Protein Pancake Bowl (Printable)

Warm oat-banana pancakes with protein powder, topped with Greek yogurt, berries, nuts, and honey for a hearty breakfast.

# Ingredient List:

→ Pancake Base

01 - 1 large egg
02 - 2 large egg whites (approximately 2 fluid ounces)
03 - 1/3 cup unsweetened almond milk or milk of choice
04 - 1/2 cup rolled oats (use gluten-free if needed)
05 - 1 scoop vanilla or unflavored whey or plant-based protein powder (25-30 grams)
06 - 1 medium ripe banana, divided in half for batter and topping
07 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, optional
09 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
10 - 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt, optional for moisture
11 - Pinch of salt
12 - 1-2 teaspoons sweetener of choice (honey, maple syrup, stevia, or sugar)
13 - 1 teaspoon coconut oil or butter for cooking

→ Toppings

14 - 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or skyr
15 - 1/2 banana, sliced
16 - 1/3 cup fresh berries (blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries)
17 - 1 tablespoon nut butter (peanut, almond, or cashew)
18 - 1 tablespoon chopped nuts or seeds (walnuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, or hemp hearts)
19 - 1 tablespoon granola
20 - 1-2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup for drizzling
21 - Pinch of cinnamon or cocoa nibs, optional for garnish

# Directions:

01 - In a blender, combine rolled oats, protein powder, egg, egg whites, almond milk, half the banana, baking powder, cinnamon, vanilla extract, Greek yogurt if using, sweetener, and salt. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. The batter should be pourable but slightly thick. If too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons more milk; if too thin, add 1-2 tablespoons oats or extra protein powder.
02 - Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add coconut oil or butter and swirl to coat the surface. When hot, a drop of water should sizzle, then reduce heat to medium-low.
03 - Pour all the batter into the skillet to form a large, thick pancake, or divide into 2-3 smaller pancakes. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the edges set and small bubbles appear on the surface. Carefully flip and cook another 2-3 minutes until the center is set and the pancake is golden brown. Lower heat if browning too quickly.
04 - Transfer the cooked pancake to a wide serving bowl. Cut into bite-size pieces if desired. Top with Greek yogurt or skyr, swirling in honey or maple syrup if preferred. Arrange banana slices and fresh berries over the top. Sprinkle with nuts, seeds, and granola. Drizzle with nut butter, warmed slightly with water if needed to make pourable, and finish with additional honey, maple syrup, cinnamon, or cocoa nibs.
05 - Enjoy immediately while the pancake is warm and the toppings remain cool and creamy. Mix everything together before eating for optimal flavor combination.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It keeps you full for hours without feeling heavy or sluggish afterward.
  • You can prep the batter in under two minutes and customize toppings based on whatever is in your fridge.
  • The texture is somewhere between a fluffy pancake and a hearty porridge, which makes every bite interesting.
  • It delivers serious protein without tasting like a supplement shake disguised as food.
02 -
  • If your batter is too thick to pour smoothly, add milk one tablespoon at a time until it flows easily but still holds its shape in the pan.
  • Cooking over medium low heat prevents the outside from burning before the inside sets, which happened to me twice before I learned patience.
  • Do not skip the pinch of salt in the batter, it makes the difference between bland and balanced.
  • Protein powder brands vary wildly in sweetness, so taste your batter before cooking and adjust the sweetener accordingly.
03 -
  • Warm your nut butter in the microwave for ten seconds before drizzling so it spreads easily and looks beautiful.
  • Use a wide, shallow bowl instead of a deep one so you can see all the toppings and get a little of everything in each spoonful.
  • If you are cooking for two, make one large pancake and split it between two bowls, then let everyone choose their own toppings.
  • A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the berries just before serving brightens the whole bowl and cuts through the richness.
Go Back