Light & Fluffy Banana Protein Pancakes are a healthy breakfast with 5 simple ingredients that taste amazing and fill you up! Whipped egg whites, protein powder and ripe bananas make up these low-fat and low-carb pancakes, for a complete and wholesome meal.
Protein Pancake Recipe
These Protein Pancakes are a fantastic low calorie breakfast loaded with wholesome goodness. Unlike most banana pancakes that can be flat and dense, we use a special technique to make them light and fluffy. They are the best protein pancakes you will make!
Whether you follow a low carb diet or are just looking for a wholesome breakfast recipe, these protein pancakes are filling and delicious. When I am craving something hearty for breakfast like pancakes, these are one of my go-to recipes for my kids and I.
Healthy Pancake Recipe
We grew up enjoying a hearty stack of rich buttermilk pancakes every Sunday. It was one of the few things my Dad cooked in our family, but boy were they delicious! I still love a good buttermilk pancake, but they aren’t necessarily the most sensible choice to make every week. These protein banana pancakes are a much healthier recipe.
Banana Protein Pancakes
I have tried versions of banana protein pancakes using protein powder in the past but they tend to be dense and unappealing. One day a light went off in my head…whipped egg whites!
By beating the egg whites alone, like you would for a meringue, it would make the batter much lighter and airier. The process worked wonderfully. They were like eating banana clouds!
Why are my protein pancakes burning?
Bananas have lots of natural sugars in them. If you cook these protein pancakes at too high of a temperature, they will burn on outside and not cook through the center well. It is important to cook these banana pancakes in a non stick skillet over medium-low heat.
Best Protein Powder for Pancakes
Another reason that protein pancakes can burn is the protein powder you use in the recipe. We use a low-carb and low sugar protein powder which results in a beautifully light and fluffy pancake. If you are using a protein powder that is higher in sugar, they will more difficult to cook.
I highly recommend Naturade Whey Protein Booster for a protein powder that doesn’t have any added sugars and therefore only has 1 carb per serving.
Another issue I have seen people run into, is the consistency of the batter. Some protein powders will make the batter too thick. If you run across this issue, just thin the batter a little with some water or milk until it is a good pancake batter consistency.
Can I freeze Protein Pancakes
This recipe makes two servings, so if you are flying solo you can toss the leftovers in the freezer. Layer the pancakes between parchment paper in a resealable bag and you will have a great breakfast option for the future! If you are heading to work and need a last minute breakfast, pop a few of the pancakes in the microwave. Cook them for a minute and you have an easy and healthy breakfast for an amazing grab and go meal.
Protein Pancake Consistency
Banana Protein Powder Pancakes don’t have the same consistency of a traditional pancake with flour, but they are equally wonderful in their own right! Top them with some honey yogurt and fresh fruit for the ultimate breakfast.
If you are looking for the same exact consistency as a regular pancake that is loaded with flour, this recipe is not for you. The absence of any flour will obviously create a different consistency.
Are pancakes a good source of protein?
Regular pancakes have minimal protein and are loaded with carbs. Protein Pancakes on the other hand have tons of protein and minimal carbs. This particular recipe for protein pancakes has a whopping 22g of protein per serving. That is a great way to start the day and fill you up and we all know how important protein is!
Are protein pancakes healthy?
If you are making clean protein pancakes with healthy toppings like fruit and Greek yogurt, they incredibly healthy! Bananas, strawberries and raspberries are all great options. Add a drizzle of natural peanut butter for even more protein and great flavor.
I like to use a healthy protein powder and avoid those with added sugars and subsequently higher carbs.
Low-carb breakfast recipes
Check out more great more low-carb breakfast recipes below. They are packed with protein and full of delicious flavors! Whether you want something quick and easy on-the-go or are looking for a great breakfast bake to serve to guests, we have got you covered.
- Light & Spicy Turkey Sausage Breakfast Burritos – This grab and go option is a fantastic meal prep option for a healthy breakfast.
- Goat Cheese & Pesto Veggie Scramble – This protein packed breakfast is loaded with amazing flavor.
- Easy Microwave Scrambled Egg Cup Recipes – Another great meal prep option, these premade jars are a great way to enjoy loaded scrambled eggs in just minutes.
- Ham and Cheese Egg Bites – These egg muffins made with cottage cheese and ham are a fantastic breakfast on the go.
Light & Fluffy Banana Protein Pancakes
Equipment
Ingredients
- 40 g vanilla protein powder
- 1 large very ripe banana
- 1/8 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp. baking powder
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- In two clean bowls, separate the eggs carefully so none of the yolk gets into the egg whites.
- Beat the egg whites on high for 2 minutes until they form soft peaks. (It is important that your bowl or beaters don't have any oil, fat or yolks on them, or the egg whites won't form peaks. Soft peaks are defined as barely holding their shape. The peaks flop over immediately when the beaters are lifted.)
- Add the egg yolks along with the remaining ingredients to a medium bowl and beat until smooth.
- Gently fold 1/3 of the egg white mixture into the banana mixture until roughly combined. Fold half of the remaining eggs whites into the mixture and finally the last portion until everything is well combined.
- Heat a skillet over low heat. Scoop 1/4 c. of the mixture onto the skillet and cook for 60-90 seconds on each side.
- Serve immediately.
- OPTIONAL: Top with fresh fruit and/or 1/3 c. plain non-fat Greek yogurt mixed with 1 Tbsp. honey.
Alexis says
I never comment on these but after trying multiple options for healthy pancakes that were bust, these yummy melt in your mouth pancakes were amazing! I heated some bananas for an elevated topping to feel like I was out of the house. 😂 So good I signed up just to review this. 🏆
Jojo says
I am sorry but this recipe does not work… the pancakes totally fall apart in the pan.
Georgia says
Too sloppy and soft making it too hard to flip. Outside got burned before the inside could even cook through. Needs flour to make them more sturdy. Taste was good though but that would depend on your protein powder to provide the flavour. I can see the vision but just needs some tweaking to made them firmer.
Shelley Gilbert says
Turned out great. I even doubled the recipe
Jezza says
Not a bot and cooked this following instructions with chocolate protein. Let me tell you, it is actually really good!
I don’t know what problems others were having but I had no issue!
Billie Jo says
These were good. You cannot have your pan on high of course they will burn. I had no issues. I used medium low to Medium heat. Very good healthy alternative. I would make it again.
Kristina Selfridge says
I skipped a step and mixed the eggs directly in with the banana, substituted the vanilla protein powder for PB2 and added about a 1/2 tsp vanilla. The pancakes cooked all the way through, browned nicely and were very flavorful. I would make them again.
Mary says
Love these! Spraying the pan really well with PAM is important as they do tend to stick. I eat topped with a dab of cottage cheese and fruit!
Esha Patel says
I was skeptical about making this after reading the comments, but I LOVED this recipe. Here are some things I did that I think helped:
1. I used a frozen ripe banana, reheated it in the microwave for 1.5 min, and DID NOT include the juices. I scooped only the banana out (still cold) and then mashed it
2. I used a vanilla whey protein powder I liked the taste of
3. I added 1/4 tsp of cinnamon and a dash of nutmeg
4. After the pan heated up on low, I took it off to add 1/5 of the batter, and after 30-60 sec. I put it back on the heat. I cooked that side for 2-3 minutes until decently brown, took it off the heat, flipped it and waited 30-60 sec., then added it back on for another 2-3 minutes.
5. I added dark chocolate chips and pushed them in after I put the batter on the pan
The only downside to this recipe is that since they take a while to cook, the batter in the bowl was deflating.
Otherwise this recipe was so fluffy, and since I used a protein powder I liked that taste of, it was delicious.
Side note: I normally make banana pancakes, so I’m used to there being “wet spots” even if it’s been cooking for a while. I don’t know if others are mistaking it as raw, or I’m just used to it being raw.
lois says
Will burn if not low heat.
Browned beautifully but raw inside after 90 sec per side.
Very difficult to flip as they were very stuck to my new non stick pan with lots of avocado oil.
Second bath : I browned both sides, still difficult & messy when flipped but I finished them off in the oven on “ keep warm” function of oven for 20-39 minutes.
Overall, will not bother with this again. It was a FAIL
Kati Q says
I had 3 over ripe bananas so tripled the recipe and used 3 goose eggs to equal 6 eggs. I used Optimal nutrition vanilla ice cream protein powder. Turned out perfectly and kids loved them.
Marsha Spain says
I read the reviews and couldn’t believe that everyone didn’t like these better. The one about no flour and milk, when you are making things that are healthier with more protein this is common. I liked them but would substitute unflavored protein for half of the vanilla to make them less sweet
Lisa young says
I loved it. Granted not a real pancake but great healthier one. Thanks. I made it exact and had no issues
Peter T says
Love these and you can improve the consistency with a few additions. It definitely makes a difference to use a 0 sugar protein.
I added a 1/3 cup of both oatmeal and Greek yogurt to the recipe after some experimentation. They add some more nutrients and also make the pancakes fluffier, especially when reheated.
Hope this helps.
Andreea says
No flour no milk ? What the hell! Did not work . If any other messages say that wowwwww best recipe woooow so good. They are bots. NO ONE WOULD EVER SAY IT WORKED. Burned everything
Jay says
I am not a bot; I made these today and they turned out great. What type of pan did you use? I used a cast iron pan. I didn’t separate the eggs, I threw everything into the bowl and mixed it with a whisk util nice and smooth. They turned out nice and fluffy.
Juanita says
I cooked them and they turned out great. They have a different consistency than regular flour pancakes but were a good dish.
Maddie says
Burnt on the outside, uncooked on the inside – makes it impossible to flip without making a mess. Zero taste. Would not recommend, just enjoy normal calories in a well balanced diet.
Wesley O Paul says
So good! First version I’ve tried that was actually soft.
Added chocolate chips because…feeding a six year old…and he ate more than I did. Other than that didn’t make any adjustments. It was perfect!
They were soft but completely cooked through.
Saving this to make again.
Danielle Green says
I might need to add some chocolate chips for my 6 year olds as well!
Tiffany says
I’ve never had issues with recipes through google but I’ve got to say this one fooled me. Insane amount of ads and it constantly rolls away from the recipe. The recipe itself is just not good. There are far better ones out there. I’m sorry but this was honestly disappointing