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.
Susan says
Way too runny. Basically just a mushy mess.
Diana V says
These turned out amazing!!! I used a plant based protein powder (30g) and cooked them on low. They didn’t burn at all. I added a little sugar free syrup to try but they don’t event need it. Amazing!!
Stella says
Thankyou! For the longest time I have been wanting a non flour or oat fluffy recipe and this is it. Thankyou!
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.
Ana says
I’ve made these a few times now, and love them every single time! They are light, fluffy, and are the best protein pancakes I’ve ever had. I like to cut up some fresh strawberries and add some Greek yogurt (I actually omit the honey, as the bananas and sweetened protein powder already do it for me) for the best breakfast ever!
Some notes: yes, they can burn quickly, so be sure to keep your heat at a medium-to-low level. The insides will be fluffy (and sometimes a touch undercooked), but I personally don’t mind it at all. Try it before judging! I’m sure you’ll love it.
Jennifer Morris says
New fav protein pancake recipe. Super simple to make. Mine cooked up perfectly and I even blended all with a wisk by hand. Great macros to start my day pre run and so clean. Thank you so much!
Cyrielle says
I tried all the tips from review to have them cooked nicely but unfortunately they were burnt. Also tasted more like an omelette, maybe that’s the oil I used.
Amanda Kennedy says
The recipe says 60-90 secs per side on low heat but I’m finding that’s not the case. It’s been like 7 mins now and they still aren’t set and very gooey.
Rachael says
Made the pancakes this morning, I used a plant based protein, smeared a dollop of yogurt cheese on top and finished wish mashed raspberries. I love recipe! It is the best by far, it completely hit the stop for me! Thanks
Faith Girardi says
I had the problems of everyone else in the comments. Did not cook properly, fell apart, and just burned on the outsides. Then I added a bit of almond meal and gf flour and now they actually look like the picture and taste good!
Zoe says
Best protein pancake recipe by far
Jessica says
These pancakes were amazing! Followed the recipe (except for the type of protein powder) and my fiancé loved them. I will say they were a bit drier than regular pancakes, but I’ve come to expect that after cooking with protein powder a few other times. Absolutely served best warm, and I added some sunflower butter on top to pair with the banana flavor. We will definitely be making these again.
Jessica says
These pancakes were amazing! Followed the recipe (except for the type of protein powder) and my fiancé loved them. I will say they were a bit drier than regular pancakes, but I’ve come to expect that after cooking with protein powder a few other times. Absolutely served best warm, and I added some sunflower butter on top to pair with the banana flavor. We will definitely be making these again.
P.J. says
Awesome, made these for my body builder son, I used mocha cappuccino flavored protein powder he ate strawberries with them, he said they were delicious. I used a nonstick pan on low with a tiny spray of olive oil. Slow and steady wins the race. Turned out great! Thanks!
Candice says
I struggled with Kodiak brands and this is by far the best pancake recipe I’ve found! Thank you for sharing!!
Tracy says
I attempted these this morning and kept burning them no matter how low the flame. Is there some secret I’m missing? The flavor and texture was otherwise great but I’m not sure what I’m doing wrong. I will try my waffle iron like the other commenter said. Hopefully it goes better next time!
Charlene says
Protein pancakes always burn on the outside. Nothing you can do about it. Keep the temp low though so you dont totally ruin the pancakes cooking the inside
Catherine Thompson says
These were really tasty and had a nice texture. I have struggled to find protein powder recipes that taste good or don’t taste like protein powder. This is one! I blended all ingredients in my Vitamix and cooked in a nonstick skillet. I did add 2 tbsp melted butter to the batter. It thickened upon standing so I might add a bit of almond milk or take it out of the vitamix and put it into a Pyrex so it’s easier to get into the pan for cooking (vitamix owners you will know what I mean). Definitely making this recipe again very soon.
Claudio says
I was looking for a simple delicious protein pancake and couldn’t never find one that was great. THIS is amazing! Thank you!
tamara says
This recipe did not work out to any extent. Greased my pan and not only did these not cook well but they stuck to the pan like nothing has ever stuck before! Sadly had high hopes but will not be making this again
Portia says
These were amazing!!! I made them for my 11 month old. She’s in love with them. I may have added a little extra of the cinnamon. I make an excess on Sunday and they last her for breakfast all week. Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe!!! They were so light and fluffy and tasty!