Cottage Cheese Pancakes with Vanilla

Name: Cottage Cheese Pancakes with Vanilla
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup milk; 2 large eggs; 1 tbsp sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp baking powder; Pinch of salt; Butter or oil for cooking

Highlighted under: Simple Cooking

I absolutely love making Cottage Cheese Pancakes with Vanilla on weekends! These fluffy pancakes are not only easy to whip up, but they're also packed with protein from the cottage cheese, making them a nutritious choice. The hint of vanilla adds a lovely warmth to the flavor profile. I find that they pair beautifully with fresh fruits or a drizzle of maple syrup. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be reaching for the skillet every Saturday morning for a delightful breakfast treat.

Created by

Willow Harries

Last updated on 2026-01-06T11:09:35.017Z

I've experimented with various pancake recipes over the years, but these Cottage Cheese Pancakes truly stand out. The texture is incredibly light and fluffy, thanks to the cottage cheese, which adds an unexpected depth. I remember the first time I achieved the perfect balance—using freshly ground vanilla bean instead of extract made all the difference, enhancing the overall flavor.

What really works with this recipe is the technique I learned from a friend, who swears by letting the batter rest for a few minutes before cooking. It allows the ingredients to meld together, resulting in pancakes that are not only delicious but also irresistibly airy.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Fluffy satisfaction with every bite
Nutritious twist packed with protein
Deliciously adaptable with various toppings

      

Perfecting the Pancake Texture

To achieve the fluffiest Cottage Cheese Pancakes, ensure your cottage cheese is well-drained before incorporating it into the batter. This prevents excess moisture, which can lead to soggy pancakes. If you prefer a smoother texture, consider blending the cottage cheese briefly until creamy before adding it to the other ingredients.

When mixing the batter, be cautious not to overmix once you combine the dry ingredients with the wet. A few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, causing the pancakes to become tough instead of light and airy.

Cooking Tips for Golden Brown Pancakes

Temperature control is key while cooking the pancakes. Start with medium heat to achieve that perfect golden-brown exterior. If the skillet is too hot, the pancakes will brown too quickly, leaving the insides undercooked. Conversely, low heat may result in a pale, unappetizing appearance. A good test is to sprinkle a drop of water on the skillet; if it dances before evaporating, the skillet is ready.

Use a ladle or measuring cup to pour the batter onto the skillet for uniformly-sized pancakes. This ensures even cooking and makes flipping easier. Don’t flip until you see bubbles forming on the surface, indicating the batter is set enough to hold its shape.

Serving and Storing Options

These pancakes can be served with a variety of toppings, allowing for personalized breakfast experiences. Fresh berries, sliced bananas, or a handful of nuts can provide not only flavor but also additional nutrition. For a decadent touch, a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey works beautifully against the rich, creamy pancakes.

If you have leftovers, cool the pancakes completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a toaster or skillet on low heat, flipping them occasionally for an even warm-up. You can also freeze the cooked pancakes for up to a month, separating each with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Ingredients

For the Pancakes

1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup milk
2 large eggs
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp baking powder
Pinch of salt
Butter or oil for cooking

Instructions

Prepare the Batter

In a large bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, flour, milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt until combined. Let the batter rest for about 5 minutes.

Heat the Skillet

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a little butter or oil to coat the surface.

Cook the Pancakes

Pour an appropriate amount of pancake batter onto the skillet, depending on your desired pancake size. Cook for about 2-3 minutes or until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the pancakes warm with your favorite toppings, like fresh fruits, maple syrup, or a dollop of yogurt.

Pro Tips

For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter before cooking.

Making Pancakes Ahead of Time

To streamline your morning, you can prepare the pancake batter the night before. Just mix all the ingredients and store the batter in the refrigerator, tightly covered. In the morning, give it a quick stir before cooking. This can save precious time and ensure a hassle-free breakfast.

You might also consider freezing the batter in individual portions using ice cube trays. When ready to cook, just thaw the batter overnight in the fridge. This makes it easy to have fresh pancakes any day of the week with minimal effort.

Dietary Substitutions and Variations

For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. This adjustment maintains the pancake's structure while accommodating dietary needs. Mix the flour with a pinch of xanthan gum to enhance texture, if your blend doesn’t already contain it.

You can also experiment with flavors by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. For a richer flavor, consider using vanilla bean paste instead of extract or incorporating citrus zest for a fresh twist that awakens the palate.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, low-fat cottage cheese works well in this recipe, but it may lead to slightly less fluffy pancakes.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet or microwave.

→ Can I freeze these pancakes?

Absolutely! You can freeze cooked pancakes by laying them flat in a single layer, then transferring them to a freezer bag once frozen.

→ What can I use instead of eggs?

You can use a flaxseed meal or chia seed mixture as a replacement for eggs, using 1 tablespoon mixed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg.