A protein packed stack of pancakes that have no oats, no bananas, no blender needed, and this protein pancakes recipe is gluten-free, keto and low carb! Can you believe they have 40 grams of protein and only 300 calories?
Protein Pancakes with No Banana or Oats
I was on the hunt for a Protein Pancake Recipe but I wasn't having much success. I found that they mostly included oats or bananas or both...and you needed to use a blender! Bananas and oats are not my ideal sources of protein so I went to work making a stack of protein powder pancakes that were easy to make without a blender, gluten free, and are keto friendly!
The best thing about this protein pancake recipe is that you can use any flavor protein powder you want. You definitely want to make sure it is a protein powder that tastes really good because that is what your pancakes will taste like. You cannot use an unflavored whey protein for this recipe.
Ingredients needed
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for this protein pancakes recipe and substitution options. For a printable recipe, see the recipe card below.
Cut the recipe in half to easily make 1 serving.
- 2 servings of your favorite protein powder - any that you like. it needs to be one that tastes good to you or your pancakes will not taste good!
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Originally this recipe used water or almond milk as the liquid. I had some people express that their pancakes were dry. I went to the drawing board and discovered that the only way around this is to include fat in the batter. Now I use either ½ cup (120g) of sour cream or full fat Greek Yogurt in place of the liquid. I tried FF Greek Yogurt and they were still dry. You really need full fat Greek Yogurt (4% milk fat), light sour cream (10.5% milk fat), or full fat sour cream (18% milk fat).
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
How to make protein pancakes
This section explains how to make this protein powder pancake recipe, step by step. For a full printable recipe, see the recipe card below.
These protein pancakes are so easy and simple, you are going to be making them every week as part of your meal prep. If you have time to sit down and eat a stack of pancakes for breakfast, you should definitely give these a try.
I have a recipe for Protein Pudding, and protein waffles that uses protein powder as well.
I mixed all of the ingredients together in a large bowl with a whisk to form my batter.
Your batter will look like the perfect pancake batter.
I got my skillet hot on the stove while I was getting my batter ready because it comes together so fast. I used a large non-stick skillet and then I used cooking spray because I do not want these to stick!
Protein powder pancakes recipe
The protein powder I use is Vanilla Premiere Protein Powder. I have also heard that Quest protein powder works really well. I would look for one with the lowest amount of carbs and that tastes good. You can use any flavor so feel free to make these your own. Use chocolate, peanut butter, cinnamon roll...really the possibilities are endless.
I used a ¼ cup measuring cup for the perfect sized pancakes!
You see those small bubbles on top? These pancakes look like they are ready to flip! These protein pancakes are golden brown and the perfect snack!
My batter usually makes 6-8 pancakes, which is perfect for 2 people, or you can save half of the pancakes in the refrigerator for the next day.
Tips and variation for this protein pancakes recipe
- Mix in blueberries, strawberries, raspberries or chocolate chips to the batter.
- Use a plant-based protein powder.
- Make several batches and store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
- Top with nut butter for a decadent treat.
- Microwave the leftovers or heat in the toaster oven.
I served mine with butter, sugar free maple syrup, and a few blueberries.
If you're looking for a savory high-protein option instead of pancakes, try my 2 ingredient cottage cheese flatbread. It’s perfect for wraps or sandwiches and made with cottage cheese and egg whites.
Protein Pancakes Recipe - 40 Grams of Protein!
Ingredients
- 2 large Eggs
- ½ cup Sour cream or plain full fat Greek Yogurt (note 1)
- 2 servings Protein powder (note 3)
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- Cooking spray, butter, or coconut oil for greasing the pan
Method
- Place a non-stick skillet on the stove over medium heat. Spray with cooking spray or use a little butter or coconut oil and let melt.
- Mix the eggs, protein powder, and baking powder in a large bowl. Add the sour cream or Greek Yogurt and mix to combine.
- Using a ¼ cup measure, pour out the batter into the skillet. I was able to make 3 at a time. They are ready to flip when bubbles start to form on the top and around the edges are set.
- Serve with butter, sugar free syrup, and chocolate chips or blueberries.
Notes
- Liquid: Originally this recipe used water or almond milk as the liquid. I had some people express that their pancakes were dry. I went to the drawing board and discovered that the only way around this is to include fat in the batter. Now I use either ½ cup (120g) of sour cream or full fat Greek Yogurt in place of the liquid. I tried FF Greek Yogurt and they were still dry. You really need full fat Greek Yogurt (4% milk fat), light sour cream (10.5% milk fat), or full fat sour cream (18% milk fat).
- Protein Pancakes for 1: This recipe is really easy to cut in half and make just one serving.
- The nutrition listed is for protein pancakes using the Premiere Vanilla Protein powder and light sour cream...absolutely delicious!
- You can try this with other protein powders but I cannot guarantee it will work. I have heard that Quest protein powder also works well for protein recipes. It really needs to be a protein powder that tastes good on it's own!
Kelly says
Can I add a tablespoon or two of Bob's Red Mill gluten free baking flour and use egg whites instead of 2 eggs? Also can I use orgain plant based whey free protein powder because I can't tolerate whey.
jenniferbanz says
I am not sure but let us know if you give it a try!
Darcy says
I received a free sample of the vanilla bean Orgain protein powder in the mail, and just tried it this morning in this recipe - delicious! It's a good vanilla flavor, and has a great airy/spongy pancake consistency. I used water as my liquid, and served with sugar free syrup. I might even buy some Orgain powder to keep around for making these!
Thanks for sharing the recipe, Jennifer!
karen says
Hi - I've been making mine with just egg whites and it is runny but I like it that way because than I eat it as a crepe with berries inside of it. I make a batch to last me through the week.
Dian Adiwaskitarini says
Fantastic recipe! I followed the recipe with minor tweaks:
(I used Optimum Nutrion 100% whey in Vanilla flavor) I found the batter was too runny, so i added a few Tbsp of Almond Flour til i got the right consistency. Also added a pinch of salt & cinnamon. It turned out great!
This recipe came to 9 medium sized pancakes. I only eat 2 pcs, and saved the rest in the fridge so i can just reheat.
katie pine says
Yummy! I only changed one thing- Instead of two whole eggs, I used one egg white and one whole egg. Tasted delicious. I used whey vanilla protein and it gave a nice vanilla flavor to the pancake. I noticed using any less than two scoops powder makes this runny, you definitely need the 2 full scoops!
karen says
hi can you tell me how many pancakes are in a serving size for this recipe? thank you
jenniferbanz says
The recipe only serves 2 so however many pancakes you make, divide by 2.
karen says
I've been making them with only egg whites. It does come out runny but it makes a crepe. I roll them up berries and little bit of cinnamon inside of it. I make a big enough batch to last me the week. It quick, nutritious and best of all delicious!!
bobby says
do you just store them in the fridge for a week? or freezer?
Jan says
Thanks, Jennifer, mine came out really delicious and absolutely perfect!! I added two teaspoons of oat FIBER for flavor which is low carb, used Trader Joes's egg replacers, cinnamon, had to add bit more almond milk/water than recipe says and my protein is Met RX vanilla whey protein powder. ..all in all, really good! I've experimented w almond flour, coconut etc, but these are much better imo. Topped it w/ my own maple extract syrup w stevia that I make and added a little bit of frozen berries from Costco, that I heat in micro, add a bit of stevia for berry topping. Loved it! Thanks so much for recipe..my new go to low carb pancakes!!
Jane S says
can i use vega vanilla protein powder if i keep everything else the same?
jenniferbanz says
yes, but I am not sure about the taste of that one
Hilly says
I was looking for simple, high protein, low carb pancakes which didn't use banana or oats, so these were great! Just whisked up in a jug - no messing about with a blender and lots of ingredients. I used plain whey powder with some vanilla essence, so they were a bit bland, and a bit too fluffy (might've overdone the bp), but a good starting point to experiment with flavours (more vanilla essence or add cacao or peanut butter powder etc. and may try with just egg whites). Should be ideal for taking to work, too, and reheating in the toaster 🙂 Many thanks!
Joy Baguisa says
Delicious! I spent $7 on a store bought protein pancake flour.
Your was light and has very simple ingredients. I feel like you can make a cake batter out of this. Thank you for your recipe 🙂
Caryn says
I have made these countless times, and in large batches. They always turn out soft and fluffy! One tablespoon of batter (to make a mini pancake) comes out at 19 calories each - awesome! Thanks for the recipe 🙂
jenniferbanz says
Awesome! Thanks for the review!
Kriatal says
I did the recipe just like stated and none is thicker then the one in the video and the color is different, did you add more water in the video? I used premier protein vanilla.
jenniferbanz says
I did a lot of testing to make them perfect which resulted in adding less water. I also used a different protein powder in the video.
Collette says
How much is a scoop of protein powder as all brands have different scoops.
jenniferbanz says
1/2 cup
Brittany says
I used Unjury Vanilla protein powder, I found these to be not as fluffly but a nice crisp bottom to them and intense with flavor !!!!! Will def eat again!
Kim Gelder says
Thank you! Thank you!! This was a really nice substitute. Boyfriend and I loved it.
Maybe next time we will just use egg whites, but dang sooo satisfying.
Laura says
These were a little "eggy" but the consistency was perfect. I used coconut protein powder and added some sucanat and vanilla. My husband even liked them! Thanks for an easy, delicious recipe!
jenniferbanz says
SO glad you liked them! The eggy taste is mostly from the yolks, so you could use the egg white equivalent of the whole egg.
Kevin says
Tried making this the first time. They tasted rubbery and looked like crepes more than pancakes. But it was better than not having pancakes at all. Might be the protein I used. I used isopure vanilla protein and cashew milk instead of almond milk. Also ran out out of baking powder, used baking soda instead (used less since it's stronger). Will try to experiment more with this recipe. Love pancakes too much, but I want to watch my carbs.
P.S. I'm not a baker and sucks at cooking in general
catwoman says
To Kevin - the baking soda/baking powder switch may have been your problem. Baking soda needs an acid to work, and baking powder does not. There isn't any acid in this recipe, so that's likely what caused the problem.
alexis Ciccarelli says
omg these are so good!! thanks for uploading this recipe, i'm always looking for easy to make, super low carb recipes that don't feel low carb! i baked these for a few minutes with a teaspoon or so of butter on top and then used the walden farms maple walnut syrup and real butter on top, my new favorite recipe!!
*i think it matters what protein powder you use, too... quest is by far the best one for baking that i've tried
Mimi says
It was good but ended up sort of rubbery like an egg.
TJ says
It’s really taste like rubber.... I’m using ON Gold standard 100% whey.
Me Need HELP... ?
jenniferbanz says
It really needs to be a protein powder that is flavored, like vanilla Quest or Vanilla Premiere protein
Jen says
The first time I tried this recipe I made pancakes using Bluebonnet Whey Protein in the Original flavor and the pancakes came out amazing. Second time I made waffles which also came out amazing. I added one tablespoon extra of protein powder to the recipe for the waffles. Sometimes I spread almond butter on the waffles. Thanks for a wonderful recipe!!!
Patty Loving says
Amazing! Used low carb vanilla flavor protien powder and vanilla flavor almond milk! I also added just a pinch of baking soda and the pancakes came out soooo fluffy with a little saltiness to the taste
Cant wait to try your other recipes!!
Elisha D Joseph says
I LOVE YOU!!! I have been looking for ways to keep me motivated to eating healthy while keeping my carbs in check! I made this with my Syntax Chocolate Whey Shake Protein and added a touch of cinnamon. I used water instead of the milk so I can save some more carbs for the peanut butter i wanted haha! But these are awesome! Thank you so much! I love you!!!!
jenniferbanz says
Lol! So glad you like them!
Connie says
I love peanut butter too, so I used peanut butter marshmallow Trutein powder to make these, and it was AMAZING!!
Carmen Wong Fisch says
The pancake looks great but mouth feel a bit on the dry side. My family said sand storm. I wonder how I can tweak it to nice and moist. Do you have any recommendation?
jenniferbanz says
You could add less protein powder or a little milk
Eric says
I can't get these right. My battery simply won't thicken to be a better. I followed the instructions to a t and it's still this soupy mess. I even tried adding another egg some more powder and some milk to help theciken. Any advice.
jenniferbanz says
additional egg and milk will make it thinner. Only more protein powder will thicken it.
Jen says
I just made these-- they're really good. I used GNC (vanilla something) powder and almond milk. The plain pancake had a slight egg taste but was still okay. I made my own blackberry syrup heated with a tbsp of honey and it was delicious. I might try peanut butter when I'm short on fat and protein for the day.
My Fitness Pal totaled the macros for 1/2 the pancake recipe as: 184 cal, 6.2 fat, 2.8 carbs, 28 protein.
Thanks for the recipe!
Wendy says
Thank you!!!! DELICIOUS!!!! I added a bit of apple pie spice for fun! So happy to have found your recipe!
Karen Hepburn says
Can I use whey protein?
jenniferbanz says
yes
Rachel says
I’m not the best cook but I done myself proud making these. Delicious ?
If I can make them then anyone can!
How long does the batter mixture keep in the fridge?
Carrie says
These were heavenly! I added powdered peanut butter (PB2) and it was very good. And they cooked beautifully in my Mickey Mouse pancake maker!
jenniferbanz says
Awesome!
Crystel says
Did you use the PB2 in place of the protein powder?
Mindy says
Thank you so much for this recipe I've been doing keto and cant eat anymore bacon and eggs, it was really good and less carbs than the mixes.
rylee says
Are these low carb pancakes?
jenniferbanz says
Yes, if you use a low carb protein powder
dayna says
Really loved these! I used my bar one protein powder and the taste was great! Just found the consistency a bit watery and the pancakes didn't keep form in the pan. Is there something else I need to add or just add less water?
jenniferbanz says
Just less water
Nicole says
I make these 4 or 5 times a week. Especially after a heavy leg day! I make mine with egg whites. I still got that protein taste. Playing with other things to hide it better.
sarah says
this looks great, especially since I'm going to use chocolate powder. yay
jenniferbanz says
YUM!
LC says
Finally a protein pancake that doesn’t have bananas and oatmeal! Thank you, Thank you!! I’m eager to try this and I already have all the ingredients.
jenniferbanz says
You will love them!
Courtney says
You had me at "No Bananas"! I hate those vile creatures! I can't wait to try this
jenniferbanz says
I know, right!
Kristen says
This looks delicious and perfect for Christmas morning
jenniferbanz says
Yep! They would be an easy Christmas morning breakfast!
Ali Randall says
I use a flavorless protein powder because my kids don't like the flavored ones. I will have to give this recipe a try.
jenniferbanz says
If you use flavorless you might want to add some sweetener so they don't just taste like eggs.
Anjali says
love the protein and love that it's only 4 ingredients!
jenniferbanz says
That's my favorite part!
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
These look like perfect post-workout pancakes!
jenniferbanz says
Definitely!
Michael Mansberry says
These are awesome!! I’ve made these several times. Much better with almond milk
Traci says
I think I'm the only person who doesn't use protein powder...and might be missing out. These look fabulous, Jennifer! Thanks for sharing.
jenniferbanz says
It does add a nice boost!
Denise PARR says
I've looked everywhere, but, I can't find the carb count, net carbs. Also, for the other pancake recipe. Thank you for your time
Ann Rocha says
I’d like to know the carb count, too. Can’t wait to have pancakes again!
jenniferbanz says
It really depends on the protein powder you use.
Katt Franich says
I think it just depends on the protien powder you use, they all seem to have a different carb count. 🙂
Lindsey Gustafson says
Just log your ingredients into myfitnesspal