Save to Pinterest There's something magical about the first bite of a perfectly fluffy pancake, especially when it's packed with protein and topped with a homemade fruit syrup. These Cottage Cheese Pancakes with Fresh Strawberry Syrup bring together the unexpected creaminess of cottage cheese with the sweet-tart flavor of strawberries for a breakfast that's both satisfying and delightful.
Save to Pinterest These pancakes have been my weekend secret weapon for years. The cottage cheese creates an incredible texture—light and fluffy with tiny pockets of creaminess that melt in your mouth. The homemade strawberry syrup elevates them from ordinary to extraordinary, with its vibrant color and fresh flavor that store-bought syrups simply can't match.
Ingredients
- For the Pancakes:
- 1 cup (240 g) cottage cheese
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (65 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp (25 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Butter or oil, for cooking
- For the Fresh Strawberry Syrup:
- 2 cups (300 g) fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) water
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the strawberry syrup
- In a small saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, water, and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook for 7–10 minutes, until the strawberries break down and the syrup thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- 2. Make the pancake batter
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cottage cheese and eggs until well combined. Add flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined; some cottage cheese curds will remain visible.
- 3. Cook the pancakes
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil. Spoon 1/4 cup portions of batter onto the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes, until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set. Flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Repeat with remaining batter.
- 4. Serve
- Stack warm pancakes on plates and generously spoon fresh strawberry syrup over the top. Serve immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
The pancake batter might seem thicker than traditional pancake batter due to the cottage cheese. This is normal and creates the signature texture. If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can blend the cottage cheese and eggs in a blender before adding the dry ingredients. The syrup can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator - just warm it slightly before serving.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This versatile recipe welcomes many variations. For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. If you prefer other fruits, the syrup works beautifully with blueberries or raspberries in place of strawberries. For an extra touch of citrus brightness, add some lemon zest to the pancake batter. You can also fold in a handful of fresh berries directly into the batter for bursts of fruit in every bite.
Serviervorschläge
For a complete breakfast spread, serve these cottage cheese pancakes with a side of crispy bacon or breakfast sausage to balance the sweetness. A dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream on top adds extra richness, while fresh mint leaves make for a beautiful garnish. For brunch gatherings, set up a topping bar with additional fresh fruit, chopped nuts, and different syrups so guests can customize their pancakes to their liking.
Save to Pinterest Whether you're serving these cottage cheese pancakes for a lazy weekend breakfast or a special brunch celebration, they're sure to become a family favorite. The protein from the cottage cheese keeps you satisfied, while the homemade strawberry syrup turns an ordinary morning into something truly special. And the best part? The entire meal comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings when you still want something delicious and homemade.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use frozen strawberries for the syrup?
Yes, frozen strawberries can be used. Thaw them before simmering to help release juices and enhance syrup consistency.
- → How do I prevent pancakes from sticking to the pan?
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil before adding batter to ensure easy flipping.
- → Is it necessary to add baking powder to the batter?
Baking powder helps to make the pancakes light and fluffy by creating air pockets during cooking.
- → Can I add spices to the batter?
Yes, adding a pinch of cinnamon or a bit of lemon zest can elevate the flavor and add warmth to the pancakes.
- → How should leftover pancakes be stored?
Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a toaster or oven for best results.
- → What alternatives are there for all-purpose flour?
Gluten-free all-purpose flour can be substituted to make the dish gluten-free without sacrificing texture.