Power Up Your Breakfast – Healthy Protein Pancakes Recipe

We’ve all been there, staring at a diet-friendly food we can’t stomach another bite of. When the honeymoon phase of your new life change to healthier eating wears off, your motivation wears thin. Instead of throwing in the towel and going back to old, bad habits, it’s time to get creative! The Healthy Place is here to help you jazz up your routine with tried and true recipes that you – and your diet – are sure to love.

To start? We’re getting the best out of our mornings with our healthy Protein Pancakes Recipe! This sweet take on a protein-rich breakfast will have you sailing into another successful day of your new lifestyle.

Protein – The breakfast of champions

It’s no secret that starting your day with a healthful breakfast is a good strategy. Studies show that while skipping breakfast is a big no-no, even a normal breakfast may not have the effects that you need to power through your day with ease. High carb, low protein breakfast foods like cereals just aren’t the fuel you need.

The secret to improving satiety, reducing mental distractions, and starting your day off on the right foot is – you guessed it – a high protein breakfast! This study from the U.S. National Library of Medicine shows that a high protein breakfast is the best way to reduce snacking before dinner, improve all-day satiety, and boost the quality of your lifestyle changes.*

Making recipe modifications

This Protein Pancakes Recipe is fantastic because you can tweak it based on your needs! Whether you’re looking for whey protein pancakes, or want to go dairy-free, we’ve got you covered. Read on to take a look at all the ways you can adjust this recipe to your lifestyle.

How to choose protein powder for your pancakes

Hands with white-painted nails hold a scoop of chocolate protein powder over a container, set against a white background, highlighting a health-focused dietary choice.

We love protein powder at The Healthy Place! This easy addition to your routine is the best way to boost your protein intake. There are benefits to each type of protein.

Whey Protein: This dairy-based protein isolate is considered a complete protein, providing all the amino acids needed by your body. It is a classic protein supplement offering a hefty dose of animal protein! Unfortunately, whey protein can be difficult for some bodies to digest.
Plant-Based Protein: Often derived from peas or soy, plant-based protein powders contain the same amounts of protein as whey protein. They are an excellent choice for vegetarians, vegans, and those with dairy allergies! Soy-based products may affect those with soy allergies or sensitivity to soy. Also, just so you’re aware, plant-based proteins are not considered complete proteins.

Few people know you can use protein powder to bake! But, choosing the best protein powder to bake with can be tricky. We’ve done the homework for you, and have narrowed down two excellent protein powders for this protein pancakes recipe!

For a classic whey protein pancakes recipe, check out Solgar Whey To Go Protein Powder. This high-quality whey protein is designed to enhance amino acid absorption and is the perfect addition to your morning routine.* With 20g of protein per scoop, you can guarantee a high-protein breakfast.

Looking for a dairy-free protein pancakes alternative? Not to worry! Organifi Protein is the dairy-free protein powder for you. This fully plant-based organic protein powder still provides a whopping 20g of protein per serving, and even has a vitamin and mineral boost included. Not only is this powder dairy-free, but it is also soy-free!

How to choose milk alternatives

a table with alternative milk from nuts almond, coconut and oats

Our Protein Pancakes Recipe is made with dairy-free milk. Armed with the right knowledge, it’s easy to pick the best dairy-free milk alternative for you. There are many options on the market today, which can make it tricky to choose. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of some of the most popular milk alternatives!

Almond Milk: This milk is excellent for baking, and comes in a range of options and flavors. It has a mild, pleasant taste and is low in calories – every dieter’s dream! Unfortunately, almond milk does gardner controversy from an ethical standpoint. This article from the University of California San Francisco breaks down the environmental downsides of this beloved beverage. In a nutshell — if your pardon the pun — almond milk is hard on the environment and can easily be replaced with more eco-friendly nut milk alternatives.
Hemp Milk: This eco-friendly milk alternative has more beneficial fats and nutrients than many milks, and is also low in calories. It is excellent for baking and perfectly fits the bill for our protein pancakes recipe! On the flip side, hemp milk can be pricey and, very unfortunately, it can be difficult to find.
Pea Milk: Higher in protein than other plant-based milks, pea milk can add an extra vegetarian protein boost to this protein pancakes recipe! Pea milk does have a thicker consistency than some milks, and can affect the texture of baked goods. However, the nutrient profile of this up-and-coming milk keeps it high on our list! (Are you a vegetarian looking to boost your protein intake? See our article about How To Get Enough Protein on a Plant-Based Diet!)
Soy Milk: This classic plant-based milk has a lot to offer! Low in calories, affordable, and great for cooking, soy milk is a longstanding champion when it comes to dairy-free milk! Downsides to soy milk include some health effects, especially for women. If you’re looking to support hormonal and thyroid health, it may be best to pick a different milk alternative! (And in the meantime, check out our Guide To Women’s Thyroid Health!)

Tips for baking up the perfect protein pancakes recipe

Mix Dry Ingredients First: Getting an even mix of protein powder and other dry ingredients is important, but you want to do this before you add the wet ingredients.
Don’t Over-Mix: Over-mixing the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients can create a dense, cakey texture to your pancakes. For light, fluffy pancakes, mix until just combined and then leave your batter alone. A few lumps in the batter are totally normal!
Heat Your Pan Fully: Letting your pan come up to temperature ensures even cooking!
Grease Your Pan: A small amount of coconut oil in the pan makes for easier flipping and no sticking!

Healthy pancake toppings

sliced strawberries and sliced bananas on a cutting board

Choosing how to top your pancakes is a huge commitment after you’ve worked so hard! The most important thing to remember with this protein pancakes recipe is: get creative. With the right toppings, you can enjoy a different flavor profile every time! Here are some ideas:

Fresh Fruit: For a low-glycemic option, try fresh berries like strawberries. To increase your calories for an energy boost, bananas are a great addition.
Pure Maple Syrup: This healthier alternative to high fructose corn syrups contains beneficial trace minerals!* Keep in mind – this syrup still has lots of sugar in it!
Sugar-Free Chocolate Sauce: This is the perfect addition if you chose chocolate protein powder to make up these protein pancakes!
Nut Butter: Keep the healthy proteins and fats coming! Nut butters vary in amounts of proteins and fats (and added sugar!), so be sure to check the label. Nut butter can be an excellent, healthy fuel source before a long day at work or the gym.
Dairy-Free Whipped Topping: Coconut whipped topping is a good alternative to high-calorie whipped cream. Keep an eye on the ingredients if you’re looking to avoid sugar!

PROTEIN PANCAKES

DF | VEG | RSF

Ingredients:

1 cup flour (I’ve used white whole wheat, whole wheat einkorn and spelt)
1/2 cup (your choice) protein powder 1 tbs baking powder
Pinch of salt
1 banana – smashed
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup dairy-free milk
2 tbs melted coconut oil + more for pan

Method:

Whisk together the smashed banana, eggs, vanilla and milk.
In separate bowl whisk together flour, protein powder, baking powder and salt.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet and whisk. Don’t over mix! Some lumps in the batter are okay!
Add the melted coconut oil and mix again.
On medium heat, melt a little more coconut oil in pan.
Once hot, pour about 1/3 c. batter onto the pan and cook about 2 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
Serve with fresh fruit, pure maple syrup, sugar-free chocolate sauce, nut butter, etc.

Better your breakfast – With protein

When your lifestyle changes start to lose their luster, this Protein Pancakes Recipe has your back. With ingredients you can modify with your favorite natural protein powder or milk alternative, these pancakes can help you on the way to a better breakfast. Bake up the quick, easy recipe above to make today a better day!

To choose your own diet-friendly breakfast boost, check out our extensive selection of high-quality superfood protein powder!

A smiling man in a white t-shirt is sitting at a kitchen table, preparing to enjoy a breakfast of pancakes topped with raspberries. The kitchen has a homely feel with its white brick backsplash and shelves filled with dishes and plants. The presence of orange juice and oatmeal suggests a focus on a healthy and balanced morning meal.