  • Powdered sugar
  • Fresh orange slices

Mix all ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.

Instructions

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Batter

In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and orange zest. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined.

Fold in the cranberries.

Cook the Pancakes

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Pour 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake onto the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.

Repeat with remaining batter.

Serve

Serve warm with maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, and fresh orange slices.

Enjoy your delicious pancakes!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving these Fluffy Cranberry Orange Ricotta Pancakes, the possibilities are endless. A drizzle of warm maple syrup adds a sweet touch that complements the tart cranberries beautifully. For an elegant presentation, dust the pancakes with powdered sugar before serving, and garnish with fresh orange slices. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a pop of color to your plate.

If you want to get creative, try pairing the pancakes with a side of yogurt or whipped cream. A dollop of Greek yogurt can add a creamy texture that balances the tartness of the cranberries, while whipped cream can make the dish feel more indulgent, perfect for special occasions.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, storing them is easy! Place the pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and they will last for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop them in the toaster or microwave for a quick breakfast treat. This makes them a convenient option for busy mornings when you want something delicious but don’t have the time to cook from scratch.

For longer storage, consider freezing the pancakes. Lay them flat in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to two months. When you're ready to enjoy, just reheat them directly from frozen, and you'll have a homemade breakfast ready in minutes!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the batter.

→ Can I substitute the ricotta cheese?

You can use cottage cheese, but the texture may be slightly different.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or toaster.

→ Can I make these pancakes gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Fluffy Cranberry Orange Ricotta Pancakes

Indulge in the delightful combination of tart cranberries and zesty oranges in these light and fluffy ricotta pancakes. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch!

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration15 minutes
Overall Time25 minutes

Created by: Anna

Recipe Type: Quick & Easy

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Pancakes

  1. 1 cup ricotta cheese
  2. 1 cup all-purpose flour
  3. 2 tablespoons sugar
  4. 1 teaspoon baking powder
  5. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  6. 1/4 teaspoon salt
  7. 2 large eggs
  8. 1/2 cup milk
  9. Zest of 1 orange
  10. 1 cup fresh cranberries

For Serving

  1. Maple syrup
  2. Powdered sugar
  3. Fresh orange slices

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and orange zest. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Fold in the cranberries.

Step 02

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Pour 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake onto the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Repeat with remaining batter.

Step 03

Serve warm with maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, and fresh orange slices.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Total Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 10g
  • Protein: 10g