There’s nothing quite like the joy of a leisurely weekend morning filled with the enticing smell of pancakes sizzling on the stove. Imagine the warmth of the sun streaming through your kitchen window as you whisk together creamy ricotta, vibrant orange juice, and a hint of vanilla. As those fluffy orange pancakes begin to cook, their edges crisp and their centers remain delightfully soft, it’s hard not to feel a little magic.
I stumbled upon this delightful ricotta pancake recipe during a lazy brunch with friends, and it quickly became a favorite. Not only do these pancakes boast a light, airy texture that leaves fast-food stacks in the dust, but the addition of homemade orange syrup elevates them to a whole new level of deliciousness. Perfect for impressing guests or simply indulging in a flavorsome breakfast treat, you’ll find that these Orange Pancakes sparkle on any table. Join me as we whip up this refreshing twist on a classic—your tastebuds will thank you!
Why are Orange Pancakes so irresistible?
Fluffy, Light Texture: These pancakes are made with ricotta, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth softness that’s miles ahead of regular pancakes.
Zesty Flavor: Infused with vibrant orange juice and zest, every bite delivers a refreshing burst of citrus that brightens your morning.
Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you’ll enjoy delicious homemade pancakes without a long wait.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for brunch gatherings, these Orange Pancakes are guaranteed to impress family and friends alike.
Smooth Syrup: The homemade orange syrup, enriched with cream and zest, provides the perfect finishing touch, elevating your breakfast experience significantly.
Versatile Serving Ideas: Serve with fresh fruits or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra-special treat, making every meal unique!
Orange Pancakes Ingredients
• Everything you need for fluffy delight!
For the Pancake Batter
• Ricotta cheese – adds a creamy richness that makes the pancakes incredibly fluffy.
• Eggs (2 yolks and 1 white) – the yolks contribute flavor and moisture, while the whipped egg white adds airiness.
• Milk – helps to loosen the batter for the perfect pourability.
• Orange juice – brings that refreshing citrus zing, essential for these orange pancakes.
• Orange zest – enhances the flavor with aromatic oils, making every bite bright and lively.
• Vanilla extract – adds depth and warmth to balance the citrusy notes.
• All-purpose flour – the base for the batter; ensure it’s not overmixed for fluffy results.
• Baking powder – provides the necessary lift to keep your pancakes light.
• Baking soda – a little extra boost of fluffiness and helps browning.
• Granulated sugar – sweetens the pancakes and creates a lovely golden color on the surface.
• Kosher salt – balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.
• Butter – for greasing the pan, ensuring a perfect golden crust.
For the Orange Syrup
• Granulated sugar (1 cup) – forms the base of your syrup for delightful sweetness.
• Water – acts as a dissolving agent for the sugar to create a smooth syrup.
• Orange zest (1 tablespoon) – intensifies the orange flavor in the syrup.
• Orange juice (3/4 cup) – the star component that makes this syrup irresistible.
• Cornstarch – thickens the syrup for a rich, velvety texture.
• Butter (2 tablespoons) – adds creaminess to the syrup, making it luxurious.
• Cream (1/4 cup) – for an extra indulgent touch that rounds out the flavor!
How to Make Orange Pancakes
-
Whisk together the ricotta, egg yolks, milk, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until smooth and free of lumps. This creamy base is the heart of your fluffy orange pancakes!
-
Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt. This dry mixture will provide the structure, so stir it well before adding to the wet ingredients.
-
Fold in: Gently mix the flour mixture into the ricotta mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; lumps are okay! This ensures your pancakes stay light and airy.
-
Beat the egg white: In a small bowl, whisk the egg white until frothy. This step is crucial for lift, so make sure it’s fluffy before folding it into the batter gently.
-
Heat the skillet: Warm a non-stick or cast iron skillet over medium heat and melt a pat of butter in the pan. You want it sizzling but not browning—this creates a lovely golden crust on your pancakes.
-
Pour the batter: Using a spoon or measuring cup, drop about 1/3 cup of pancake batter into the pan. Spread it slightly if needed, and let it cook until the top bubbles and edges look set, about 2-3 minutes.
-
Flip and cook: Gently flip the pancake with a spatula and cook for another minute or two until both sides are deep golden brown and no raw batter is visible.
-
Set aside: Remove the pancakes from the skillet to a plate and repeat the process with the remaining batter, adding more butter to the skillet as necessary.
-
Make the syrup: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, boil together the water and sugar, stirring gently. This is the base for your sweet orange syrup!
-
Thicken the syrup: Whisk the orange juice and cornstarch in a small bowl, then add it to the saucepan. Lower the heat to medium-low and let it simmer, reducing for about 10-15 minutes until thickened.
-
Finish the syrup: Stir in the butter, orange zest, and cream until smooth and creamy. This luscious syrup will top your pancakes perfectly!
Optional: Drizzle with extra cream for a lavish twist.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Orange Pancakes Customizations
Feel free to get creative and make these pancakes your own with these simple tweaks!
- Whole Wheat Flour: Swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat for a heartier texture and added fiber.
- Nut Milk: Use almond, soy, or oat milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free twist that’s just as delicious.
- Cocoa Powder: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder for a chocolatey version that takes these pancakes to another level.
- Spiced Up: Sprinkle in a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor that’s perfect for chilly mornings.
- Blueberry Burst: Fold in fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter for a fruity surprise in each bite.
- Maple Syrup Option: Substitute the orange syrup with warmed maple syrup for a different sweet touch that still complements the pancakes beautifully.
- Zesty Lemon: Replace some orange juice with lemon juice and zest for a bright, tangy flavor that invigorates your tastebuds.
- Savory Style: Mix in some crumbled feta or herbs like chives for a savory pancake twist that pairs wonderfully with a light salad.
With these variations, you can tailor your pancake experience to suit your mood or dietary needs, making each breakfast as unique as you are!
How to Store and Freeze Orange Pancakes
Room Temperature: Keep cooked orange pancakes at room temperature for up to 2 hours, covered with a clean kitchen towel to maintain moisture.
Fridge: Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Layer parchment paper between pancakes to prevent sticking.
Freezer: Freeze pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from the freezer for a quick breakfast!
Reheating: Reheat pancakes in a toaster, microwave, or skillet on low until warmed through, drizzling with a bit of syrup for extra flavor.
Make Ahead Options
Preparing these delightful Orange Pancakes ahead of time is a fantastic way to save precious minutes on busy mornings! You can mix the pancake batter (without the egg white) up to 24 hours in advance; just refrigerate it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. For the orange syrup, you can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days—simply reheat it gently before serving. When you’re ready to enjoy, fold in the beaten egg white into the batter and cook the pancakes as directed. This way, you’ll have fluffy, restaurant-quality Orange Pancakes ready with minimal effort, making your breakfast as joyful as it is effortless!
Expert Tips for Orange Pancakes
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps the batter mix more smoothly and results in a fluffier pancake.
Don’t Overmix: Mixing just until combined is key; overmixing can lead to dense pancakes instead of the light texture you want for your orange pancakes.
Preheat the Skillet: Make sure your skillet is properly heated before adding the batter to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust on your pancakes.
Watch the Bubbles: Flip the pancakes when the edges look set and small bubbles form on the surface to ensure even cooking and fluffiness.
Adjust Consistency: If the batter seems too thick, a tablespoon of milk can help achieve the desired pourable consistency.
Serve Immediately: These orange pancakes taste best when fresh, so serve them warm with that delightful syrup right away!
What to Serve with Orange Pancakes?
There’s something magical about waking up to a table filled with delicious accompaniments that perfectly complement your fluffy creations.
- Fresh Berries: A medley of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds a pop of color and natural sweetness that balances the zesty pancakes beautifully.
- Maple Syrup: Classic and comforting, a drizzle of rich maple syrup introduces an earthy sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the orange syrup.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a luscious texture, making each bite feel indulgent and special.
- Greek Yogurt: Creamy and tangy, a scoop of Greek yogurt provides a protein-packed, refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the pancakes.
- Crispy Bacon: The salty crunch of crispy bacon creates a delightful savory contrast that complements the sweet and zesty flavors of the pancakes.
- Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of your favorite coffee or herbal tea enhances the cozy morning vibe, awakening your senses as you settle in for a delicious breakfast feast.
- Orange Slices: Fresh citrus slices not only maintain the bright orange theme but also add a refreshing burst of flavor, enhancing the pancake’s citrus notes.
- Nuts or Seeds: Toasted almonds or sunflower seeds provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavor, bringing an exciting twist to your delightful morning spread!
- Chocolate Chips: For a decadent touch, sprinkle in some chocolate chips into the batter, adding a rich sweetness that transforms your breakfast into a treat.
Ricotta Pancakes with Orange Syrup Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right ricotta cheese?
Absolutely! When selecting ricotta cheese, look for one that’s creamy and has a slightly grainy texture. Opt for whole milk or part-skim ricotta for richer flavor. Avoid any containers with dark spots or excessive liquid; a good quality ricotta should sit firm in the container.
How should I store leftover pancakes?
Very! To store leftover pancakes, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Layering parchment paper between pancakes helps prevent them from sticking together, keeping them fluffy and ready for a quick reheat in the morning.
Can I freeze orange pancakes?
Absolutely! To freeze pancakes, let them cool completely first. Lay them flat on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for about 1-2 hours until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be stored for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from the freezer by placing them in a toaster or warming them in a skillet!
What should I do if the pancake batter is too thick?
If you find your batter a bit too thick, simply add a tablespoon of milk to loosen it up. Mix gently until you achieve the desired pourable consistency. Remember, a well-balanced batter leads to the fluffiest orange pancakes!
Are orange pancakes suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
Very! For those with gluten sensitivities, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Additionally, if you’re concerned about dairy, there are lactose-free ricotta options available that will work perfectly. Always check labels for allergens if you’re serving to guests with dietary restrictions.
How long can I keep the orange syrup?
You can store the homemade orange syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Just warm it slightly before serving it again to restore its smooth and creamy texture. It also makes a delightful topping for ice cream or yogurt!
Fluffy Orange Pancakes with Zesty Syrup You’ll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Whisk together the ricotta, egg yolks, milk, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until smooth and free of lumps.
- In a medium bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt.
- Gently mix the flour mixture into the ricotta mixture until just combined.
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg white until frothy and fold it into the batter gently.
- Warm a non-stick skillet over medium heat and melt a pat of butter in the pan.
- Drop about 1/3 cup of pancake batter into the pan and let it cook until the top bubbles.
- Gently flip the pancake and cook for another minute or two.
- Remove the pancakes from the skillet to a plate and repeat the process with remaining batter.
- In a saucepan over medium-high heat, boil together the water and sugar, stirring gently.
- Whisk orange juice and cornstarch in a bowl, then add to the saucepan.
- Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in the butter, orange zest, and cream until smooth and creamy.