When I need a cozy dish that makes the whole house smell amazing, I turn to this light Giada Fluffy Lemon Buttermilk and Mascarpone Pancakes. The ingredients—like buttermilk, mascarpone cheese, and lemon zest—blend together so beautifully, creating the perfect balance of flavors.

It’s ideal for a lazy weekend morning, and it only takes about 25 minutes to prepare. I love how it’s easy to make but still feels like such a treat. It’s always a hit, and there’s enough to feed a crowd.

Recipe Ingredients

For the Batter

• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ cup buttermilk, at room temperature
• ½ cup mascarpone cheese, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
• 3 eggs, separated, at room temperature

For Serving (optional)

• 1 cup berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, or hulled and sliced strawberries
• Pure maple syrup

How To Make Giada Fluffy Lemon Buttermilk and Mascarpone Pancakes

Prepare the Griddle

1. Oil Up: Use a paper towel to lightly coat the griddle with vegetable oil – don’t be shy, but don’t go crazy either!

Make the Batter

1. Whisk Together: Grab a large bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Think of this as your dry goods team – get ’em all on the same page!
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, mascarpone cheese, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. These are your wet ingredients – the real MVPs of the show!
3. Combine Wet and Dry: Add the egg yolks to the wet ingredients, then pour the mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined – don’t overdo it, or you’ll end up with tough pancakes!
4. Whip Egg Whites: In a separate bowl, whip those egg whites until they form soft peaks – about 3 minutes with a handheld mixer or a strong arm!
5. Fold in Egg Whites: Gently fold the egg whites into the batter until just barely combined. Think of this as a gentle dance – don’t overstep, or you’ll lose your pancakes’ fluff!

Cook the Pancakes

1. Cook the Goodies: Drop ¼ cupfuls of batter onto the griddle and cook until bubbles start to form on the surface, about 2 minutes. Flip, cook for another minute, and voilà – your fluffy pancakes are done! Wipe the griddle between batches if needed.

Serve and Enjoy

1. Add the Extras (optional): Top those gems with your favorite berries and a drizzle of maple syrup – you’ve earned it!

Recipe Tips

• Blueberry and Lemon Zest Variation: Enhance the brightness of these fluffy pancakes by gently folding in one cup of fresh blueberries and one tablespoon of grated lemon zest into the batter, resulting in a delightful flavor combination that will elevate your breakfast or brunch.
• Mascarpone Substitute: If mascarpone cheese is not readily available, use a mixture of equal parts heavy cream and sour cream to create a similar richness and creamy texture, adding depth to these Giada-inspired pancakes.
• Pancake Thickness Control: Master the art of achieving the perfect pancake thickness by adjusting the heat and using a one-quarter cup measuring cup to scoop the batter, ensuring evenly cooked and fluffy pancakes every time.
• Make-Ahead Freezer Option: Prepare and freeze these pancakes up to two months in advance by cooking and cooling them, then placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag with parchment paper to maintain freshness and allow for easy reheating in the toaster or microwave.
• Fruit Topping Ideas: Add an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal to your Giada-inspired pancakes by topping them with an assortment of fresh seasonal fruits, such as sliced peaches, diced strawberries, or caramelized banana, providing endless opportunities for creative variation and customization.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Check out More Giada Recipes:

• Giada Lemon Mustard Potato Salad
• Giada De Laurentiis Cauliflower Alfredo
• Giada Balsamic-Glazed Salmon Recipe