How to make protein pancakes with protein powder (4 ways!)

Protein pancakes are a delicious, easy way to boost your breakfast with extra protein. Whether you’re looking for a healthy working-from-home lunch or a Sunday morning treat, protein pancakes are as versatile as they are satisfying.

From vegan pancakes to banana pancakes to no-flour options, there’s a protein pancake recipe for everyone. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make protein pancakes with protein powder step-by-step, along with tips to customise them to your tastes and dietary goals.

The basics: what you’ll need

Making protein pancakes is simple when you have the right ingredients and tools. Here’s what you can use to whip up a stack of protein-packed pancakes – take a look in your cupboard and see what you’ve got to hand, then pick one of our recipe ideas accordingly:

Essential ingredients

• Protein powder: Choose your favourite such as whey protein, collagen protein, or plant-based alternatives.
• Base ingredients: This might include flour (or alternatives like oat or almond flour), eggs, milk, and baking powder.
• Optional add-ins: Such as bananas for natural sweetness, chocolate chips for indulgence, or peanut butter for extra protein and flavour. Vanilla or cinnamon can also enhance the taste, while maple syrup or agave can be poured over for sweetness.

Essential equipment

• Non-stick pan or griddle: Prevent sticking and ensure easy flipping.
• Healthy oil, butter, or ghee: Keep the pancakes from sticking and cook them up to a nice golden brown.

Simple Protein Powder Pancakes

Sometimes, simple is best. This protein pancake recipe gives you a blank canvas to get creative with toppings and enjoy a straightforward, healthy, high-protein breakfast, brunch, or snack.

Ingredients (serves 1)

• 40g of protein powder (such as whey protein or a plant-based protein blend, in your preferred flavour)
• 30g of your preferred flour (such as oat flour or plain flour)
• ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 large egg
• 60ml of milk (dairy or plant-based, such as almond, soy, or oat)
• Coconut oil, butter, or non-stick spray (for cooking)

Optional add-ins

• ½ tsp vanilla
• 1 tsp natural sweetener like honey, maple syrup, or agave
• Your favourite pancake toppings such as fresh fruit or Greek yoghurt

Method

1. Mix the batter: In a bowl, mix together the protein powder, flour, and baking powder. Add in the egg and gradually pour in the milk, mixing the ingredients together until smooth. This will be your protein pancake mix. The batter should be slightly thick but pourable. Add a splash more milk if it's too thick – you could also add in the vanilla or natural sweetener here.

2. Heat the pan: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly grease it with oil, butter, or non-stick spray. Make sure the pan is heated well on a medium heat, or you can wave goodbye to your first pancake or two!

3. Cook the pancakes: Pour small circles of batter (about 2-3 tablespoons each) onto the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbles appear on the surface and the edges are set. Flip carefully and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.

4. Serve your way: Enjoy the pancakes as they are, or top with fresh fruit, Greek yoghurt, or a drizzle of honey or nut butter.

Notes and tips

• Use a rubber spatula to flip the pancakes gently, as they can be delicate.
• If your protein powder is very sweet, you can skip additional sweeteners.

Peanut Butter, Banana, and Whey Protein Powder Pancakes

This recipe is completely free from eggs. It uses banana and peanut butter to provide the moisture and fat, creating a delicious and nutritious pancake batter that turns into fluffy, American-style pancakes.

We’ve used whey protein powder, which we’ve found absorbs this moisture and fat especially well to create a batter that cooks nicely. For a fully plant-based version, you could try out a vegan protein powder instead.

Indulgent Chocolate Protein Pancakes

For pancakes with a little extra indulgence, these chocolate protein pancakes are just the ticket. Made with cacao powder and naturally sweetened using coconut palm sugar, they offer all the satisfaction while remaining a healthy treat.

Get creative by pairing them with fresh fruit (we find that tart raspberries go particularly well to balance the sweetness), a drizzle of chocolate hazelnut butter, or some Greek yoghurt for an extra protein boost.

Spiced Pumpkin Protein Pancakes

This recipe requires a little more effort but the subtly sweet, spicy flavours of the resulting protein pancake stack make it all worthwhile. We’ve used 2 scoops of our Pure Unflavoured Organic Whey Protein along with spices, oats, and two egg whites.

With up to 14.8g of protein per serving, these protein pancakes are an excellent way to boost your protein intake while enjoying the tastes of the autumn months.

Our top tips for protein pancake success

1. Achieve the perfect texture

The secret to fluffy, delicious protein pancakes lies in the batter. If your batter is too thick, add a splash of milk (dairy or plant-based) to thin it out. If it’s too runny, sprinkle in a little more protein powder or flour. The goal is a smooth, pourable consistency that spreads easily on the pan.

2. Cook with a medium heat

Keep your pan on medium heat to strike the perfect balance between golden-brown outsides and a fully cooked centre. High heat may cook the outside too quickly, leaving the inside underdone, while low heat could make them dense and rubbery.

3. Flip like a pro

Patience is key when flipping protein pancakes. Wait until bubbles form on the surface and the edges appear set before flipping. Use a non-stick spatula to make flipping seamless and prevent breaking.

4. Batch cook for convenience

Save time by making a large batch of pancakes and storing the extras. Let them cool completely, then stack them with baking paper in between and store them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheat in a toaster or microwave for a quick, protein-packed breakfast on busy mornings.

Tasty protein pancakes with our organic whey protein

Browse our natural, additive-free organic whey protein powders for the best protein pancakes you’ve made yet. Cold-filtered for a clean, creamy whey protein taste, our protein powders are often called the best-tasting on the market – just see our reviews.

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