Protein Pancakes (without protein powder)

While I love a savory egg scramble or simple yogurt bowl for a high protein breakfast, some days I just want good ol’ pancakes! These 20 gram protein pancakes increase protein content via food ingredients versus supplementing with protein powder. A great option if you don’t have protein powder on hand or just don’t enjoy the taste of it.

You are going to love these easy high protein pancakes, without protein powder. They are the perfect serving size for 1-2 people, are quickly made in the blender, and taste delicious! The best part is a full serving has over 20 grams of protein, making it the perfect healthy breakfast option!

Jump to:

• Reasons Why These Protein Pancakes Are The Best
• Ingredients for this recipe – no protein powder needed!
• How To Make These Protein Pancakes without Protein Powder
• Why make protein pancakes without protein powder
• Benefits of Protein Pancakes
• Want a FREE Protein Guide?
• Expert Recipe tips
• Did you make this recipe?
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• High Protein Pancakes (without protein powder)

Reasons Why These Protein Pancakes Are The Best

• Texture – these protein pancakes are a lot like a crepe. They are light and airy, thinner pancakes that aren’t dense, which is a good thing in my book
• Nourishing pancake – But don’t let the light and airy texture fool you. These nourishing pancakes are filling and hearty. This easy recipe is satiating and well balanced, allowing you to focus on your day in between breakfast and lunch, rather than hunger!
• 20 grams of protein for a stack of about 4-5 pancakes. That’s a really high protein content gram per gram, especially because it’s only 16 grams of carbs and 200 calories.
• Taste great! They have a light and fluffy texture that can work with either sweet or savory toppings.

Ingredients for this recipe – no protein powder needed!

• Rolled oats – feel free to use traditional or quick cooking oats, and make sure they are gluten-free if you are avoiding gluten. This gives the pancakes structure and provides fiber-rich carbs. I do not recommend using steel cut oats, as they do not blend up as easily.
• Cottage cheese – a great source of low fat protein and adds moisture and fluffiness to the pancakes. Sub in Greek yogurt if you don’t have cottage cheese on hand.
• Whole egg and egg whites – I always use boxed egg whites as to not waste the yolk.
• A pinch of salt and a little bit of cinnamon and vanilla extract, if you wish. Nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice would be great as well! Or make the pancakes a bit more savory by adding your favorite dried herbs and spices.

How To Make These Protein Pancakes without Protein Powder

Making this delicious protein pancakes recipe couldn’t be easier.

1. Add All Ingredients – Simply add all ingredients to a small blender and blend the mix till smooth. You will definitely need to use a blender or a food processor because of the oats.

2. Heat a nonstick skillet on medium low heat – add a tablespoon of butter, coconut oil or preferred cooking oil. When the pan is warm, pour in enough pancake batter to make a 4″ pancake. The pancake batter will be a bit on the runny side, so take care when pouring into the pan, and be okay if they aren’t perfectly round. You should be able to cook 2 pancakes at a time in a standard skillet.
3. Cook – for about 2 minutes on each side, till golden brown and cooked through. The batter should make about 6-8 thin pancakes, so enough for 1-2 people.

4. Serve – Serve the traditional way, with a pad of butter and some wholesome real maple syrup. Or add a scoop of yogurt and your favorite toppings, including fresh fruit, chocolate chips or nuts. Either way, you will love these quick and delicious homemade pancakes.

Why make protein pancakes without protein powder

Protein powder is a quick, convenient and affordable way to add digestible protein to your diet. Supplementing your diet with a protein smoothie or overnight protein oats is an easy way to add protein in a way that doesn’t at all alter the flavor of your foods.

While adding a scoop of protein powder to many dishes and recipes is an easy way to cram in some extra grams, you may not have protein powder on hand! Or you may not love the taste or texture, so it’s great to learn ways to increase protein without a supplement.

Benefits of Protein Pancakes

Eating a high protein breakfast is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Multiple studies show that consuming protein in your first meal of the day increases satiety, reduces cravings supports muscle synthesis. If weight loss is the goal, studies have shown it can also help with that!

This recipe in particular contains healthy ingredients that are full of nutrients, healthy fats, fiber filled carbs and of course protein! Enough protein to help you feel full and satisfied, so you’ll have less cravings plus have a productive morning. Who wants that 10 am slump after pounding a sugary muffin or coffee drink?

Expert Recipe tips

• To make the pancakes a little less runny and more dense, either add more rolled oats, a tablespoon at a time. Or add a couple of tablespoons of gluten free or all purpose flour.
• If you don’t have cottage cheese on hand, feel free to sub in Greek yogurt.
• Pancakes taste best when fresh, but if you do want to make a batch to save, store in an airtight container in the freezer or fridge. Reheat in a toaster oven or directly on a warmed griddle.
• Feel free to customize your protein pancakes by adding a bit of shredded cheddar cheese to the batter (after blended), or chocolate chips. Basically, treat it as you would any other pancake batter and mix in or top with your favorite ingredients.

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