These protein powder pancakes are a healthy low-carb breakfast you’ll want to eat every day of the week.
I always keep protein powder on hand for smoothies, baked goods, and more recently to make these pancakes, it’s a super satisfying breakfast that’s also good for you. Stack them high and serve them with fresh fruit for a delicious breakfast you’ll want to enjoy every day of the week.
Easy Protein Pancakes
No better way to start the day than with a protein-rich breakfast, especially when that includes pancakes! This easy recipe is made without bananas, is free of grains, gluten, refined sugars, and super easy to whip up with only 4 ingredients.
While I love the classic, fluffy pancakes, these are more nutritionally dense and lighter, without tasting healthy, so kids and adults can enjoy them for the morning meal.
Best Protein Powder for Pancakes
Any soy, whey, or plant-based protein powder will work for this recipe, but I do suggest using one with a flavor your family likes.
If you use a plant-based protein powder, keep in mind it can be denser than whey, so make sure to add only half the milk to the batter, whisk, and see if more liquid is needed. You can learn more about choosing the best protein powder for you here.
What Does the Protein Powder Batter Look Like?
It’s important to know what perfect pancake batter looks like, and for protein pancakes, it’s a little thinner and runnier compared to the classic pancake batter so do not be alarmed. If you follow the recipe, you should have no problem making soft, light pancakes.
Can you Substitute Protein Powder for Flour in Pancakes
While protein powder has a lot of similarities to regular flour I don’t recommend using it as a substitute for flour in a classic pancake recipe since the rest of the ingredients would also have to be adjusted. It’s easier to stick to a protein pancake recipe that’s tested and true like the one below.
In case you don’t have protein powder and want a good flour substitute for pancakes, I have a flourless banana oatmeal pancake recipe that will rock your world.
Are They Gluten-Free
These protein pancakes are a perfect solution for anyone with gluten allergies. It’s made with no flour and like most protein powders, the brand I use is gluten-free, but be sure to check your container for that gluten-free seal.
Ingredients
Anyone can make a batch of these protein pancakes for breakfast whether it’s to stick to their health goals or enjoy a stack of yummy pancakes with syrup. The ingredient list is short and sweet, here’s what you’ll need:
- Eggs
- Whey protein powder
- Baking powder
- Milk
- Butter, for cooking
- Syrup
Speaking of syrup, any of my homemade recipes, like the Blueberry pancake syrup, would be epic. However, if you’re watching the sugar, you could top these with natural peanut butter or Greek yogurt and fruit. There’s no wrong way to enjoy them.
Protein Pancakes Without Banana
Many protein pancake recipes will use a banana as a binder and for extra, but they aren’t necessary to make a batch of light, fluffy pancakes. What’s important is the eggs which help bind the ingredients and give the pancakes a little rise.
If you don’t want to use protein powder, you can make higher-protein Greek yogurt pancakes with this recipe.
How to Make Protein Powder Pancakes
With only 4 ingredients these are easy to whip up first thing in the morning. Make sure to add the milk ¼ cup at a time until the batter is the right consistency. Depending on the type of protein powder, your recipe might need less liquid.
Alright, let’s make some pancakes:
1. Whisk the Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, protein powder, and baking powder. Add the milk and stir to form a smooth batter.
2. Cook
Pour the batter by ¼ cupfuls onto the griddle and cook until bubbles begin to form. Flip and cook for an additional minute. Repeat with the remaining batter.
3. Stack and Eat
Stack the protein pancakes and drizzle with pancake syrup or add your favorite healthy toppings.
Protein Powder Pancakes Texture
If you’ve attempted to make protein pancakes before and they turned out chewy, rubbery, with a weird after taste, you can leave the experience behind. Now you have a delicious and healthy pancake recipe that’s easy to make.
Compared to regular pancakes, protein pancakes aren’t as fluffy but that doesn’t mean they are any less delicious. They have a soft, spongy texture that absorbs a drizzle of syrup, which in my books, is a successful pancake.
Can You Freeze Protein Pancakes?
Freezing leftover pancakes is a smart move for future busy mornings. Here’s how to freeze and reheat your protein pancakes:
- Allow the pancakes to cool down to room temperature before adding 3 to 4 to a freezer-safe zip bag.
- Remove any excess air from the bag, seal, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Remove the desired amount of pancakes from the bag and reheat in the toaster oven or microwave. Drizzle with syrup and serve.
Flourless Protein Pancakes
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- ¾ cup whey protein powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ⅓ cup milk
- Butter for cooking
- Syrup for serving
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs. Add the protein powder and baking powder and whisk until no lumps are visible.
- Add half the milk and whisk until the batter is smooth, adding more milk if necessary.
- Heat a non-stick griddle or large pan over medium-high heat. I set my griddle at 300-350 F.
- Pour or scoop ¼ cup of batter for each pancake. Wait until bubbles form to flip. Continue cooking for an additional minute to cook through, and brown on the other side. Remove from the pan or griddle and serve.
Alyssa
I’ve made this recipe several times. I was going to come here and leave a mean comment about how they were dense af but then I actually read the post -I clicked jump to precipe previously. She does say that different protein powders affect the texture. The batter I made the first time had vegan (plant) protein that is much denser than whey. The second time, I used whey and the batter was nearly the same as traditional pancake batter but thicker, so I added a splash of milk and adjusted (all the tips she mentioned in the video I skipped the first (and second) time. To expect a pancake recipe using protein powder that applies to all protein powders out there is not possible. I now understand why. My favorite version is using fruty pebble flavored protein powder. they were epic.
Nicola
Awesome recipe. I’m sitting here eating protein pancakes with a slight twist. No baking powder so I worked out the equivalent for bicarbonate and used that. I used 6 scoops of raw protein powder. I added mashed banana and coconut blossom syrup. I topped it with warmed peaches. Sounds like a lot, but they are light and taste delicious.
Michael Williams
This recipe has been my go to Saturday and Sunday breakfasts. However, I don’t use milk and whole eggs. In place of eggs, I use 115g liquid egg whites and 115g egg beaters. This gives the pancakes a bit of a fluff to them.
I have found another use for this recipe. I use 1 scoop protein powder (about 30g) to (92g liquid egg whites, 92g egg beaters, and 1/4 tsp baking powder). Put it into a microwaveable dish. microwave on high for 1minute. Then two runs at 30 secs makes for a good mug cake.
Laura Fuentes
I’m thrilled this has become your go-to flourless protein pancakes! Happy to hear it’s working with egg beaters too. Thank you for sharing! What a great microwave hack!
Jananey
Hi. I did try this recipe by using soy protein isolate myvegan (substitution for whey protein) and 1/2 cup of mashed banana (substitution for 2 eggs). It didn’t work for me. The batter was too thick that I use a lot of milk for this recipe. So can you tell me the do and don’ts while doing it and what wrong did I do?
Laura Fuentes
Unfortunately, you need the eggs for this flourless protein pancakes recipe. The banana is not a substitute here. Sorry!
Monique Lysakowski
I cannot wait to try these, also after trying the original I am going to try replacing some of the whey with casein. To see if it will be moister and more fluffy.
will keep you posted
Laura Fuentes
Let me know how your protein powder pancakes turn out!