Cottage Cheese Pancakes Stack Recipe – Fluffy Lemon Pancakes with Chocolate Hazelnut and Strawberry Jam

Difficulty:

1/5

Serves:

4 PEOPLE

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cottage Cheese Pancakes Stack Recipe

This Cottage Cheese Pancakes Stack is exactly the kind of recipe that delivers comfort with a twist. Featured on Everyday Excellent with Vanessa Gianfrancesco, these pancakes are light, fluffy, and subtly tangy thanks to blended cottage cheese and fresh lemon zest. Finished with alternating layers of chocolate hazelnut spread and strawberry jam, the stack is as visually impressive as it is delicious.

Unlike traditional pancakes that rely solely on milk or buttermilk, cottage cheese adds protein, moisture, and a delicate richness without making the pancakes heavy. The batter comes together quickly in a blender, making this recipe perfect for relaxed mornings, special brunches, or anytime you want to elevate a familiar classic.

The Inspiration

This recipe is inspired by the idea that everyday breakfasts can still feel special with just a few thoughtful upgrades. Cottage cheese pancakes have long been appreciated for their tender texture and added nutrition, but here they’re transformed into a showstopping stack worthy of sharing.

The lemon zest brightens the batter, keeping the pancakes light and balanced, while the alternating layers of chocolate hazelnut spread and strawberry jam add contrast—rich and creamy meets fruity and sweet. It’s a playful take on classic pancake toppings that turns a simple dish into a centerpiece.

Ingredients

¾ cup all-purpose flour
1 ½ cup cottage cheese
3 eggs
¼ cup milk
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tsp baking powder
1 tbsp granulated sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp salt
¼ cup unsalted butter
½ cup chocolate hazelnut spread
½ cup strawberry jam
Powdered sugar for dusting

Methods

Add the cottage cheese, eggs, milk, lemon zest, and vanilla extract to a blender and blend until smooth. Stir together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a bowl, then gently stir the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined.
Heat a small pad of butter on a griddle pan or large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add about ¼ cup batter for each pancake, only making as many as you can fit without crowding the pan. Cook for about 4 minutes, or until bubbles form on the top. Flip over and cook for another 3 minutes. Repeat until all the batter is gone.
Place a pancake in the center of a plate and spread the top with chocolate hazelnut frosting. Stack another pancake on top and spread with strawberry jam. Continue stacking pancakes, alternating layers between chocolate hazelnut spread and strawberry jam. Dust the top with powdered sugar and serve.

Serving Suggestions

This Cottage Cheese Pancakes Stack is best served warm, when the spreads soften slightly between the layers. For an extra-special brunch presentation, serve with fresh strawberries, raspberries, or banana slices on the side.

You can also customize the stack by swapping the strawberry jam for raspberry or apricot, or by adding a drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness. A cup of coffee, espresso, or fresh citrus juice pairs beautifully with the lemony notes in the pancakes. If serving a crowd, keep cooked pancakes warm in a low oven and let guests build their own stacks with different spreads and toppings.

Final Thoughts

This Cottage Cheese Pancakes Stack is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a standout dish with minimal effort. Blended cottage cheese makes the pancakes light, fluffy, and tender, while lemon zest adds brightness and balance. Layered with chocolate hazelnut spread and strawberry jam, the stack feels indulgent without being complicated.

Ideal for brunch recipes, easy pancake ideas, or elevated breakfast dishes, this Everyday Excellent recipe offers both comfort and creativity. Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining guests, or treating yourself to a special morning meal, these cottage cheese pancakes are guaranteed to impress.

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