Light & Fluffy Banana Protein Pancakes are a healthy breakfast with 5 simple ingredients that taste amazing and fill you up! Egg whites, protein powder and ripe bananas make up these low-fat and low-carb pancakes, for a complete and wholesome meal under 200 calories.
Protein Pancake Recipe
These Protein Pancakes were dreamt up because of my need to eat a low carb diet. As much as I hate it, I am suppose to be following a low-carb diet as instructed by my doctor. I have PCOS and have been battling infertility the last few years and apparently carbs are the enemy in my situation.
Despite trying to minimize my carb-intake, I still believe in moderation. There are times where you crave something hearty for breakfast like pancakes, instead of just string cheese or fresh fruit. A stack of normal pancakes would blow my entire day’s worth of carbs out of the water, so I wanted to come up with something equally filling but much healthier.
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!
Protein Powder Pancakes
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.
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.
Can I freeze Protein Pancakes?
This recipe makes two servings, so if you are flying solo you can toss the leftovers in the freezer, layered 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 for a minute and you have an easy and healthy breakfast.
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!
Protein Pancakes
In the beginning I did great with high hopes that loosing weight and following the low-carb diet would be the answer along with medications. I lost around 35lb eating healthy meals like these protein pancakes and got myself into a healthier weight range, required by my specialist to start treatment.
Although I have my struggles from time to time, lately I have been trying my hardest to reduce my carb intake. It is insane how carbs seem to be hiding in EVERYTHING! From tomato sauce to fruit to granola bars, all the places I would expect them and some I wouldn’t. Sadly, I seem to love all things loaded with carbs. Then again, who doesn’t?!
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
- Roasted Poblano & Chorizo Egg Casserole
- Goat Cheese & Pesto Veggie Scramble
- Easy Microwave Scrambled Egg Cup Recipes
- Light Mexican Breakfast Casserole
- Turkey Bacon Breakfast Quesadilla
Light & Fluffy Banana Protein Pancakes
Light & Fluffy Banana Protein Pancakes are a healthy breakfast with five simple ingredients that taste amazing and fill you up! Egg whites, protein powder and ripe bananas make up these low-fat and low-carb pancakes, for a complete and wholesome meal under 200 calories.
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.
Notes
Banana Protein Pancakes don’t have the same consistency of a traditional pancake with flour, but they are equally wonderful in their own right!
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 4 pancakesAmount Per Serving: Calories: 203Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 189mgSodium: 455mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 2gSugar: 9gProtein: 23g
Provided nutrition data is only an estimate. If you are tracking these nutrients for medical purposes, please consult an outside, trusted source.
Taylor says
I’m annoyed that the instructions said to beat the yolk mixture. Mashing with a fork would have resulted in far less banana gunk and sticky protein powder exploding in my kitchen. 60-90 seconds on each side is also totally unrealistic. Cook on medium for 3 minutes each side is more realistic. Hearing the pan should have been step #1!! Flavor is pretty good- I added chocolate chips. The lack of flour is evident and gives a kind of empty texture.
Sannie says
I made mini waffles with their recipe and added some white and chocolate chips. SO good!
McKenna M says
Made this tonight for our “breakfast” dinner night. I’m trying to lose weight and this was a fantastic sub for regular pancakes!! Thank you so much for the recipe! I used vanilla Premier protein powder (whey) and it worked great! Where I use cinnamon I also add a dash of cloves, so I did that here as well. Delicious 🙂
Jessica says
I tried these and they tasted horrible! Smelled good and looked good but not good lol. Followed the recipe to a T. And I’m thinking it’s because I use vegan protein powder 🙁
Erica says
* Excellent as waffles! Measured everything and used whey protein, still had issues getting them to cook all the way through as pancakes. So, I used the rest of the batter in my mini waffle maker and they were perfect! Very good flavor. Microwaved a 1/2 cup blueberries with a spoonful of water and mashed with a fork to make a healthy “syrup”, went well with it.
Vina says
These pancakes are delicious! you definitely have to make the egg whites stiff before folding in and cook them slowly and for longer then normal pancakes. going to try baking them in the oven next time and see if they cook better on the inside.
Binh Hua says
I didn’t have a mixer so had to beat the eggs by hand. The pancakes got burnt because I had hard time flipping them over. They came out delicious even burnt! Perhaps this recipe works out better with electric mixer if you have one!
Susan says
I just made these and they were delicious with butter and real maple syrup. I also used the ingredients I had on hand which was not exact measurements, but still worked though did brown/burn easily. I just kept an eye on them and enjoyed a protein packed breakfast!
Waste of Time says
wow… this was an entirely awful cooking experience. 100% do not recommend this recipe. Read the comments, most have had negative experiences. Find another recipe.
Kristen says
Same! I did 6 pancakes and I thought for sure they wouldn’t cook through once they started burning on the first side and tearing apart.
Ashe says
This recipe is so good. Thanks for the recipe.
Shelby says
Wasteful! There no way to cook these through. My stove was on the lowest setting the pancakes were burnt on the outside and raw in the middle.
Victoria says
I’m upset…can’t get them to cook through either. And with the price of groceries especially eggs I feel like I just threw money away. I followed the recipe exactly.
Danielle Green says
It may be an issue with the protein powder you are using. Unfortunately protein powders are universal, which is why I advise using the one I tested the recipe with.
Mouse says
My ingredient ratios were just eyeballed, and as a result my pancakes didn’t cook all the way through, despite leaving them on the stove for ages per side… What could be the reason for this? Does anybody know?
Leah says
You were not following the recipe’s exact measurements. That’s the reason.
Bella says
As you mention, you “eyeballed” the ingredient ratios and as a result your pancakes didn’t cook through. There is your answer.
Tara says
I just mixed everything together and blended in my blender. No separating of the yolks from whites and beating separately. They were fluffy and delicious! Thanks for the recipe.
Me says
Does this actually work?
Beth says
Do you need a certain type of protein powder for these to work? I’ve heard that only dairy (whey) protein works for pancakes, not other types – is this the case?
Danielle Green says
I have seen mixed results from different protein powders in the reviews, so I would personally stick with a whey powder as that is what I tested them with.
Ali says
I used vanilla protein plant protein Weider brand and worked well
Margaret Gosnell says
Just mixed it all together in one bowl. Probably not as fluffy but tasted good and cooked through very easily. Yes you do need to take care when turning but you can lift them up slightly with your fingers and then slide the spatula underneath. No you won’t burn your fingers lol.