The Best Protein Pancakes! These are super easy with no refined grains or refined sugar. Just oats, banana, and eggs!
The Best Protein Pancakes
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Amazing pancakes, I make these like 3x a week and freeze them. They are also a great snack to curb eating junkfood!
Kurt
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Protein pancakes! made in a blender with no refined grains, no refined sugar, and loads of healthy proteins. I reeeeeeally like where this is headed.
Pan-Cakes! Pan-Cakes! Pan-Cakes!
With peanut butter and chocolate chips and a little bit of maple syrup, which is just how I ate them growing up, post-swim-team practice, sometimes mushed together into a big pile of “scrambled pancakes” because me and my teenage squad didn’t know what we were even doing with a pan and a spatula, but we knew we needed those chocolate-kissed carbs in our systems immediately, stat, SOS, even if it meant squished together into pan remnants topped with sprinkles and chocolate chips and syrup.
This is that, reincarnated.
Grown up. Diva Status. Healthier. More Delicious.
Also: I don’t really swim anymore. I’m having a mid-post moment of sadness about that. I should get back into the pool routine again, right? The water is seriously so cold sometimes that I would consider not going just to keep my body from freezing solid, but really, I should get back in. Swimming gave me the hungriest appetite ever, and these days with my *literal* job being making food and eating? Yes and yes. We need to make these two things work together.
Pretty sure I once wore a t-shirt that said swimming is life, the rest is just details. Anyone? Ironically this is still true for me still except it’s about food. Food is life and the rest is just details and PLEASE someone make that into the next gen of those t-shirts. I will be at the front of the line when you launch.
Friends, may the odds be ever in your favor to have protein pancakes for breakfast all summer long. So you can swim or get your brain and body powered up do whatever else it is that you do.
Like, just try to look at this and tell me it doesn’t look good for you.
Prefer To Watch Instead Of Read?
Guys. I meant EMOTIONALLY good for you, okay? Chill out.
So maybe I am not saying these are the healthiest pancakes that ever lived, but depending on how overboard or not overboard you go with the toppings, they could be. We’re working with strong potential here.
Refined Sugar Free and Packed with Protein
Listen to this – these protein pancakes on their own have no refined sugar because banana’s got your back. Also – no refined grains with a special s/o to oats on that one. Lots and lots and lots of protein – from protein powder if you want (I use this collagen protein that a few friends recommended to me, and Bjork uses some kind of flavored whey protein that I turn my nose up to a little bit, and everyone has their own preferences for these things, right? so I say just choose on that works for you and get on with your pancake self) and/or protein just from the eggs and egg whites. This is an everyone-wins club.
My Favorite Protein Powder!
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Blend that baby up and fry on a hot griddle. Like so:
Topping For Protein Pancakes
And if you stopped there, you’d have yourself a pretty epically healthy protein pancake breakfast. You’d probably be the kind of intentional #fitspo person to top it with fruit, yogurt (strange but I love it as a healthy topping because it helps pancakes get that soaked-syrup-texture without all the sugar), and granola for crunch. GO YOU! We’re proud.
Of course, if you didn’t stop there, you would be my protein pancakes soul sister and you would sit with me and eat the dessert version of protein pancakes while cheering on the sisters from scenario number one. Are you picking up what I’m putting down? Peanut butter, chocolate chips both IN the pancakes and on top, and a drizzle of maple syrup to round out the Breakfast Dessert Masterpiece. There just is no other way for me.
Protein pancakes = the new breakfast on the block. and I am liking this newbie A LOT.
The Best Protein Pancakes: FAQs
Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
Yes! I kept the batter in individually portioned jars* for an easy ready-made breakfast.
I made extra pancakes. How should I store them?
Yum! Good idea! You can refrigerate or freeze cooked pancakes.
What kind of pan do you recommend?
Any nonstick pan or nonstick griddle will work here. We loved the Lodge cast iron griddle* for this job. The griddle is also great for other things like french toast, grilled cheese parties, and more.
The Best Protein Pancakes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6–9 pancakes 1x
Description
The Best Protein Pancakes! These are super easy with no refined grains or refined sugar. Just oats, banana, and eggs!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 cup oats
- 1 banana
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup egg whites
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- a pinch of salt
- a pinch of cinnamon
- 1–2 scoops protein powder (about 1/4 cup, or 29 grams)
- 2 tablespoons flax meal
Instructions
- Run everything through the blender on medium low speed until very well mixed.
- Heat a nonstick griddle to medium high heat. Add batter in small circles – about 1/4 cup per pancake. Sprinkle with blueberries or chocolate chips if you want. When the edges start to look dry (2-3 minutes), flip and cook another minute or two on the other side.
- Top with anything you like! I like syrup and peanut butter and chocolate chips.
Equipment
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Notes
Update 7/12/22: Based on reader feedback and additional testing, we’ve reduced the amount of baking powder to 1 teaspoon (previously 4 teaspoons).
If the pancakes are falling apart, you may need to turn the heat up. We consistently get pancakes that hold and flip when the heat is at a high enough level and when we use a nonstick pan. You can also add more or less flax to get the consistency just right for you!
This nutrition label is for 1 out of 9 total protein pancakes and it does NOT include the protein powder as the nutrition facts for those vary by product.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: healthy pancakes, protein pancakes, protein powder pancakes
More Breakfast Favorites!
- The Best Migas (A+ all around)
- Breakfast Enchiladas with Roasted Poblano Sauce (still swooning over this poblano sauce)
- Life-Changing Soft Scrambled Eggs (so simple and so, so good)
Filed Under: All Recipes Baking Breakfast Dairy-Free Healthy Most Popular Quick and Easy Sugar-Free Summer
June 6, 2016
Nice to meet you!
I’m Lindsay and I ♡ FOOD. I used to be a teacher, and now making food and writing about it online is my full-time job. I love talking with people about food, and I'm so glad you're here.
Did you make a recipe? Tag @pinchofyum on Instagram so we can find you!
Yes!!!!!!! My jam.
Give. It. To. Me.
Thank you Lindsay!
They look pretty amazing! Also they can give me a sneaky excuse to have some chocolate for breakfast 🙂
Yep! Busted.
I followed the Recipe thoroughly (excluding the Peanut butter and chocolate chips) and it still came out disgusting. Now I know why the pancakes were dressed up, to cover the true taste.
So sorry to hear this, Antonia. Thanks for taking time to share feedback with us!
I made these but substituted blueberries instead of chocolate chips. I kept my oat flakes whole. I used Greek yogurt with chia seeds and blueberries as my topping instead of syrup so that I could reduce my sugar intake. They were quite good actually. Thank you for the recipe.
Sounds delicious, Elizabeth!
OK so here’s the thing….
I used Bulk’s Protein Isolate 97 (2 scoops of) please note it was the unflavoured version so has a naturally beefy taste and yet these pancakes still tasted good!
I added 2 teaspoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 2 teaspoons of maple syrup extract, shoved in about 3g of dark chocolate per pancake and voilà… Then I served them with Skinny syrup and Skinny Chocolate syrup as well as a small handful of banana chips. Honestly when I say I have a big appetite I genuinely mean it – 2 of these pancakes filled me to the brim (which was kinda annoying tbh since I wanted to have something savoury as well 😉
The recipe also makes quite a lot – I had 2 large pancakes and there was still a medium sizes mixing bowl full of mixture!!
Did you really need to be so rude expressing your opinion? I get that everyone has a different taste, but that was truly unnecessary.
Best and easiest protein pancakes I’ve ever made. I also love the simple ingredients. Thank you so much for sharing.
So you didn’t really follow the recipe…
Wow, super rude! And simply untrue. This is by far the best protein pancake recipe I’ve ever tried and I’ve been making them for 10 or so years instead of normal pancakes. It’s also great to have a recipe that isn’t loaded with fat (coconut milk etc) like a lot of others.
I don’t use the peanut butter or choc chips and I add a scoop of collagen powder too. If you had a bad experience with this recipe it could be the protein powder you’re using? It can make or break protein pancakes 🙂
Made these pancakes as recipe stated, used gold syandard chocolate peanut butter casein protein powder. Put in blender, Batter was thick , pancakes were filling. I used alittle sugar free syrup on top. Very tasty! Will make again
Thanks for sharing! These were super easy & yummy. I had mine w/ banana slices, walnuts & pure Maple syrup. Are the nutrition facts for 1 pancake? Thanks!
So glad you enjoyed them! The nutrition facts are for 1 out of 9 total protein pancakes and it does NOT include the protein powder as the nutrition facts for those vary by product.
Has anyone tested these as sheet pan pancakes? Think they would work?? Also, how many whole eggs would sub for 1/2 cup of egg white? Because I am just never going to go through the trouble of measuring out a half cup of egg whites lol.
Followed the recipe to the letter, unfortunately these are really not nice – they taste like plain oats with a hint of protein powder and a banana aftertaste. No surprise really! Will keep looking.
Usually when I look up these types of recipes they don’t work well, come out falling apart or just tasting gross. With this recipe, that is not the case. They came out perfect and actually pancake like. I didn’t have flax meal but I just used flax seed and also added some chia seed and like I said they came out great.
Will the texture or consistency come out the same if i omit the protein powder??
Yes, the pancakes will most likely not be as dense.
Love how healthy this recipe is! Can’t wait to give it a try!
Cheers!
xo Anna Lynn with Waiting On Martha
Thanks Anna! Appreciate that!
This recipe is my favourite ! So easy and good 😋 I love adding in crushed walnuts and cocoa nibs, healthy and delicious!
Love hearing this, Diyana!
Hi, are you sure about 4 tsp baking powder? I followed the recipe and they tasted awful. I had to throw them in the garbage. Sorry.
4 teaspoons is right here, but other readers have had luck with 3 teaspoons if you’d prefer. Let us know how this goes for you, Lara!
Possibly the protein powder. Not all of them react the same when cooked or heated. I’ve made some really horribly tasting stuff using protein powder. These turned out great. First time too I used this particular brand of protein powder
Hi! I’ve made these before and loved them! Was wondering, is it possible to substitute extra egg whites for the two eggs?
Is it okay if I don’t use protein powder? I don’t have any and didn’t know if it would mess up the consistency.
Hi, Anna! It’s possible the texture of the pancakes could change a bit. Let us know if you end up trying this out!
The flavor was nice, but they were incredibly dry. I’m not sure if it was my protein powder, but next time I’ll be adding greek yogurt to the recipe to try to mitigate the sandy, moisture-thieving texture.
I find this confusing. We have to use 2 eggs and also 1/2 cup of egg whites separately?
That’s correct, Akshita!
Protein pancakes loaded in uber healthy ingredients? My butt just sent you a thank you note! Feeling good about eating these everyday. And I’m hyperglycemic so traditional high sugar pancakes lift me up and drop me like a load of bricks. Bleh.
Dang! hopefully these ones are a little better for you Laura. 🙂
Hey Lindsay,
Can you make these without the protein powder? Does the banana give it a strong banana flavor? The rest of this recipe looks yummy esp. adding the chocolate chips:)
I don’t think they have a strong banana flavor, and yes, you can make it without the protein powder!
Oh my gosh!! Those giant chocolate chips….. wow. Seeing those makes me need something chocolate immediately!
http://www.sprinklesandsaturdays.com
hahaha I like how you think!
These look amazing! My son is going to flip when I tell him I am making these for us for lunch today 🙂 What brand are those huge chocolate chips? I’m guessing Guittard? Thanks!
I think they were! I’m pretty sure. I would check but TBH they are long gone 😛 haha
Yum, these pancakes look delicious! I love pancakes for breakfast. Yummy!!! Pinned
Thanks Puja!
You had me at Peanut Butter and Chocolate! These sound delicious.
Thanks Josh! PB + Chocolate for lyfe
These look delicious! Could you substitute the flax meal? I can’t eat it. 🙁
Sure! or just omit.
These look amazing! I love pancakes, but I never end up making them because they are so carb heavy and low on protein that I am just hungry again soon after.
Kari
http://www.sweetteasweetie.com
Right? They sometimes just make me want to sleep. Not these ones though!
THESE ARE AMAZING! My mom always makes me pancakes for my Birthday, so I asked if we could try protein pancakes. They did not fail! So delicious, I loved experimenting with what to add to these! I made a peanut butter drizzle, I tried it with honey, strawberries, blueberries!! So good, only problem is I couldn’t help myself from eating more!!😜 we had extras and will be saving them for the mornings! Definitely adding these to my breakfast list! Thank you 🙂
What kind of protein powder do you use? I am yet to find one that doesn’t taste kinda funky!
Hey Dionna! I’m using this one – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NLR1PX0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?th=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=recipepost-20&linkId=d5362e722a0ab66d3806ea034aa119d5 – I don’t notice too much of a taste. I really don’t like the flavored ones like overly vanilla or whatever so this is a good one for me since it’s unflavored.
This looks heavenly definitely going to try to make these! Xo
Thanks Delaney! Hope you like them!
These are great, actually really, really healthy! And you’re totally right, it all depends on the toppings to see whether we can maintain these beauties healthy or not!
http://www.recavi.com
In my case, probably not 😛 too much love for the chocolate chip and peanut butter combo!
Well aren’t these just the most stunning pancakes I’ve ever seen!
Thanks Faith!
First, I have made these several times as is and they’re delicious! Two thumbs up.
Next time I want to try to lower the carb content and omit the oats. 2 questions:
1. Do I have to substitute with an equal amount of another flour? I don’t tolerate almond or coconut flour that well, either but I am not sure how else to make up for the oats.
2. 1 cup of oats =how much flour?
Hi Stephanie! We haven’t tested these pancakes without oats, so it’s hard to say what ingredient would be a good substitute. You could maybe try using more protein powder. 1 cup of oats equals 3/4 cup flour.
Hi! Nice recipe! I’m also a food writer but I’m just currently writing for a New York-based food website. After being inspired by your blog, I’m planning to make my own food website this month. Also, if ever you need some new recipes or food ideas, you can just contact me anytime and I will surely share them to you since I’ve been writing for a food website for more than one year already. Thank you for being an inspiration. God bless you!
Thanks Janica! So fun to hear that!
What could I use in place of the banana?
Maybe try applesauce? I haven’t tried it but it would need to be sweet and thick enough to help hold the batter a little bit.
Hi there 🙂 I am not a banana fan so I used 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin-the texture was great and it was super yummy with the cinnamon the recipe calls for.
Hi! I tried these pancakes and thought I had ruined them because the batter came out so thick and gloopy. I had to add some milk to the mixture to make it workable, and then the pancakes came out quite nice!
I’m wondering if I put too much protein powder, because the recipe doesn’t give a precise amount and there’s a range, so I didn’t know exactly how much to put. Are all protein powder scoops the same? Is there a conversion to cups available? Haha
Thanks!
Hi Amber! Sounds like you were on the right track! Not all protein powder scoops are the same. If the batter seems thick you can always add in milk or water to get the right consistency.
Looks amazing Lindsay! I was on the swim team in high school too, I remember that super hungry feeling after swimming, these pancakes would have been perfect! I too, don’t swim as much as I would like to. Miss it!
Ah yes! Swimming appetite is the best!
Any excuse to eat pancakes and I’m in! These look so good and good for you too!
Thanks Eden! Always nice to have a good for you breakfast that tastes great too. 🙂
Oh my goodness looks so good!
Izzy | https://plantbasedizzy.wordpress.com/
Thanks Izzy!
Yum!! Any suggestions for protein powder substitutes? I don’t use it otherwise. Maybe some yogurt or peanut butter power instead?
Sure! Or honestly, they’re pretty good and still decently high protein without the powder. I also have made pancakes with cottage cheese for more protein – those are here! https://pinchofyum.com/cinnamon-whole-grain-power-pancakes
These are so good… I used Chocolate protein powder and put a little jam on them. So wonderful!!! Great way to star my mommy day.
Glad you enjoyed them, Sarah! 🙂
Hey, I want one of those t-shirts too!! LOL And a stack of these pancakes!
Pinning this to absolutely make soon! protein pancakes are so good.. but then adding PB and chocolate… LOVE. and I hear you loud and clear on the ice cold water from swim team. I would either wait until the very last second to get in for practice or I would get pushed in..
Hope you enjoy it, Mia! 🙂
These are absolutely amazing and new staple!! Thank you!
The word pancakes piqued my interest. The chocolate chips and the peanut butter made me a convert. Excellent recipe!
Thanks, Patti! Hope you enjoy!