Lemon Ricotta Strawberry Crespelle

Highlighted under: Fruit Pies | Baked Goods

I’ve discovered that making Lemon Ricotta Strawberry Crespelle is a delightful way to impress friends and family during brunch. The combination of creamy ricotta and zesty lemon creates a filling that’s simply irresistible. When served with fresh strawberries, these crespelle become a beautiful centerpiece for any table. The delicate texture of the crespelle pairs perfectly with the sweet strawberries, giving each bite a refreshing lift. I’m always amazed at how such simple ingredients can come together to create something so extraordinary.

Created by

The Ximenabakes Team

Last updated on 2026-03-11T19:49:06.269Z

I remember the first time I tried Lemon Ricotta Strawberry Crespelle; I was blown away by the flavors. The tartness of the lemons combined with the rich creaminess of the ricotta is truly a match made in heaven. The secret is to let the ricotta blend with the lemon zest and sugar for a few minutes before filling the crespelle, which brings out the freshness.

During my recent kitchen adventures, I realized that using fresh strawberries just before serving elevates the whole dish. Tossing the strawberries with a bit of lemon juice really enhances their sweetness, making every bite a perfect blend of sweet and tart. It’s a technique I always use now when preparing this dish!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Bright lemon flavor that complements the creamy ricotta.
  • Light and airy texture that pairs beautifully with fresh strawberries.
  • Perfect for a brunch gathering or a sweet breakfast treat.

Perfecting the Crespelle

Achieving the right batter consistency for your crespelle is crucial for the desired texture. After whisking together the ingredients, the batter should be smooth and somewhat thin, similar to heavy cream. If it appears too thick, shyly add a tablespoon of milk at a time until you achieve the right pourable consistency. Letting the batter rest for 10 minutes allows the flour to fully hydrate, which contributes to a lighter end result.

When cooking the crespelle, use a non-stick skillet to avoid sticking and unnecessary oiliness. A medium heat setting typically works best; if you notice the edges browning too quickly, reduce the heat. Watch for bubbles forming on the surface of the crespelle as this signals that it's time to flip it. The bottom should be delicately golden, which enhances the flavor and visual appeal.

Delicious and Versatile Filling Ideas

The ricotta filling is key to balancing the brightness of the lemon with creaminess. I recommend using whole milk ricotta to achieve a rich texture. You may substitute mascarpone for an even creamier filling or for a lighter option, try using part-skim ricotta. It’s also possible to play with flavors by adding different extracts like almond or lemon curd to enhance sweetness and depth.

For those looking for a dairy-free option, consider using coconut yogurt or cashew cream blended with a sweetener. Just make sure the consistency is similar to ricotta for easy spreading. Additionally, the filling can be prepared ahead of time; simply store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to two days to save time on brunch day.

Ingredients

For the Crespelle

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Pinch of salt

For the Ricotta Filling

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Serving

  • Fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • Honey or maple syrup (optional)

Instructions

Make the Crespelle Batter

In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, eggs, milk, melted butter, lemon zest, and salt until smooth. Let it rest for 10 minutes.

Cook the Crespelle

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it. Pour a small amount of batter into the skillet, swirling to coat the bottom evenly. Cook for about 2 minutes, until edges lift, flip, and cook another minute. Repeat with remaining batter.

Prepare the Ricotta Filling

In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until well combined. Adjust sweetness if needed.

Fill the Crespelle

Spread a generous spoonful of ricotta filling onto each crespelle, then fold or roll them up.

Serve with Strawberries

Top with fresh strawberries and drizzle with honey or maple syrup, if desired. Enjoy your delightful dish!

Pro Tips

  • For extra flavor, consider adding a hint of cinnamon to the ricotta filling. You can also use other fruits such as blueberries or raspberries for a twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serving these crespelle with fresh strawberries provides not only a burst of color but also a natural sweetness. If strawberries are out of season, consider trying raspberries or blueberries as an alternative. Simply toss the berries in a bit of sugar to macerate them, enhancing their natural juices and sweetness, making them an even better topping for your crespelle.

For an added touch, you can sprinkle some chopped mint over the top before drizzling with honey or maple syrup. This not only adds freshness but also culinary flair, making your dish feel elevated. The combination of textures with the soft crespelle and juicy strawberries creates a mouthwatering experience that will impress your guests.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

If you're planning a brunch and want to streamline your cooking process, both components can be prepared in advance. The crespelle can be made the day before; just layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking and store them in the refrigerator. Gently reheat them in a skillet over low heat for a minute or so on each side before serving.

The ricotta filling can also be made up to two days in advance. Store it in an airtight container and stir it gently before using to ensure a smooth texture. When ready to serve, simply fill your crespelle and top with strawberries, completing the dish just moments before your guests arrive for maximum freshness.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the crespelle ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the crespelle ahead and store them in the fridge. Just warm them slightly before serving.

→ Can I use low-fat ricotta?

Absolutely! Using low-fat ricotta will still yield delicious results while cutting back on calories.

→ What can I substitute for the flour?

You could use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of this recipe.

→ How long do leftovers last?

Leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 2 days for the best quality.

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Lemon Ricotta Strawberry Crespelle

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration10 minutes
Overall Time30 minutes

Created by: The Ximenabakes Team

Recipe Type: Fruit Pies | Baked Goods

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Crespelle

  1. 1 cup all-purpose flour
  2. 2 large eggs
  3. 1 cup milk
  4. 1 tablespoon melted butter
  5. Zest of 1 lemon
  6. Pinch of salt

For the Ricotta Filling

  1. 1 cup ricotta cheese
  2. 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  3. Zest of 1 lemon
  4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Serving

  1. Fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  2. Honey or maple syrup (optional)

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, eggs, milk, melted butter, lemon zest, and salt until smooth. Let it rest for 10 minutes.

Step 02

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it. Pour a small amount of batter into the skillet, swirling to coat the bottom evenly. Cook for about 2 minutes, until edges lift, flip, and cook another minute. Repeat with remaining batter.

Step 03

In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until well combined. Adjust sweetness if needed.

Step 04

Spread a generous spoonful of ricotta filling onto each crespelle, then fold or roll them up.

Step 05

Top with fresh strawberries and drizzle with honey or maple syrup, if desired. Enjoy your delightful dish!

Extra Tips

  1. For extra flavor, consider adding a hint of cinnamon to the ricotta filling. You can also use other fruits such as blueberries or raspberries for a twist.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Total Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg
  • Sodium: 170mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 18g
  • Protein: 8g