Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Apple-Cranberry Compote
By Andrea GearyPublished on July 29, 2013
Time
50 minutes
Yield
Makes twelve 4-inch pancakes; serves 3 to 4
Ingredients
Pancakes
⅔ cups (3 ⅓ ounces/94 grams) all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt 8 ounces (227 grams) (1 cup) whole-milk ricotta cheese2 large eggs, separated, plus 2 large whites⅓ cup whole milk 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest plus 4 teaspoons juice½ teaspoon vanilla extract 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted¼ cup (1 ¾ ounces) sugar 1 - 2 teaspoons vegetable oilApple-Cranberry Compote
3 Golden Delicious apples, peeled, cored, halved, and cut into ¼-inch pieces¼ cup dried cranberries 1 tablespoon sugar 1 teaspoon cornstarch Pinch salt Pinch ground nutmegBefore You Begin
An electric griddle set at 325 degrees can also be used to cook the pancakes. We prefer the flavor of whole-milk ricotta, but part-skim will work, too; avoid nonfat ricotta. You can also top the lemon pancakes with honey, confectioners’ sugar, or different fruit.
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in bowl and microwave, covered, until apples are softened but not mushy and juices are slightly thickened, 4 to 6 minutes, stirring once halfway through microwaving.
- FOR THE PANCAKES: Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 200 degrees. Spray wire rack set in rimmed baking sheet with vegetable oil spray and place in oven. Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt together in medium bowl and make well in center. Add ricotta, egg yolks, milk, lemon zest and juice, and vanilla and whisk until just combined. Gently stir in melted butter.
- Using stand mixer fitted with whisk, whip egg whites on medium-low speed until foamy, about 1 minute. Increase speed to medium-high and whip whites to soft, billowy mounds, about 1 minute. Gradually add sugar and whip until glossy, soft peaks form, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer one-third of whipped egg whites to batter and whisk gently until mixture is lightened. Using rubber spatula, gently fold remaining egg whites into batter.
- Heat 1 teaspoon oil in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Using paper towels, wipe out oil, leaving thin film on bottom and sides of pan. Using ¼-cup measure or 2-ounce ladle, portion batter into pan in 3 places, leaving 2 inches between portions. Gently spread each portion into 4-inch round. Cook until edges are set and first side is deep golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Using thin, wide spatula, flip pancakes and continue to cook until second side is golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes longer. Serve pancakes immediately or transfer to prepared wire rack in preheated oven. Repeat with remaining batter, using remaining oil as needed. Stir compote before topping pancakes or serving alongside.
for the compote
Time
50 minutesYield
Makes twelve 4-inch pancakes; serves 3 to 4Ingredients
Pancakes
⅔ cups (3 ⅓ ounces/94 grams) all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
8 ounces (227 grams) (1 cup) whole-milk ricotta cheese
2 large eggs, separated, plus 2 large whites
⅓ cup whole milk
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest plus 4 teaspoons juice
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup (1 ¾ ounces) sugar
1 - 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
Apple-Cranberry Compote
3 Golden Delicious apples, peeled, cored, halved, and cut into ¼-inch pieces
¼ cup dried cranberries
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
Pinch salt
Pinch ground nutmeg
Test Kitchen Techniques
Ingredients
Pancakes
⅔ cups (3 ⅓ ounces/94 grams) all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
8 ounces (227 grams) (1 cup) whole-milk ricotta cheese
2 large eggs, separated, plus 2 large whites
⅓ cup whole milk
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest plus 4 teaspoons juice
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup (1 ¾ ounces) sugar
1 - 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
Apple-Cranberry Compote
3 Golden Delicious apples, peeled, cored, halved, and cut into ¼-inch pieces
¼ cup dried cranberries
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
Pinch salt
Pinch ground nutmeg
Test Kitchen Techniques
Ingredients
Pancakes
⅔ cups (3 ⅓ ounces/94 grams) all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
8 ounces (227 grams) (1 cup) whole-milk ricotta cheese
2 large eggs, separated, plus 2 large whites
⅓ cup whole milk
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest plus 4 teaspoons juice
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup (1 ¾ ounces) sugar
1 - 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
Apple-Cranberry Compote
3 Golden Delicious apples, peeled, cored, halved, and cut into ¼-inch pieces
¼ cup dried cranberries
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
Pinch salt
Pinch ground nutmeg
Test Kitchen Techniques
Why This Recipe Works
Light, fluffy ricotta pancakes are more sophisticated than traditional pancakes, making them perfect for special occasions, but you have to get the balance of cheese and structure just right or your pancakes will fall flat. We compensate for the extra weight of the ricotta by doubling the amount of egg whites and whipping them for added lightness. To ensure maximum lift, we add plenty of lemon juice and baking soda, which combine to produce carbon dioxide that super-inflates the egg foam. Warm fruit compotes provide the perfect finishing touch.
Before You Begin
An electric griddle set at 325 degrees can also be used to cook the pancakes. We prefer the flavor of whole-milk ricotta, but part-skim will work, too; avoid nonfat ricotta. You can also top the lemon pancakes with honey, confectioners’ sugar, or different fruit.
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in bowl and microwave, covered, until apples are softened but not mushy and juices are slightly thickened, 4 to 6 minutes, stirring once halfway through microwaving.
- FOR THE PANCAKES: Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 200 degrees. Spray wire rack set in rimmed baking sheet with vegetable oil spray and place in oven. Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt together in medium bowl and make well in center. Add ricotta, egg yolks, milk, lemon zest and juice, and vanilla and whisk until just combined. Gently stir in melted butter.
- Using stand mixer fitted with whisk, whip egg whites on medium-low speed until foamy, about 1 minute. Increase speed to medium-high and whip whites to soft, billowy mounds, about 1 minute. Gradually add sugar and whip until glossy, soft peaks form, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer one-third of whipped egg whites to batter and whisk gently until mixture is lightened. Using rubber spatula, gently fold remaining egg whites into batter.
- Heat 1 teaspoon oil in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Using paper towels, wipe out oil, leaving thin film on bottom and sides of pan. Using ¼-cup measure or 2-ounce ladle, portion batter into pan in 3 places, leaving 2 inches between portions. Gently spread each portion into 4-inch round. Cook until edges are set and first side is deep golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Using thin, wide spatula, flip pancakes and continue to cook until second side is golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes longer. Serve pancakes immediately or transfer to prepared wire rack in preheated oven. Repeat with remaining batter, using remaining oil as needed. Stir compote before topping pancakes or serving alongside.
for the compote
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