Cherry Ricotta Pancake Fritters (Print View)

Fluffy fritters with cherries and ricotta, perfect for breakfast or brunch.

# Components:

→ Wet Ingredients

01 - 1 cup ricotta cheese
02 - 2 large eggs
03 - 1/2 cup milk
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Dry Ingredients

05 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
06 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
07 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Add-ins

09 - 1 cup fresh or frozen pitted cherries, halved
10 - Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

→ For Cooking

11 - 2–3 tablespoons unsalted butter or neutral oil, for frying

→ For Serving

12 - Powdered sugar, for dusting
13 - Maple syrup or honey (optional)

# Preparation Steps:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together ricotta cheese, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
02 - In a separate bowl, thoroughly combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
03 - Gradually introduce the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Exercise caution not to overmix the batter.
04 - Gently fold in the halved cherries and lemon zest, if using, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.
05 - Warm unsalted butter or neutral oil in a large non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat until shimmering.
06 - Drop heaping tablespoons of batter onto the heated skillet, maintaining adequate spacing between each fritter to prevent them from adhering.
07 - Cook for approximately 2–3 minutes per side, or until the fritters achieve a golden-brown hue and are cooked through. Adjust the heat as necessary to prevent scorching.
08 - Transfer the cooked fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Proceed with the remaining batter, replenishing the butter or oil in the skillet as needed.
09 - Present the fritters warm, lightly dusted with powdered sugar and optionally drizzled with maple syrup or honey.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish
  • Uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand
  • Perfect balance of fluffy and creamy textures
  • Versatile for breakfast or dessert
  • Makes an impressive yet easy weekend brunch centerpiece
02 -
  • These fritters are incredibly versatile and can be adapted with any seasonal fruit
  • Each fritter contains the perfect balance of protein and carbs for a satisfying breakfast
  • The batter can be made up to a day ahead and refrigerated
03 -
  • The ricotta should be at room temperature for the smoothest batter. If using cold ricotta straight from the refrigerator, let it sit out for about 30 minutes before mixing.
  • For the perfect texture, use a light touch when folding ingredients together. Think of it as gently incorporating air rather than mixing.
  • When cherries aren't in season, good quality frozen cherries work beautifully. Just don't thaw them first—add them frozen to prevent bleeding into the batter.

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