Lemon Ricotta Waffles with Blueberry Swirl

These Lemon Ricotta Waffles with Blueberry Swirl are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and packed with bright lemon flavor and sweet ribbons of blueberry jam. They come together in about 30 minutes and are perfect for a weekend breakfast or brunch. Guarantee to turn even a pancake person into a waffle lover!

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These Lemon Ricotta Waffles are one of those recipes that feel a little fancy but are actually very easy to make. Ricotta adds richness and moisture, lemon keeps the flavor bright, and a swirl of blueberry jam gives you sweet pops of berry throughout every waffle.

If you love lemon ricotta pancakes and crispy buttermilk waffles, this recipe gives you the best of both worlds. You get crispy edges, fluffy centers, and those deep waffle pockets ready to hold butter, syrup, and more blueberries.

Why you'll love this recipe

• Crispy texture - Cornstarch helps create the best waffles that are golden and crisp on the outside while staying fluffy inside.
• Bright lemon flavor - The lemon zest creates lemon sugar that perfumes everything and lemon juice adds fresh citrus flavor without overpowering the waffles.
• Blueberry swirl - In addition to ripe blueberries, ribbons of blueberry jam give you little bursts of sweet berry flavor in every bite.
• Perfect brunch recipe - These fluffy waffles look impressive but come together quickly with simple pantry ingredients.
• Freezer friendly - Extra waffles freeze beautifully and reheat perfectly in a toaster.

If you are a lemon lover, you are going to love this fluffy waffle recipe. With bright lemon flavor, a double shot of blueberry, and waffles that are crisp on the outside and fluffy inside, this recipe turns a simple batch of batter into a brunch that feels a little extra special without any extra work.

Ingredients & Substitutions

The photo below shows everything needed to make these flavorful waffles with blueberry swirl. Don't be intimidated by the number of ingredients. I will go over the key ones and a give you a few easy substitutions, if you need them.

• Ricotta cheese - Creamy ricotta gives the waffles their soft texture. I prefer whole milk ricotta, but part skim works too but will be slightly less rich. I like to use my homemade ricotta because it is made with lemon juice, which just amplifies the lemon flavor in the waffles.
• Cornstarch - This is the secret to my crispy waffles. It lightens the batter and helps the exterior crisp up in the waffle iron.
• Buttermilk - Adds tang and tenderness. If you do not have buttermilk you can use kefir or plain yogurt thinned with milk. You can also substitute with more milk, but I would suggest using less or your batter will be too thin.
• Lemon zest and juice - Fresh lemon gives these waffles their signature flavor. You can use bottled lemon juice, but there is no substitution for the flavor you get from the zest.
• Blueberries - Fresh or frozen blueberries both work well. If you use frozen blueberries, do not thaw them first, or it will discolor the batter.
• Blueberry jam - Creates the swirl of berry flavor throughout the waffles. My easy blueberry jam takes only 15 minutes and add so much flavor!

See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

Quick Recipe Video

Step-by-Step Instructions

These lemon ricotta waffles are easy to make and the process pictures will guide you through every step.

Optional whipped ricotta: In a small bowl, use a hand mixer, or a small food processor, to whip the ricotta cheese, cream cheese, honey, and a pinch of salt until light and fluffy. Set aside.

Step 1: In a large bowl, add fresh lemon zest to granulated sugar. Rub the zest into the sugar with your fingers until fragrant.

Step 2: Add flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until evenly combined.

Step 3: In a medium bowl , or large measuring cup, whisk together buttermilk, milk, and ricotta cheese until smooth and no lumps remain.

Step 4: Add melted butter, vegetable oil, fresh lemon juice, and eggs. Whisk until fully combined.

Step 5: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and fold gently with a silicone spatula until mostly combined. A few streaks of flour are fine.

Step 6: Add blueberries and gently stir them into the batter. Let the batter rest for at least 15 minutes to allow the flour to fully hydrate. Save some blueberries for the tops of your waffles.

Step 7: Dollop teaspoons of blueberry jam across the top of the batter. Save some blueberry jam too.

Step 8: Using a butter knife or skewer, swirl the jam gently through the batter without overmixing.

Step 9: Scoop batter into a preheated waffle iron and cook according to manufacturer's instructions, about 4 to 5 minutes, or until golden brown. (use cooking spray if your waffle maker tends to stick)

Finish: Serve the waffles with optional whipped ricotta, extra blueberry jam, maple syrup, and more blueberries.

Recipe FAQs

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