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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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
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!
Ellie Heath says
how are these 200 calories per serving? Adding up the ingredients it’s at least 250/300
Danielle Green says
It depends on your protein powder. I linked to the protein powder that I used that made them lower calorie.
Amanda Adcock says
I made this with chocolate protein powder since I was out of vanilla. I also added in a bit of PB2. I kept burning them on the stove but put in my air fryer waffle pan at 320 for 8 minutes and they came out amazing!! Now I’m making more just to freeze for an easy breakfast!
Jannice says
I just made these and were impressed with how good they tasted with no added sugar and no flour! Who knew you could make pancakes with just protein powder! I’m curious what other people used to prevent sticking, but I did coconut oil and a nonstick skillet and the coconut oil started to burn them–this could just be me not knowing how to use coconut oil, but would love some healthy alternatives or tips to flipping them/getting them out of the pan easier.
Also how are folks ladling this into the pan? I used the spatula I was using to pour the egg whites into the main mixture and eye-balled the 1/4 cup. My proportions came out wildly disproportionately lol.
For anyone who is nervous about the dry ingredients not coming together smooth–have faith, keep beating them with whatever electric tool you have (I don’t recommend hand mixing which I tried at first.)
I ate this with frozen blueberries that I microwaved for a minute, the juice from the berries, and a cup of whole milk yogurt and it was perfectly sweet and delicious. They were surprisingly fluffy (I was skeptical). It’s not going to be exactly like a pancake but its probably better than a lot of the bad pancakes I’ve had.
Highly recommend for low calories, protein concentration, and sweet tooth fix!
Jenny says
I just don’t get it- do you cook the pancakes with absolutely no type of butter or oil ( be it coconut or grapeseed etc.) at all?
Many thanks
Jenny
Danielle Green says
They have a different texture than traditional pancakes, but there is no oil in the batter. I do recommend using some non-stick pan spray on the skillet so they don’t stick.
Leash says
I’m trying to find a balance of a healthy recipe that still tastes good. This for me was a massive fail, it was more a banana omelete than a pancake. It wasnt fluffy or smooth. The taste wasn’t terrible but I added honey and blueberries on top. However I couldnt get past the texture.
I think its still worth a try as peoples tastes and tolerances are different.
Melanie says
First, I hope your infertility struggles are now over and you were successful. I just made these and they were absolutely delicious! I used tera’s whey protein bourbon vanilla and added the trilogy of health seeds to the top before flipping them (hemp, chia, and flax seeds.) I typically add them when I can for more protein and nutrients. I also cooked them on low with a lid on the fry pan as the first batch seemed to stick and not cook through as well. The texture was different, but really satisfying, and they were sweet enough on their own without any added syrup or toppings. Thank you!!
Danielle Green says
Thanks Melanie! I have two beautiful and crazy 3 year old twins! I’m so glad that you enjoyed the pancakes, and thanks for the tip on covering them when cooking.
Carolyn says
I used raspberries instead of banana and made 2 pancakes but then baked the rest of the mixture into mini muffins, which worked really well and were child approved.
Amy says
These were amazing. The best protein pancakes ever. I saw that someone had added coconut flour which I did to add extra fibre, just amazing
Tim Anderson says
I am obsessed with pancakes but also a gym guy. I like to stay lean and cut all year. I have made these a half dozen times now. They come out perfect every time! So light and fluffy and just delicious! I need to eat upwards of 230 grams of protein a day in my diet so I’ve started improvising and adding more egg whites and vanilla protein powder and they still turn out incredible. I just had them for dinner here on a Saturday night! Incredible recepie thank you 😊
Gracie says
This did not really work. I could taste the banana front and centre and it did not firm up. Was squishy/mushy and fell apart really really easily and so hard to cook. Also burned really fast even on low temp but wouldn’t cook much in the middle.
Are other people magic? Anytime I cook with main ingredients being mashed over ripe banana and eggs it just isn’t good. Like a sweet egg, mushy and almost slimy. Maybe I don’t like over ripe banana.
I think it needs some kind of flour to not be so runny and bind.
Mary says
Where are you getting your information that “sugar free syrup is counterproductive to weight loss”? You realize that isn’t true, correct? People come to these pages looking for recipes- not fear based pseudoscience. There is nothing wrong with the ingredients in sugar free syrup, or any other sugar free product.
-Someone that has actually worked in biotech and food science.
Danielle Green says
Thanks for the feedback. I shared this recipe many years ago, and my own views have evolved over time. I’m not interested in pushing my beliefs on artificial sugars, so I have removed that portion.