Save to Pinterest These waffles combine the bright, zesty flavor of fresh lemon with the creamy texture of ricotta cheese, resulting in a light and fluffy breakfast or brunch option. The batter blends dry ingredients like flour and baking powder with wet ingredients including ricotta, milk, eggs, and lemon juice. Cooked until golden brown and crisp, they pair perfectly with maple syrup or fresh berries. Simple to prepare, they bring a fresh twist to classic waffles, making mornings feel special and satisfying.
There was this one rainy Saturday morning when I decided to experiment with ricotta cheese in my waffle batter instead of the usual buttermilk. The kitchen filled with this incredible citrus scent as I zested fresh lemons, and I remember my roommate poking her head in asking what bakery had opened in our apartment. Those first golden waffles came off the iron impossibly light and tender, nothing like the dense versions I'd made before.
I eventually started making these for friends who'd had a rough week or just needed something comforting that felt a little fancy. There's something about watching someone take that first bite and seeing their eyes light up that never gets old. My sister now requests them every time she visits, saying no restaurant waffle quite compares to the ones from my tiny kitchen.
Ingredients
- All purpose flour: The structure builder that still keeps things tender, don't pack it down when measuring
- Granulated sugar: Just enough to balance the lemon's tang without making these dessert sweet
- Baking powder and baking soda: The dynamic duo that creates those gorgeous rise and air pockets
- Ricotta cheese: Whole milk version is absolutely worth it for that creamy, luxurious texture
- Whole milk: Adds richness and helps create that perfect tender crumb
- Eggs: Room temperature eggs incorporate better and create fluffier results
- Unsalted butter: Melted and slightly cooled so it doesn't scramble your eggs
- Fresh lemon zest: The real star here, use a microplane and avoid the bitter white pith
- Fresh lemon juice: Adds brightness and reacts with baking soda for extra lift
- Pure vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors and adds warmth
Instructions
- Preheat your waffle iron:
- Get it nice and hot while you prep everything else, a good 5 minutes should do it
- Whisk the dry ingredients:
- Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl
- Mix the wet ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk ricotta, milk, eggs, melted butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla until completely smooth
- Combine everything:
- Pour wet into dry and fold gently until just combined, some lumps are totally fine
- Prepare your iron:
- Give it a quick spray or brush with butter so nothing sticks
- Cook the waffles:
- Pour about 1/2 cup batter per waffle and cook until golden and crisp, 4 to 5 minutes
- Keep them warm:
- Set finished waffles on a wire rack in a 200°F oven while you finish the batch
Save to Pinterest These became my go to for surprising neighbors with breakfast or just treating myself on slow Sunday mornings. I love standing at the counter watching them cook through the steam, knowing something so simple can bring so much joy.
Make Ahead Magic
You can actually mix the dry and wet ingredients separately the night before and keep them in the fridge. Just combine them in the morning for fresh waffles in under 10 minutes. The lemon flavors actually develop beautifully overnight.
Serving Ideas
Beyond the classic maple syrup, try these with a dollop of mascarpone and fresh berries. A drizzle of honey with chopped pistachios is incredible too. Sometimes I'll make a quick lemon glaze with powdered sugar and lemon juice for something extra special.
Freezing For Later
Let any leftover waffles cool completely on a wire rack first. Stack them between pieces of parchment paper in a freezer bag and they'll keep for months. Pop frozen waffles right into the toaster for a quick weekday breakfast that's way better than anything store bought.
- Label your freezer bags with the date so you use the oldest ones first
- A 2 minute toaster cycle usually brings them back to perfectly crisp
- These reheat surprisingly well in the oven at 375°F for 5 minutes if you're doing a big batch
Save to Pinterest There's something genuinely wonderful about standing in a warm kitchen, the smell of lemon floating through the air, knowing you're about to make something delicious. These waffles always feel like a little act of kindness, whether for yourself or someone you love.
Recipe FAQs
- → How can I enhance the lemon flavor?
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Add a few drops of lemon extract or extra lemon zest to the batter for a stronger citrus note.
- → Can I use whole wheat flour in this batter?
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Yes, substituting whole wheat flour provides a heartier texture while keeping the waffles flavorful.
- → What is the best way to store leftover waffles?
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Allow waffles to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the freezer. Reheat in a toaster when ready to serve.
- → How do I prevent the batter from becoming too dense?
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Mix the wet and dry ingredients gently until just combined; small lumps in the batter help keep the texture light.
- → What toppings complement these lemon ricotta waffles?
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Serve with maple syrup, fresh berries, or a light dusting of powdered sugar to enhance their bright and creamy flavors.
