Lemon Blueberry Pancakes

Name: Lemon Blueberry Pancakes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons melted butter; Zest of 1 lemon; 1 cup fresh blueberries

Highlighted under: Easy Baking Favorites

I absolutely love starting my mornings with these Lemon Blueberry Pancakes. The tartness of fresh lemon zest combined with juicy blueberries creates a delightful flavor explosion. I remember the first time I made them; I was amazed at how simple they were yet how gourmet they tasted. Perfectly fluffy and bursting with fruitiness, these pancakes are my favorite weekend treat that always impresses family and friends. They pair perfectly with a drizzle of maple syrup, enhancing the citrus notes and making for a refreshing breakfast.

Created by

Lucy Thompson

Last updated on 2026-02-02T00:30:36.604Z

When I first tried these Lemon Blueberry Pancakes, I was convinced I could never go back to regular pancakes. The combination of zesty lemon and sweet berries creates a light and refreshing breakfast that keeps me coming back for more. I often make extra for a delightful brunch, and they always disappear quickly!

A tip I've discovered is to add the blueberries right before flipping to prevent them from bursting and bleeding into the batter. It retains the vibrant colors, making these pancakes as beautiful as they are delicious, truly elevating the breakfast experience.

Why You'll Love These Pancakes
Zesty lemon flavor that invigorates your morning
Juicy blueberries add a sweet burst in every bite
Light and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth

Mastering the Pancake Batter

Achieving the perfect pancake batter is crucial for fluffy pancakes. When mixing the dry ingredients, ensure they are well-combined to avoid pockets of baking powder or soda, which can impact the rise. Be gentle when incorporating the wet ingredients; overmixing can lead to dense pancakes instead of fluffy ones. Stir the batter until just combined, leaving some small lumps for the best results.

The addition of lemon zest not only enhances flavor but also contributes to the overall texture of the pancakes. The zest releases essential oils that give a refreshing aroma and a bright taste. It's important to use fresh lemons for the best zest. If fresh lemons aren't available, you can use bottled lemon juice, but the flavor won't be as vibrant. Keep in mind that this may also alter the moisture content slightly.

Cooking Techniques for Perfection

When it comes to cooking the pancakes, preheating the skillet is key. A properly heated skillet ensures beautiful, golden-brown exteriors. Check by sprinkling a few drops of water onto the skillet; if they sizzle and evaporate quickly, the temperature is just right. Use a non-stick skillet to help prevent sticking, even if you’ve greased it with butter. If you're cooking multiple pancakes, keep the heat at medium to avoid burning the first batch while you pour the next.

For added fun, try varying the blueberry distribution. Instead of sprinkling them on top, fold half of the blueberries into the batter for a more integrated fruity flavor. Reserve the rest for topping after cooking. This not only creates bursts of blueberry within the pancakes but also presents an appealing visual when served.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create the perfect stack of pancakes.

Pancake Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
1 large egg
2 tablespoons melted butter
Zest of 1 lemon
1 cup fresh blueberries

Make sure to have fresh blueberries for the best flavor.

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to whip up your delicious pancakes.

Prepare the Batter

In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and lemon zest. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Cook the Pancakes

Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Pour a 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet and sprinkle a few blueberries on top. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the pancakes warm with a drizzle of maple syrup and extra blueberries, if desired. Enjoy your refreshing and zesty breakfast!

Enjoy your pancakes with some maple syrup and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for added sweetness.

Pro Tips

For the fluffiest pancakes, avoid overmixing the batter
it's okay if a few lumps remain. Additionally, using room temperature ingredients helps achieve a better texture.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you're planning to make these pancakes ahead of time, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a toaster or on a skillet for a few minutes until warm, which helps retain their original texture. Alternatively, you can freeze the pancakes for longer storage. Allow them to cool completely, then stack with parchment paper in between and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.

When freezing, ensure to separate each pancake with parchment paper to avoid sticking. For a quick breakfast, you can microwave them straight from the freezer; just wrap in a damp paper towel and heat for 30-second intervals until heated through.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

Feel free to get creative with flavor variations! For a tropical twist, add crushed pineapple along with or instead of blueberries. You can also swap out the buttermilk for almond milk or oat milk if you're looking for a dairy-free option. Just remember to add 1 tablespoon of vinegar to the almond or oat milk to mimic the tanginess of buttermilk.

For serving, these pancakes shine when drizzled with maple syrup but can also be topped with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. Fresh mint leaves can add a pop of color and a refreshing flavor that complements the lemon and blueberry perfectly. Don't forget to serve with additional berries or a side of yogurt for a satisfying breakfast.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, but make sure to toss them in a little flour before adding them to the batter to prevent clumping.

→ Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It's best to make the batter just before cooking for optimal fluffiness, but you can store it in the fridge for a couple of hours.

→ What can I substitute for buttermilk?

You can make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar; let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

→ Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just increase each ingredient proportionately, but make sure your skillet can accommodate the extra pancakes.