Lemon Yogurt Pancakes have been a breakfast staple in our household for years. There’s just something about the bright, citrusy flavor that wakes up my taste buds and puts a smile on my face. It all started when my kids were little – they’d come running downstairs on Saturday mornings, begging me to make my “special pancakes.” I’d laugh and get to work, whipping up a batch of these fluffy, tangy LEMON YOGURT PANCAKES that they devoured in minutes. The way their faces would light up as they drizzled them with maple syrup and topped them with fresh berries is a memory I’ll cherish forever.
Why This Lemon Yogurt Pancakes Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect LEMON YOGURT PANCAKES
What makes this LEMON YOGURT PANCAKES recipe so special is the perfect balance of tart and sweet. The addition of tangy Greek yogurt and fresh lemon zest creates a flavor profile that’s truly irresistible. But the real secret? A touch of vanilla extract and a sprinkle of cinnamon that elevates the whole dish to new heights. Trust me, your family and friends will be raving about these pancakes long after the last bite is gone.
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Lemon Yogurt Pancakes
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 12 pancakes
Description
Indulge in the tangy and creamy goodness of Lemon Yogurt Pancakes, a quick and easy breakfast that’s perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
– 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon white sugar
– 1 1/4 cups plain yogurt
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
Instructions
1. – In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
2. – In a separate bowl, beat the yogurt, eggs, and melted butter until well combined.
3. – Pour the yogurt mixture into the flour mixture and stir just until moist (do not overmix).
4. – Fold in the lemon zest.
5. – Heat a lightly oiled griddle or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
6. – Scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake.
7. – Cook until bubbles appear on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes per side.
8. – Serve hot, with your favorite toppings such as fresh berries, maple syrup, or powdered sugar.
Notes
For best results, use full-fat yogurt in this recipe. The lemon zest adds a bright, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy yogurt. These pancakes can be made in advance and reheated for a quick and easy breakfast.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Flour – You’ll want to use all-purpose flour for the perfect light and fluffy texture.
- Baking powder – This is the key to getting those iconic pancake peaks.
- Granulated sugar – Just a bit of sweetness to balance out the lemon.
- Salt – A pinch enhances all the flavors.
- Eggs – Binds the batter together.
- Milk – Adds moisture and richness.
- Greek yogurt – Provides the signature tang and a boost of protein.
- Lemon zest – Delivers that bright, citrusy punch.
- Unsalted butter – For cooking the pancakes to golden perfection.
- Vanilla extract – Deepens the flavor profile.
- Ground cinnamon – Adds a subtle warmth.
Step-by-Step Lemon Yogurt Pancakes Instructions
Preparing Your Lemon Yogurt Pancakes
Ready to whip up a batch of these heavenly Lemon Yogurt Pancakes? It’s easier than you might think! This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, start to finish. You’ll need a large mixing bowl, a whisk, a griddle or nonstick skillet, and a ladle or measuring cup for portioning.
1- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, and salt until well combined.
2- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then stir in the milk, Greek yogurt, lemon zest, melted butter, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until smooth.
3- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk just until combined – be careful not to overmix.
4- Heat a griddle or nonstick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with butter. Scoop the batter onto the hot surface, using about 1/4 cup per pancake.
5- Cook the LEMON YOGURT PANCAKES for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6- Serve the LEMON YOGURT PANCAKES warm, with your favorite toppings like fresh berries, maple syrup, and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect LEMON YOGURT PANCAKES is to not overmix the batter. This can lead to tough, dense pancakes. Gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together until they’re just combined.
Another pro tip? Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking. This allows the baking powder to activate and results in extra fluffy pancakes.
And be sure not to crowd the pan – cook the LEMON YOGURT PANCAKES in batches to ensure even browning.
Serving and Storing Your LEMON YOGURT PANCAKES
Perfect Pairings for LEMON YOGURT PANCAKES
These LEMON YOGURT PANCAKES are delicious on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of toppings and sides. Try them with fresh berries, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream. They also make a wonderful companion to crispy bacon, sausage links, or a fresh fruit salad.
And of course, no LEMON YOGURT PANCAKES breakfast is complete without a steaming mug of coffee or a refreshing glass of orange juice.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover LEMON YOGURT PANCAKES can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the toaster or microwave for a minute or two until warmed through.
You can also make the batter in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just give it a good stir before cooking. This makes for a super quick and easy breakfast on busy mornings.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for LEMON YOGURT PANCAKES
Creative LEMON YOGURT PANCAKES Variations
Love LEMON YOGURT PANCAKES but want to switch things up? Try folding in fresh blueberries, raspberries, or chopped pecans for a flavor twist. You can also swirl in a spoonful of your favorite jam or preserve.
For a seasonal spin, try substituting the lemon zest for orange or grapefruit zest in the winter, or using fresh strawberries or peaches in the summer.
Making LEMON YOGURT PANCAKES Diet-Friendly
To make these LEMON YOGURT PANCAKES gluten-free, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. For a dairy-free version, use non-dairy milk and a plant-based yogurt instead of Greek yogurt.
If you’re watching your carbs, you can reduce the amount of flour and sugar in the recipe. Just be sure to adjust the other wet ingredients accordingly to maintain the perfect batter consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
A: While you can use regular yogurt, I highly recommend sticking with Greek yogurt. It’s thicker and tangier, which helps create the signature LEMON YOGURT PANCAKES flavor and texture.
Q: How do I know when the pancakes are ready to flip?
A: The pancakes are ready to flip when the edges start to look dry and you can see small bubbles forming on the surface. Gently lift a corner with a spatula to check for a nice golden-brown color.
Q: Can I make the batter ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The batter can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just be sure to give it a good stir before cooking.
Q: What’s the best way to keep the pancakes warm while I’m cooking the rest of the batch?
A: Place the cooked pancakes on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven to keep them warm and crisp until you’re ready to serve.
Q: Help! My pancakes are coming out dense and heavy. What did I do wrong?
A: Overmixing the batter is the most common culprit for dense pancakes. Be sure to just gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together until they’re combined, without overstirring.
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like waking up to a stack of fluffy, tangy LEMON YOGURT PANCAKES. This recipe is sure to become a new breakfast favorite in your household, just like it is in mine. The bright, citrusy flavor paired with the creamy Greek yogurt is an unbeatable combination that’s sure to put a smile on everyone’s face.
So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up the griddle, and get ready to enjoy the best LEMON YOGURT PANCAKES you’ve ever tasted. Don’t forget to let me know how they turn out – I’d love to hear all about it!
