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Home By Meal

Healthy Protein Pancakes Recipe

★★★★★ 25 Reviews Recipe Print
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By: Erin7/6/21

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Easy Protein Pancakes
Easy Protein Pancakes

Start your day with this Healthy Protein Pancakes Recipe! These simple, three-minute cakes are loaded with protein and other healthy ingredients and are perfect for yourself or a crowd.

protein pancakes stacked

The best healthy pancakes ever

Have you ever met someone who didn’t like pancakes? Or, how about adamant Team Waffle people (you know, the classic Pancakes vs. Waffles debate)? Regardless, this healthy protein pancakes recipe is the secret tool for bringing even the strongest waffle supporters over to the pancake side.

What’s so great about these fluffy ‘cakes is that though they’re delicious, they don’t pack in the added sugars or other icky ingredients that so many pancakes recipes have. Instead, they’re made with healthier ingredients like rolled oats, egg whites, and protein powder! But, more on the healthy factor in a bit. For now, let’s dive into the how-to!

protein pancakes stacked

Ingredients in vanilla protein pancakes

Let’s start with the ingredients. You’ll need the following 8 items:

  • Rolled Oats: First, we’ll start with 2 cups of rolled oats. These will create the “base” of the pancake batter.
  • Banana: For a bit of natural sweet flavor, add 1 small banana.
  • Egg Whites: Next, 1/2 cup of egg whites will help bind the ingredients together and will contribute to the pancakes’ fluffy texture.
  • Protein Powder: Here’s where the powder comes in. Include 2 scoops of your favorite protein powder — vanilla is best! You can also use unflavored if that’s what you have.
  • Cinnamon: To add more flavor, include 1 tsp of cinnamon.
  • Baking Powder: 1/2 tsp of baking powder will help the pancakes cook properly.
  • Salt: A dash (1/4 tsp) of salt creates a subtle salty x sweet combo.
  • Almond Milk: Finally, finish things off with 1 cup of almond milk.

Tools needed to create this breakfast

As with most pancakes recipes, you don’t need too many kitchen tools. Grab a blender, spatula, and a skillet or pan, and you’re good to go!

You will also need the following sized measuring cups: 1/4 tsp, 1/2 tsp, 1 tsp, 1/2 cup, and 1 cup.

making protein pancakes

How to make this healthy protein pancakes recipe

Pancakes are delicious, quick, and quite literally couldn’t be easier to make. This recipe will yield about 14 servings!

Start by adding the ingredients into a blender in the order listed above.

Then, blend the mixture until it is completely smooth and there are no chunks or grittiness. Be sure to scrape down the sides as needed.

Let the batter rest for 5 minutes to allow it to thicken.

Finally, use a 1/4 cup to scoop and pour the batter onto a heated pan. Cook the pancake over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Slowly cooking the pancakes will result in fluffy, fully cooked ‘cakes!

protein pancakes stacked

How these are healthier

There are so many ways to make average, every day recipes worlds healthier — these pancakes are a shining example! To make these a better option, I made the following ingredient choices.

Rolled Oats
First, I used rolled oats as the base rather than flour. This switch alone is a great way to cut out loads of processed ingredients and amp up the protein.

Egg Whites
Next, I used only egg whites, which are lower in calories than egg yolks.

Protein Powder
I amped up the protein by throwing in a bit of protein powder. It’s such an easy way to sneak extra protein into your day!

Almond Milk
Finally, I skipped regular milk and used almond milk instead. It’s lower in calories and a slightly healthier option!

Substitution Tip

When making this pancake recipe, there are a few items that can be swapped based on what you have on hand. There are also a few ways to switch things up and add extra fun!

Swaps

  • Rolled Oats: Rolled oats are the same as old fashioned oats. If you don’t have these, you can use quick oats!
  • Protein Powder: I mentioned vanilla or unflavored protein powder, but chocolate can also work if you’d like to go for a chocolate banana flavor!
  • Almond Milk: Finally, any milk can be subbed for almond milk, whether another nut version or regular milk.

Additions

  • Chocolate Chips: Have a sweet tooth in the morning? Me too! I love to add a dash of chocolate to these pancakes by sprinkling on a few chocolate chips. You can do this during step 4.
  • Fruit: Instead of chocolate, go the fruit route! Sprinkle in your favorite type, whether fresh, frozen, or dried!

Storing extra pancakes

While I doubt there will be leftovers (they’re just too tasty!), I wanted to include a note on storage. Keep them in an airtight container to preserve the fresh fluffiness, and stick them in the fridge. Enjoy within 1-2 days.

If you liked this recipe, you’ll want to try these!

Need some more breakfast ideas? Try these! Between oatmeal, banana bread, casserole, and granola there’s something for everyone whether cooking for yourself or a crowd!

  • Baked Oatmeal for One (Two Ways)
  • Healthy Peanut Butter and Jelly Banana Bread
  • Sweet Potato Egg Breakfast Casserole
  • Chunky Paleo Granola
protein pancakes stacked
protein pancakes stacked
★★★★★ 4.6 from 25 reviews

Healthy Protein Pancakes Recipe

Prep: 10Cook: 10Total: 20 minutes
Yield 14 pancakes 1x
Print Pin it Rate

Ingredients

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 small banana
  • 1/2 cup egg whites
  • 2 scoop vanilla protein powder (60g)
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup almond milk

Instructions

  • In a blender, add ingredients in order as listed.
  • Blend until completely smooth and there are no chunks/grittiness. Scrape down sides as needed.
  • Let batter rest for 5 minutes to allow it to thicken.
  • Using 1/4 cup scoop, pour onto heated pan. Cook over medium heat about 3-4 minutes each side. Slow cooking these will result in fluffy, fully cooked pancakes.
Author: ErinCategory: gluten-free, breakfast, snacksMethod: stovetopCuisine: AmericanDiet: Gluten Free
protein pancakes stacked

Did you make this?

Leave a comment below and tag @erinliveswhole on social media!

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There may be affiliate links in this post! By purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. However, I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. Thank you for supporting Erin Lives Whole, it helps keep this blog afloat 🙂

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chocolate chip cookies
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Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

  1. Melanie says

    Posted on 1/15 at 9:04 pm

    I had unflavored pea protein, and it worked just great. I loved the simplicity of this. I did use whole eggs instead of egg whites because those are fine for me, and it was delicious. I made a half-recipe to test and cooked 3 giant pancakes (lazy!) and just ate one every morning then wished I’d made the whole recipe. Using up my almond milk right now!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/17 at 8:48 pm

      Hi Melanie, so happy you loved them and made them your own! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Lorena says

    Posted on 9/11 at 6:38 am

    We use to our recipe every weekend after our climbing trips, turns out amazing every time and no guilt!!! Thank you!!
    PS: for people that have the mix too dense, I recommend adding the protein last, since it malts and thickens.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  3. Antonio says

    Posted on 9/5 at 3:21 am

    Tried this recipe out and I subbed milk for almond milk + added a tsp of vanilla since my protein powder was unflavored+ topped with maple syrup. Tasted 10/10 sooo good. They didn’t come out too fluffy though :(. Any tips?

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 9/12 at 4:07 pm

      Hi Antonio, so glad you liked them and made them your own. Yes, I would add more liquid next time and they should be fluffier! Let me know if it works!

      Reply
  4. Jose says

    Posted on 8/3 at 11:38 am

    Great taste but the consistency of mine was like nut butter and the pancakes were very dense. Not sure why. I had to use 4 scoops of my dairy-free protein powder to equal 60 g, could it have been that? The oats seemed to be what thickened this the most though. I’ll try again and if they are different I’ll let you know.

    ★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/3 at 3:07 pm

      Hi Jose, so glad you liked the taste and hmm I am not sure. Did you measure everything to a T? Maybe you over mixed them or let them thicken too long? Let me know how next time is!

      Reply
  5. Alison says

    Posted on 7/28 at 6:22 pm

    These are the best pancakes I have ever eaten, so fluffy and light! Is there anything I could sub for the egg whites to make them vegan?

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 7/29 at 3:34 pm

      Hi Alison, so happy you loved them and you could try applesauce or banana instead. I haven’t tried either so let me know how they come out! Luckily you know what the consistency should be like from making them per the recipe so let me know how the sub comes out!

      Reply
  6. Bethany says

    Posted on 7/27 at 12:55 pm

    I love this recipe and make it often! Do you know if the batter can be prepared the night before using it? Thank you!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/1 at 2:03 pm

      Hi Bethany, thank you so much! I would make them in full and then either freeze or store in fridge!

      Reply
  7. Jose says

    Posted on 6/16 at 2:30 pm

    Thank you for the recipe. I cut the ingredients in half since I didn’t want to make too many and it still came out amazing. I substituted the vanilla protein for cookies and cream whey protein and it was great. Also added some lilys sugar free chocolate chips. Will definitely make again.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 6/16 at 8:18 pm

      Hi Jose, so happy you loved it and made it your own!! 🙂

      Reply
  8. Eliana M says

    Posted on 5/10 at 8:16 am

    loved themmmmm! The taste was wonderful not too much banana not too much cinnamon . They feel like home. I ran out of syrup and they were still good :). I used two scoops of vanilla protein and a small banana and honestly nothing was too overpowering and my parents LOVED THEM!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 5/11 at 1:44 pm

      Hi Eliana, so happy you loved them so much and made them your own!!

      Reply
  9. Rachel says

    Posted on 4/26 at 8:30 am

    Sadly these did not turn out for me. They were so dense and not fluffy at all. The taste of banana was over powering. Also, I followed the recipe exactly and only got 9 very small pancakes, not 14.

    ★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 4/26 at 5:10 pm

      Hi Rachel, I’m sorry that you did not like the recipe! I’ve heard tons of good things about this one, bummed it didn’t work out for you!

      Reply
  10. Db says

    Posted on 3/30 at 9:14 pm

    Terrible way too gritty and dry and too thick. May need to adjust to mixture. Taste was like chalk so not sure what went wrong 🙁

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 3/31 at 4:58 pm

      Hi! I’m sorry that you did not like the recipe! I’ve heard tons of good things about this one, bummed it didn’t work out for you. Did you follow the recipe to a T?

      Reply
  11. Lisa says

    Posted on 3/30 at 11:42 am

    Could you substitute rye flakes for the oates?

    Reply
  12. Crystal says

    Posted on 3/27 at 1:27 pm

    My crew LOVED THEM! I make homemade pancakes every weekend, 2 different batches! Regular for the kids and protein pancakes for my husband and I. I always make enough so they have them throughout the week for breakfast. Today, I wanted to find a healthier version of protein pancakes and found this recipe! Super easy, and even more tasty! My kids typically don’t like banana tasting food… but this was subtle! And I was shocked by how much they enjoyed these! Definitely making them again!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 3/28 at 5:48 pm

      Hi Crystal, so happy you all love them so much! Thanks for sharing!! 🙂

      Reply
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I’m Erin. Creator of Erin Lives Whole, a food blog with delicious and easy healthy recipes that will leave you feeling good. We’ve got everything from wholesome baked goods to comforting savory dishes. I can’t wait to see what you whip up! Read More...

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