Updated January 2026: This recipe was refreshed with clearer steps, smarter swaps, and expanded FAQs.
This protein pancake recipe is a quick, fluffy, and high-protein breakfast made with or without protein powder—perfect for healthy mornings.
My protein pancake mornings changed for me the first time I whisked protein powder into pancake batter and watched it puff gently on a warm skillet. The aroma was cozy and familiar, but the texture felt lighter, stronger—like breakfast with purpose. Steam curled up as I flipped the first pancake, golden edges catching the light. Since then, this has become my reliable, nourishing start, whether I’m craving a classic stack or experimenting with a vegan protein pancake recipe. RecipesLace readers often tell me it’s the balance of comfort and fuel that keeps them coming back.
Soft, fluffy, and deeply satisfying, this high protein pancake recipe delivers classic pancake comfort with a nourishing boost. Made with pantry staples and adaptable to protein powder pancakes or even a protein pancake recipe without protein powder, it’s perfect for busy mornings or relaxed weekends.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents

What Is Protein Pancake Recipe?
A protein pancake recipe is a traditional pancake batter enhanced with protein sources like protein powder, eggs, or cottage cheese to create high protein pancakes that keep you full longer without sacrificing taste.
Why You’ll Love It
This protein pancakes recipe is endlessly adaptable, whether you prefer a chocolate protein pancake recipe or a simple, healthy protein pancake recipe. It’s quick to make, uses flexible ingredients, and works beautifully for meal prep, kids, and budgets alike.
- Quick to make
- Healthy flavor
- Flexible ingredients
- Meal-prep friendly
- Kid-friendly
- Budget-friendly
Reader Questions You May Have
- How to make protein pancakes fluffy every time?
- Can I use pancake protein mix instead of protein powder?
- Are vegan protein pancakes good for meal prep?
- What’s the best protein pancake mix for beginners?
Ingredients (Short List)
- Flour of choice (all-purpose or oat flour for a protein pancake recipe easy)
- Protein powder (whey or plant-based)
- Baking powder
- Milk or plant milk
- Egg or flax egg
- Banana (optional, for protein pancake recipe banana)
- Sweetener & pinch of salt

Quick Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients in a bowl: flour, protein powder pancakes blend, baking powder, and salt.
- Whisk wet ingredients separately, then combine gently. Micro-tip: overmixing causes dense protein powder pancake recipe results—stop when just combined.
- Heat skillet over medium-low and lightly grease.
- Cook pancakes until bubbles form, then flip carefully. Quick-fix: if they brown too fast, lower heat immediately.
- Finish cooking until centers are set and edges are golden—this is the heart of making protein pancakes.
- Serve warm, perhaps alongside protein overnight oats for a balanced breakfast.
Variations & Serving Ideas
Experimenting keeps this recipe exciting and seasonal.
- Chocolate lovers: add cocoa for a chocolate protein pancake recipe and serve with berries. Pair with a banana bread latte.
- Brunch spread: serve with fruit and yogurt next to french toast casserole.
Healthy Twist
Use oat flour, reduce sweetener, and add chia seeds for fibre—ideal for a healthy protein pancake recipe.
Budget-Friendly Version
Skip specialty powders and use eggs or a protein pancake recipe, cottage cheese blend instead.
Kid-Friendly Option
Mini pancakes with mild sweetness work well, even for picky eaters.
High-Protein Upgrade
Stir in egg whites or cottage cheese for fluffy cottage cheese pancakes—one of the most searched PASF ideas.
Tips
- Rest batter 5 minutes for better texture.
- Use medium-low heat to avoid dryness.
- Add protein gradually when adding protein powder to pancake mix.
- Test one pancake before cooking the full batch.
- Choosing the right protein powder matters—different types affect texture, digestion, and satiety, as explained in nutrition research from Healthline.
Tested in my home kitchen multiple times using both whey and plant-based protein powders.
Storage & Reheating
Store cooled pancakes airtight in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze for 2 months.
Q: Can I freeze a protein pancake recipe with protein powder?
A: Yes—reheat gently for best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I make protein pancakes without protein powder?
Yes, eggs, cottage cheese, or Greek yogurt work well.
What protein powder is best?
Whey for fluffiness, plant-based for vegan protein pancakes.
Why are my pancakes dry?
Too much protein or high heat—add a splash of milk.
Can I make them vegan?
Absolutely, use flax eggs and plant milk.
How do I flip protein powder waffles-style batter?
Wait for bubbles and firm edges before flipping.
What else pairs well for breakfast?
Try them with Brazilian cheese bread (pão de queijo) for a warm, savory protein-rich combo.
Nutrition
Approx. per serving: 220 calories, 18–25g protein, moderate carbs, low sugar. Values vary by ingredients. Not medical advice—adjust to your needs.
Nutrition values are estimated using standard ingredient data from the USDA food database and will vary based on protein powder type, milk choice, and portion size.
Final Notes
Whether you’re chasing gym goals or simply craving comfort, this protein pancakes recipe delivers warmth, aroma, and reliable nourishment—one fluffy stack at a time.

Protein Pancake Recipe
Equipment
- Non-stick skillet or griddle
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
Ingredients
- 1 cup flour or oat flour
- 1 scoop protein powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup milk or plant milk
- 1 large egg or flax egg
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 ripe banana optional
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Mix flour, protein powder, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Whisk milk, egg, oil, and banana separately.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients gently until just mixed.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat.
- Cook pancakes until bubbles form, flip, and cook until golden.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
More RecipesLace Recipes You’ll Love
- Vegan Thanksgiving recipes for plant-based breakfast and brunch inspiration
- Spiced apple cider recipe for a cozy morning drink that pairs beautifully with pancakes