Lemon Pancakes Recipe (easy, fluffy, sourdough)

There’s something about pancakes that makes them feel like a hug in a stack. Soft, fluffy, and perfect for any time of the day. But what if you could take your regular pancake breakfast and give it a little zing? Allow me to introduce you to my lemon pancakes recipe. These beauties are light, refreshing, and bring a burst of citrus that’s perfect for brightening up your morning. Whether you’re making them for yourself, your little ones, or a weekend brunch with friends, lemon pancakes are sure to be a hit.

Fluffy pancakes are a breakfast classic, but what sets a good pancake apart from a great one? The secret lies in the balance of ingredients, the texture of the pancake batter, and the cooking method. For a truly perfect pancake, you want it to be light and fluffy, not too dense or too flat. The magic happens when you mix the wet and dry ingredients just enough. Overmixing can lead to rubbery pancakes, and no one wants that! The addition of lemon in this recipe creates a subtle tang that elevates the usual pancake flavor and makes it feel fresh and exciting.

Making fluffy lemon pancakes is easier than you might think.

It’s all about incorporating the fresh lemon zest into the batter to give that bright lemon flavor. You’ll be amazed at how just a small amount of lemon can transform your usual pancake recipe into something extra special. And if you love lemon desserts, you’re going to fall in love with this breakfast treat. It’s like having a slice of lemon cake for breakfast. And if you ask me, that sounds like a great start to the day!

One of the best parts of this lemon pancakes recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve them with your favorite toppings, mix in some fruit, or add a drizzle of maple syrup. The lightness of the lemon flavor pairs perfectly with a variety of sides, making it a go-to for any family meal. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this easy breakfast recipe in no time. Let’s dive into how to make this zesty, easy pancake recipe!

What is the Secret to a Good Pancake?

The secret to the fluffiest pancakes is all about the consistency of your batter and the cooking method. The best pancakes should be airy and fluffy, not flat or soggy. To achieve this, make sure to gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together. Overmixing can create tough pancakes, so stop mixing as soon as everything is just combined. Also, make sure your pan or griddle is at the right temperature. Too hot and you’ll burn the pancakes, too cold and they’ll be soggy. A perfect pancake should have a golden-brown exterior with a soft, airy inside. 

How to Make Pancakes with Lemon?

Making my lemon pancake recipe is as easy as following your basic pancake recipe and adding a couple of zesty twists. The key is to use fresh lemon zest. Zest adds a bright, aromatic flavor that infuses the pancakes with just the right amount of lemon flavor. When you combine these ingredients, you’ll end up with pancakes that are soft, slightly tangy, and wonderfully fragrant. Don’t forget to let your pancakes rest before flipping them – this gives them time to rise and become extra fluffy!

What to Serve with Lemon Pancakes?

Lemon pancakes are super versatile when it comes to toppings! You can serve them with fresh berries (think strawberries, fresh blueberries, or raspberries) for a fruity contrast. A dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt pairs perfectly with the zesty lemon flavor.

If you want something sweeter, drizzle with honey or maple syrup for that classic pancake experience, or even a little powdered sugar to add some flair. You can also add a sprinkle of extra lemon zest on top of the pancakes for that extra zing, or even a few crushed nuts for some crunch. The possibilities are endless, so go wild!

Lemon Pancakes Recipe Ingredients

Flour. All purpose is ideal for fluffy pancakes. You can add a little whole wheat for a more nutritious option. 

Sourdough Discard. No need to feed this one beforehand. 

Yoghurt. I like to use homemade yoghurt, but any plain yoghurt works. 

Eggs. No need to separate egg whites from yolks.

Baking Powder. 

Baking Soda. 

Vanilla Extract. 

Milk. I usually use whole milk, but plant based milk works just as well. 

Salt. 

Lemon Zest or Powder. We want to add the perfect amount of lemon and zest is the best way to incorporate the delicious, zesty flavor. 

How to Make my Lemon Pancakes Recipe

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients until well combined. 

Add the dry ingredients and mix until the batter comes together. It’s okay if the pancake mix is still a little lumpy, just try and incorporate any big chunks.

Heat a non-stick pan or large skillet over high heat and lightly grease it with a little butter or oil. Once the pan is hot and butter has melted, lower the heat to medium-high heat. 

Pour a single layer of pancake mix onto the pan. You can make a few small pancakes or one large one per batch, whatever you and your loved ones prefer.

Using a rubber spatula, flip your pancakes once the outside starts to become firm. Allow them to bake on the other side for another minute until golden brown. 

Remove the pancakes from the pan and keep warm until served. 

Serve with your favorite toppings – fresh fruit, maple syrup, and a dollop of lemon curd are all excellent choices.

Store any leftover pancakes in an airtight container to enjoy the next morning. 

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Pancakes Recipe

This lemon pancakes recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves breakfast foods and wants to try something a little different. The balance of lemon’s tangy sweetness combined with the fluffy texture of the pancakes makes each bite a delight. It’s the perfect way to bring a little sunshine into your morning routine. 

I love that this recipe is quick and easy, making it ideal for busy mornings or lazy weekends. If you are hosting or have a special occasion to celebrate, keep this recipe in mind also. There’s rarely ever a guest who doesn’t love the delicious lemon flavor of these perfectly cooked pancakes. Such a great way to turn your basic pantry ingredients into a delicious delight your guests will rave about. 

Tips and Tricks

Don’t overmix the batter. Lumpy batter is totally fine. Overmixing can lead to tough pancakes, so just stir until everything is combined. And if in doubt, add a dash more milk. 

Use fresh lemon. Fresh lemon zest will give you the best flavor. If you often find yourself without fresh lemons, check out my recipe for lemon powder to always have some on hand. 

Test the heat of your skillet. If your pan is too hot, your pancakes will burn before they cook through. Medium  to medium-high heat is usually just right for perfect pancakes.

Easy Substitutes

Flour. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can easily swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour mixture or oat flour.

Milk. Instead of regular milk you can use almond milk or oat milk if you need a dairy-free version.

Sourdough starter. If you’re not a sourdough kinda person, simply skip the starter and add a little extra flour and milk instead.

Give this recipe a try, it’s honestly amazing! This lemon pancakes recipe is the perfect way to brighten up your mornings with a zesty twist on a breakfast favorite. Whether you’re serving it up for your little ones or making it as a special treat for yourself, these pancakes are sure to bring a smile to your face. Enjoy!