Fluffy Protein Pancakes

Name: Fluffy Protein Pancakes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour; 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder; 3 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 egg; 1 tbsp coconut oil (melted and slightly cooled); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups milk (cow's milk or plant based); Toppings: (fresh fruit, maple syrup, honey, nut/seed butters)

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These light and fluffy Protein Pancakes are made with whole wheat pastry flour, protein powder, and no refined sugar so you can feel good about what you’re eating. They are the perfect way to start your day!

stack of pancakes on a plate with sliced fruit, berries, and maple syrup.

Growing up, I thought pancakes were only a weekend thing. A special treat that was made specifically on Saturday or Sunday mornings. Then, I got older and realized that pancakes can be eaten any day of the week and for basically any meal. If you've never had pancakes for dinner, you're missing out!

Protein Pancakes are made from a simple batter of flour, eggs, milk, butter or oil, and baking powder. The batter takes only a few minutes to prepare and each pancake needs just a couple of minutes to cook. They are easy enough to make even on weekdays!

These pancakes are easy to make, fluffy, and made with whole grains and protein powder. The protein powder in these pancakes gives them a boost of nutrition, and makes them acceptable for a post-workout meal.

I like to top my pancakes with syrup and fresh berries, but they’d be equally as tasty with any of the toppings you like!

For more healthy pancake recipes, be sure to check out these Fluffy Cottage Cheese Pancakes, Chocolate Protein Pancakes, Gluten Free Buckwheat Pancakes, and Paleo Chocolate Chip Pancake Muffins.

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WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS

They are easy enough to make for breakfast everyday, and healthy enough for a post workout meal.
The protein in the pancakes will give you more energy in the morning.
Uses basic pantry ingredients.
This recipe is flexible. You can use any protein powder, like vanilla or chocolate, to add extra flavor.
These pancakes have no refined sugar and use whole wheat flour so you can feel good about what you’re eating for breakfast.
Because they use whole wheat pastry flour they are light and fluffy.

INGREDIENT NOTES

Whole wheat pastry flour - Whole wheat pastry flour is more finely ground than regular whole wheat flour, this results in pancakes that are more light and fluffy. You can also substitute all-purpose flour or gluten-free 1 to 1 baking flour.
Protein powder - I like to use Vital Proteins Vanilla Collagen Whey Protein or Naked Nutrition Vanilla Whey Protein Powder or unflavored powder, but I also think chocolate protein powder would add a nice chocolate flavor to the pancakes.
Milk - Cow’s milk or plant based milk can easily be used in this recipe.

egg, vanilla extract, flour, milk, protein powder, baking powder, salt, and melted coconut oil on a light surface.

STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Mix dry together ingredients. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients.

flour, baking powder, salt, and protein powder in a mixing bowl with a whisk.

Mix in wet ingredients. Add the egg, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and milk. Stir until just combined; being careful not to overmix. A few lumps are ok.

pancake batter in a mixing bowl with a whisk.

Cook the pancakes. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Pour batter on the hot skillet and cook the pancake for about 2 minutes. Flip and cook on the other side until golden brown. Repeat with remaining batter.

Serve hot. Serve the pancakes with maple syrup, honey, fresh fruit, or any other toppings you prefer.

EXPERT TIPS

Don’t overmix the batter. Over mixing pancake batter will cause the gluten to develop resulting in rubbery and tough pancakes. A few lumps are ok to have!
If batter is too thick, don’t be afraid to add more liquid until it reaches the right consistency.
Don’t press down on the pancakes, with the spatula, while they are cooking. This pops any air bubbles in the pancake so they end up turning out flat instead of fluffy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are protein pancakes healthy?

With protein powder, whole wheat flour, and no refined sugar, these protein pancakes make the perfect healthy breakfast or after workout meal.

How do you make protein pancakes fluffy?

The baking powder in the pancake batter creates bubbles when mixed with the liquid ingredients and again when the batter is heated. This helps to create pancakes that are light and fluffy.

Why are my pancakes dry?

The pancakes will be dry if you add too much protein powder or flour. You can fix this by adding more milk to the batter until it reaches the desired consistency.

What can I use instead of milk?

If you don’t have milk on hand you can substitute with evaporated milk, powdered milk, sour cream or yogurt. It helps if you slightly dilute the latter two with water before adding it to the batter.

Protein pancakes with berries and fruits.

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