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 pancakes
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 2 eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; Pinch of salt; Butter or oil for cooking

Highlighted under: Simple Planning

I love starting my weekends with these Cottage Cheese Pancakes with Vanilla. The combination of fluffy pancakes with a hint of vanilla and the protein-rich cottage cheese makes for a satisfying breakfast. Each bite is soft and flavorful, perfect for pairing with fresh fruits or a drizzle of maple syrup. It's a simple yet delicious recipe that keeps me energized throughout the day. I appreciate how easily they come together, making my Saturday mornings not just tasty but also hassle-free.

Created by

Violet Kingsley

Last updated on 2026-01-06T14:14:34.981Z

I remember the first time I made these Cottage Cheese Pancakes; they turned out perfectly fluffy, and my family couldn't get enough of them. Using cottage cheese not only boosts the protein content but also adds a unique texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft pancakes. I've found that mixing the cottage cheese in with the wet ingredients ensures a smoother batter, which results in more tender pancakes.

What I love most is how versatile this recipe is. You can easily switch things up by adding fruits or spices into the batter. I often include blueberries or cinnamon for extra flavor. It’s an easy way to adapt the pancakes to whatever we have on hand, making them a staple in our household!

        Why You'll Love These Pancakes
        High in protein from cottage cheese for a satisfying meal
Subtle vanilla flavor that enhances every bite
Perfectly fluffy texture that feels indulgent but healthy
Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy mornings

      

Perfecting the Pancake Texture

To achieve that fluffy pancake texture, make sure not to overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to the wet mixture. Overmixing can lead to dense pancakes instead of the light and airy ones you want. Stir just until you see no dry flour; a few lumps are completely fine. This gentle approach allows the baking powder to work its magic, creating those inviting bubbles as the pancakes cook.

Another key factor in achieving fluffiness is the cooking temperature. Use a medium heat to ensure that the pancakes cook evenly. If the skillet is too hot, the outside may brown quickly while the inside remains undercooked. A drop of water should sizzle and evaporate within a second or two when the skillet is at the right temperature.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These pancakes serve beautifully with a variety of toppings. Fresh berries, sliced bananas, or a generous drizzle of honey can elevate the meal. If you're in the mood for something sweeter, maple syrup is a classic pairing. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dollop of Greek yogurt can also add a delightful contrast in flavor and texture.

For those looking to customize the recipe, consider adding mix-ins to the batter. Chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a pinch of cinnamon can introduce new flavors. Just be mindful not to add too much, as the batter should remain cohesive for optimal fluffiness.

Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients before you start to make the process smoother!

Pancake Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt
Butter or oil for cooking

Feel free to get creative with your toppings!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps for delicious pancakes!

Prepare the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well until fully incorporated.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Combine Mixtures

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.

Cook the Pancakes

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a bit of butter or oil. Pour about 1/4 cup of the batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, about 2-3 minutes, then flip and cook until golden brown, another 2-3 minutes.

Serve

Remove pancakes from the skillet and serve warm with your favorite toppings such as maple syrup, fresh fruits, or whipped cream.

Enjoy your homemade pancakes hot off the skillet!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. These pancakes freeze well, so make a double batch and enjoy them later!

Ingredient Insights

Cottage cheese is the star of this recipe, providing both protein and a unique moisture level that differs from traditional pancake batters. Not only does it create a tender texture, but it also adds nutritional benefits. Opt for a full-fat version if you're looking for richer flavor, or choose low-fat for a lighter option without sacrificing the pancake's structure.

Vanilla extract not only adds pleasant sweetness but also enhances the overall flavor profile. If you're interested in a twist, you could substitute vanilla bean paste for a more intense vanilla taste or even almond extract for a different dimension in flavor. Adjusting these subtle flavor notes can completely transform your pancake experience.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

If you want to save time in the morning, consider preparing the batter the night before. Store the mixed batter in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Give it a gentle stir before cooking, as some separation might occur. This can greatly streamline your breakfast prep while keeping the pancakes fresh and fluffy.

Leftover pancakes can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, simply pop them in a toaster or a preheated skillet for a minute or so on each side until warmed through. For longer storage, these pancakes freeze wonderfully. Lay them flat between parchment paper, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be reheated directly from frozen in the toaster, making it easy to enjoy breakfast any day of the week.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, low-fat cottage cheese works well and still provides a good texture and flavor.

→ How can I make these pancakes gluten-free?

Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and they should turn out just fine.

→ Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It's best to cook the pancakes immediately, but you can prepare the dry and wet ingredients separately and combine them right before cooking.

→ What toppings do you recommend?

Fresh fruits, maple syrup, honey, or even yogurt are great toppings that complement these pancakes!