High-Protein Pancakes

If you love pancakes but find they don’t satisfy for long, these Protein Pancakes are your solution. We bring the protein to these pancakes by using eggs, yogurt, milk and protein powder. The oats add plant-based protein, and the banana and oats add fiber, creating a perfectly satisfying combo. Vanilla and cinnamon create a subtle earthy warmth that deepens the flavor. Top with a drizzle of pure maple syrup or add more protein with a smear of nut butter or a dollop of strained (Greek-style) yogurt. Keep reading for our expert tips, including how to ensure light, fluffy pancakes. 

Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen

These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too! 

• Let the batter rest for a few minutes so it has a chance to thicken, which will help prevent thin, chalky pancakes.
• You can save some time on blending by using oat flour instead of oats, but then you’ll need to mash the bananas.
• For added texture, consider incorporating some whole rolled oats into the batter. If you want extra sweetness, you can add a touch of maple syrup.

Nutrition Notes

• Protein powder is a convenient way to get more protein into your day. While we most often associate protein with muscle-building, protein is also found in every cell of our bodies, so it’s imperative to get enough of it. Whether you choose a plant- or animal-based protein powder, pick one that is independently verified to ensure the quality and safety of the product. 
• Oats bring energy-boosting complex carbohydrates, fiber and plant protein to these pancakes. Regularly eating oats has been connected with healthier cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar. Oats are naturally gluten-free though they may be contaminated with gluten during processing. If you’re following a gluten-free routine, be sure to buy oats specifically labeled as gluten-free.
• Bananas are a great source of gut-loving fiber, carbohydrates and antioxidants. For this recipe, they also contribute their natural sweetness, so you may choose to skip adding the sugar if you feel the banana adds enough.
• Strained (Greek-style) yogurt brings protein and calcium to these pancakes (as does the milk). Yogurt is also loaded with probiotics, those beneficial bacteria which will plant themselves in your gut. They’ll feed on the fiber from the oats and bananas, which will help them thrive and multiply, creating a lush microbiome—necessary for overall health and disease prevention.