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Featured Image for post Deer Valley Lemon Ricotta Dutch Baby Pancake.
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4.72 from 21 votes

Lemon Dutch Baby Pancake

You'll love this perfectly puffy Lemon Dutch Baby pancake made with ricotta and fresh berries. The bright citrus notes from fresh lemon zest and juice perfectly complement the rich, custardy interior and slightly sweet berry topping, making it a lovely dish for a special brunch!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 148kcal
Author: Melissa Griffiths

Ingredients 

  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 5 eggs
  • ⅓ cup ricotta cheese
  • juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • ½ cup raspberries and blueberries

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425° with 12-inch cast iron pan inside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  • In a blender jar, blend milk, eggs, ricotta, lemon juice and zest, and vanilla until smooth. Add to dry ingredients and whisk just until blended.
  • Add butter to hot cast iron and stir until melted. Add batter to cast iron pan and sprinkle berries on top.
  • Bake 10 minutes until golden brown on the edges and set in the middle.

Notes

Preheat Thoroughly: Ensure your oven and pan are completely preheated before adding the batter. The initial blast of heat from both the bottom and top is crucial for proper rising.
Don't Overmix: Whisk the batter just until combined - a few small lumps are fine. Overmixing can develop too much gluten, resulting in a tougher texture rather than the tender, custardy interior you want.
Serve Immediately: Dutch babies are at their absolute best straight from the oven when the edges are at their crispiest. Have your toppings ready to go so you can serve it right away.
Substitutions & Variations:
  • Experiment with different citrus zests (orange or lime)
  • Add a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg to the batter
  • Omit the berries entirely for a pure lemon version
  • Substitute other fruits like sliced apples, pears, peaches, or even caramelized bananas. (Be aware that very juicy fruits might make the center too soggy!)
  • Try savory versions by omitting the sugar and adding herbs and cheese instead of fruit

Nutrition

Calories: 148kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 119mg | Sodium: 181mg | Potassium: 120mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 334IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 94mg | Iron: 1mg