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Protein Pancakes with Banana and Whey

By Morgan Peaceman

February 11, 2025

Pancakes remain the go-to weekend breakfast for many of us. Perhaps they’re buttermilk, maybe you use a mix. Maybe you make them so often that you only need a few minutes and certainly don’t require a recipe.

But what if you want pancakes with more protein in them? After all, while tasty, the average pancake is loaded with refined flours, sugar, dairy and oil. They don’t exactly set you up for a great day nutritionally and can guarantee an energy crash relatively soon.

Instead, try these protein pancakes that are not a radical departure from your standard pancake mix. You’re going to be swapping regular flour for Paleo flour and will be adding whey protein to end up with a delicious, high-protein pancake.

Why these protein pancakes are healthy

• Plenty of protein: Courtesy of whey protein, eggs, Paleo flour and whole milk (or almond milk).

• Perfectly balanced macronutrient profile: 40 grams of carbs, 17 grams of fat and 18 grams of protein. This means you’ll feel full longer with these pancakes and they will satiate.

• Low in sugar: Only 11 grams of sugar for a serving, as banana and optional allulose are used as natural sweeteners.

• High in fiber: 7 grams of fiber per serving.

• No refined grains: Instead, you’ll use a Paleo flour with almond flour, arrowroot starch, coconut flour and tapioca flour.

• Ancient Nutrition’s Vanilla Bean Whey Protein powder: With 23 grams of protein per scoop and made with regenerative A2/A2 nonfat milk protein, Whey Protein is an easy-to-digest, delicious way to hit your protein goals.

How to make protein pancakes

All you need for this recipe is a big mixing bowl, a whisk, measuring cups and spoons, a spatula and a pancake griddle.

In a large bowl, mash the banana then crack in the eggs and whisk until combined. Add the oil, milk, vanilla extract, optional allulose and cinnamon. Whisk again until the wet ingredients come together.

In the same bowl, pour in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and the scoop of Ancient Nutrition’s Vanilla Bean Whey Protein Powder. Mix until combined but don’t overdo it.

Heat a large nonstick pancake griddle or frying pan on medium heat. If it’s not nonstick, use a little butter for each batch.

Add one-third cup batter to the pan and cook each pancake around two minutes per side, until crispy and golden brown. Repeat until all the batter has been used.

Serve with butter, freshly sliced banana and maple syrup (or a sugar-free syrup such as Lakanto Sugar Free Maple Syrup) on top.

Frequently asked questions

How do I make these pancakes fluffy?

It’s important to not overmix the batter. And if you want extra fluffy pancakes, separate the eggs before mixing. Add the yolks to the liquid mixture. Beat the egg whites separately and then stir in lightly when batter is ready.

How do I keep pancakes from sticking to the pan?

The best pancake griddles these days are those with ceramic nonstick coating and without PFAS. For any pan, unsalted butter works well to make sure those cakes don’t stick. Use a brush to distribute the melted butter evenly across the pan. Also make sure the pan is hot enough (but not too hot, as they’ll burn).

What are the best pancake toppings?

Besides butter and maple syrup, chopped banana, mixed berries, chopped peaches, peanut butter and dark chocolate chips can all be delicious add-ons.

Can this batter be prepared ahead of time?

Yes. You can store it in the refrigerator for a couple of days in an airtight container. You can also freeze for a couple of months but make sure it’s completely thawed before using.

How do I store leftover pancakes?

Stack them with wax paper between each one and place into a freezer bag.

Other healthy pancake recipes

• Paleo pancakes

• Sheet pan pancakes

• Blueberry Dutch baby pancake

• Coconut chia protein pancakes

• Banana oat pancakes

Morgan Peaceman is a self-taught baker and home cook that knows how to throw down in the kitchen, especially when it comes to easy and approachable recipes. Her approach to recipes and making delicious food comes from her passion for feeding others, nurturing them with yummy flavors while keeping this wholesome. You can follow her at Nomaste Hungry.