If you’re a fan of pancakes that feel a little lighter, tangier, and downright irresistible, you’re going to fall in love with this Greek Yogurt Pancakes with Lemon Recipe. It’s my go-to when I want breakfast that’s comforting but still bright and fresh. The lemon zest and juice inspired me to whip these up on a sunny weekend morning, and honestly, my family went crazy for how fluffy and flavorful they turned out. Stick around—I’ll share everything you need to nail these pancakes every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tender & Fluffy Texture: Thanks to the Greek yogurt, these pancakes are unbelievably soft yet hold together perfectly.
- Bright Lemon Flavor: The combo of lemon zest and juice gives a fresh tang that wakes up your taste buds without overpowering.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: You probably have everything you need at home, which makes it a super easy recipe to throw together.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a lazy weekend breakfast or brunch with friends, these pancakes always impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Greek Yogurt Pancakes with Lemon Recipe is in its simple, wholesome ingredients that play perfectly together. A quick tip—use fresh lemons if you can because the zest and juice truly make a difference!

- All-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour): Make sure it’s fresh for light, tender pancakes; gluten-free works great if you prefer.
- Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents help the pancakes puff up beautifully.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance flavor.
- Cinnamon: Adds a subtle warm spice that complements lemon perfectly.
- Lemon zest and lemon juice: Fresh is best to capture that bright, citrus zing.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens just right without overpowering the yogurt’s tang.
- Greek yogurt: The star of the show—choose plain or your favorite flavor for a slight twist.
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth and richness.
- Eggs: Lightly beaten, they hold everything together.
- Milk (optional): Just enough to loosen the batter if it feels too thick.
- Butter: For greasing your skillet or griddle to achieve a perfectly golden crust.
Variations
I love tweaking this Greek Yogurt Pancakes with Lemon Recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand. It’s so easy to customize—and you’ll find your own fave version in no time!
- Berry Boost: I sometimes add fresh blueberries or raspberries into the batter for a juicy surprise in every bite—my kids always ask for seconds!
- Gluten-Free: Switching to gluten-free flour made these my go-to when friends with sensitivities visit, and nobody misses a thing.
- Less Sugar: If you prefer a less sweet pancake, simply reduce the sugar by half; the lemon still keeps them bright and flavorful.
- Lemon Poppy Seed: Adding a tablespoon of poppy seeds turns these pancakes into a brunch showstopper—trust me, the texture is addictive!
How to Make Greek Yogurt Pancakes with Lemon Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, I start by mixing the Greek yogurt, eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until everything is silky smooth. This helps the lemon flavor infuse right into the batter. I use a whisk because it blends the eggs nicely without overworking the batter.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This ensures even distribution of the rising agents and spice throughout the pancakes.
Step 3: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Pour the dry ingredients into the wet and whisk until fully smooth. If the batter feels too thick (it should be pourable but not runny), add milk a tablespoon at a time until you get the right consistency. I’ve learned through trial that adding too much milk makes the pancakes a bit flat, so don’t overdo it.
Step 4: Heat and Butter Your Pan
Heat your griddle or skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter, moving it around to coat the surface evenly. This step is key for those golden edges and prevents sticking.
Step 5: Cook Your Pancakes
Pour ¼ cup portions of batter about 2 inches apart on the hot pan. You’ll notice bubbles forming on the surface and the edges setting—this usually takes about 2 to 4 minutes. Flip gently and cook the other side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Resist the urge to flip too soon! Patience gives you fluffy, perfectly cooked pancakes.
Pro Tips for Making Greek Yogurt Pancakes with Lemon Recipe
- Use Full-Fat Greek Yogurt: It makes the pancakes richer and more tender—trust me, low-fat versions just don’t give the same texture or flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: The batter should be smooth, but over-whisking can make your pancakes tough—mix gently just until combined.
- Fresh Lemon is Key: I learned that lemon zest from bottled or dried peel is never quite as bright, so use fresh lemons for the best zing.
- Wait for the Bubbles: Patience pays off—flip only when bubbles form and the edges look set to get that perfect fluff and color.
How to Serve Greek Yogurt Pancakes with Lemon Recipe

Garnishes
I love topping mine with a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of extra Greek yogurt, and fresh berries like blueberries or sliced strawberries. The creamy yogurt on top contrasts so nicely with the tangy lemon in the pancakes, and the berries add a pop of color and sweetness.
Side Dishes
For a balanced breakfast, I like serving these pancakes with crispy bacon or sausage on the side, plus a handful of mixed greens or a simple fruit salad. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea pairs perfectly to start the day right.
Creative Ways to Present
For special brunches, I stack the pancakes high and drizzle a lemon glaze or honey on top, then sprinkle with edible flowers and a few mint leaves. It’s an easy way to wow guests and bring that fresh lemon vibe front and center on your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay good for up to 3 days, which is great because I often make a double batch to save time during busy mornings.
Freezing
One of the best things about this Greek Yogurt Pancakes with Lemon Recipe is that they freeze really well. After they’ve cooled, I stack them with parchment paper in between and freeze in a zip-top bag. When I’m ready, they thaw quickly and taste just as fresh as day one.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop the pancakes in the toaster or microwave for 20-30 seconds. The toaster brings back that nice crispy edge, which I absolutely love, while the microwave warms them through super fast if you’ve got less time.
FAQs
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Can I use flavored Greek yogurt for these pancakes?
Absolutely! I’ve tried vanilla or honey-flavored Greek yogurt, and it adds a subtle twist, though for a clean lemon flavor, plain yogurt is ideal. Just remember to reduce added sugar if the yogurt is sweetened.
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How do I make these pancakes dairy-free?
You can swap the Greek yogurt for dairy-free yogurt alternatives like coconut or almond milk yogurt, and replace butter with coconut oil. The texture will be slightly different but still tasty and fluffy.
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Why do my pancakes sometimes turn out rubbery?
This usually happens when you overmix the batter or overcook the pancakes. Mix just until the ingredients are combined and cook on medium heat, flipping only once the bubbles appear and edges are set.
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Can I prepare the batter the night before?
Yes! You can mix the batter and store it covered in the fridge overnight. Give it a gentle stir before cooking, and you might need to add a splash of milk if it thickened too much.
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What’s the best way to get a consistent lemon flavor?
Fresh lemon zest is the real game-changer. Use a microplane grater to get just the yellow part of the peel, avoiding the bitter white pith. Combining zest and juice ensures a well-rounded, fresh-citrus punch.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Greek Yogurt Pancakes with Lemon Recipe turns out every time—a tender crumb with that perfect hint of lemon that feels like sunshine on your plate. When I first made these, I struggled to balance flavors, but once I nailed the lemon zest and yogurt ratio, it became a new family favorite. I genuinely hope you give these a try and discover just how easy and delightful breakfast can be. Grab your lemons and yogurt, and let’s get cooking—you’ll love the way these pancakes make your mornings brighter.
Print
Greek Yogurt Pancakes with Lemon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 pancakes 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Best Greek Yogurt Pancakes are fluffy, tangy, and perfectly golden, combining the richness of Greek yogurt with a touch of lemon zest and cinnamon for a delightful breakfast treat. Easy to make and adaptable with gluten-free flour, they provide a nutritious and flavorful start to your day.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (any flavor or original)
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk (only if needed)
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons butter (for greasing the skillet or griddle)
Instructions
- Preheat the cooking surface: Preheat an electric griddle to 350 degrees F or place a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the pancakes evenly.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and spices.
- Incorporate dry and wet ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and whisk until completely smooth, creating a uniform batter. If the batter is too thick, gradually add milk one tablespoon at a time to reach the desired consistency.
- Prepare the cooking surface: Melt the butter on the hot griddle or skillet, spreading it evenly to coat the entire cooking surface and prevent sticking.
- Cook the pancakes: Pour ¼ cup portions of batter onto the griddle or skillet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Cook until bubbles form on the batter surface and edges are set, approximately 2-4 minutes. Flip and cook the other side until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes more.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the Greek yogurt and butter with suitable plant-based alternatives.
- If using gluten-free flour, ensure it’s a blend designed for baking to maintain texture.
- Adjust milk quantity to achieve preferred batter thickness; thicker batter yields fluffier pancakes.
- Watch the heat carefully to prevent burning; medium heat is ideal for even cooking.
- Serve with fresh fruits, maple syrup, or honey for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pancakes
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 75mg


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