Naturally sweetened with fruit, these apple cinnamon protein pancakes are gluten-free and will fill you up while fulfilling any sweet craving in a healthy way.
If you follow me on Instagram or read my blog regularly, you’ve probably noticed how much I love smoothies and oatmeal. In fact, they are my go-to breakfast most days of the week. But every now and then I crave a hearty stack of warm pancakes. Who doesn’t? That’s why I love these guilt-free Apple Cinnamon Protein Pancakes, and you will, too!
Naturally Sweet, Healthy Pancakes
Instead of the white flour and sugar-laden pancakes that cause blood sugar levels to spike, I encourage you to switch to the magical combination of protein and fiber. Not only will it add texture and flavor to the pancakes, but it will also help sustain your energy levels. And they’re naturally gluten-free!
Another trick? Fresh fruit are a natural source of sugar that not only sweeten the pancakes but also add vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber not found in white sugar.
- Oats: Whether rolled or steel-cut, both work wonders as a fiber and antioxidant rich base for pancakes.
- Flaxseed meal: Tasteless in the pancakes, but a major contributor of fiber and omega 3 fatty acids.
- Protein powder: I use Biochem whey protein powder, vanilla flavored, but you could use any kind! Whatever you have and is your favorite.
- Apples: Whether using apple sauce or freshly grated, apples are a deliciously sweet way to add flavor, nutrients, and natural sweetness to cooking and baking.
- Bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter the flavor. With a natural creamy texture when mashed, bananas are an obvious choice to naturally sweeten things in the kitchen.
- Spices: Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves add amazing flavor and sweetness.
Here are some more healthy pancake recipes to rotate through your meal plan:
- Blueberry Banana Ricotta Pancakes
- Gluten Free Pumpkin Pancakes
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Pancakes
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Protein Pancakes
Begin by grating an apple with a cheese grater, I like using Fuji or gala for their sweetness, but you could use any apple you like.
Next mash a banana up using a fork or potato masher, the riper the banana, the sweeter it’ll be.
Measure out your oats into a large bowl.
Then you’ll add your mashed banana and grated apple.
Followed by the milk of your choosing.
Then you’ll add the flax seed meal, baking powder, and salt.
Next add your delicious spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves.
Mix in your two eggs.
And finish with your protein powder.
Mix all of the ingredients together until fully incorporated into a thick batter.
Onto a pre-heated griddle or pan that’s been sprayed with non-stick spray, dollop about ¼ or ⅓ cup of batter at a time. Cook each side for about 3 minutes to golden brown.
Serve by themselves, or with pure maple syrup for a delicious, protein packed breakfast.
Easy Ingredient Swaps
- Make it dairy free. You can easily use almond or oat milk in place of cow’s milk in this pancake recipe, and use a plant based protein powder.
- Egg free pancakes. If you can’t have eggs, you can replace them with apple sauce and a pinch of extra baking powder.
- No protein powder? No problem. If you don’t have protein powder, you can still make these pancakes without it. If the batter is too runny, you may need to add a little bit of flour or additional oats.
Frequently Asked Questions:
If you’re looking to lower the cholesterol in these protein pancakes all you need to do is use 4 egg whites instead of 2 eggs.
You can freeze them (I talk more about that here) or put them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
They are best as a breakfast or pre-workout, as the protein keeps you energized throughout the workout.
More Breakfast Recipes
- Almond Flour Raspberry Muffins
- Blueberry Cinnamon Smoothie
- Bacon, Egg, and Spinach Casserole
- Avocado Toast with Egg, Ham, and Arugula
- Blueberry Buckwheat Pancakes
Like It, Eat It, Share It!
Did you try these pancakes and love them? The next time you make them, snap a picture and share it to your socials! Tag @thelemonbowl and #thelemonbowl so we can admire and share your dish, I hope you enjoy!
Delicious, healthy, and fast, these Apple Cinnamon Protein Pancakes are perfect for breakfast.
Your fork is waiting.
Apple Cinnamon Protein Pancakes
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups oats
- 1 apple shredded with cheese grater
- 1 banana mashed with fork
- ½ cup milk
- 2 eggs whisked
- ¼ cup protein powder vanilla is great!
- 2 tablespoons flax seed meal
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- pure maple syrup to serve optional
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and set aside.
- Heat griddle or non-stick saute pan over medium-high heat. Spray with non-stick spray once hot.
- Pour pancakes on to griddle, ¼ cup at a time, and cook until the first side is browned – about 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook additional 2-3 minutes or until the second side is browned.
- Continue working in batches until all of the pancake batter is gone.
- Serve with pure maple syrup.
Denise Tiemissen
I found your website while looking for a recipe for protein packed pancakes. I just tried the Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Protein Pancakes. Wow! Great recipe! And it made my house smell so good! Thank you much for sharing it!
I’m so glad I came across your website! The recipes you share look so simple and full of fresh ingredients. I tried the Shish Tawook Chicken and the Lebanese Hummus with Toasted Pine Nuts last night. Both were a hit with my family and me! The best Hummus recipe I’ve ever made! Thank you!
Denise
Liz DellaCroce
So glad you found my website Denise!!! Keep me posted on the other recipes you try – I have over 1000 now!!! Are you signed up to get my weekly newsletter? It’s a great way to stay up to date with my new recipes each week. :) http://bit.ly/18xmnC5
Kimberly
Looks fantastic, but I don’t use protein powders (I use hemp seeds in smoothies for extra protein.) Any suggestions for what to sub for the protein powder? Coconut flour maybe? Thanks!! I’m hoping my 14 year old son will like these for breakfast. He’s not hungry in the morning and it’s hard to get something healthy into him on school mornings at 7 a.m.
Liz DellaCroce
Coconut flour should work!! Let me know if you try it!! Enjoy!
Nicole
But you don’t state how much – a scoop is not a measurement.
Liz DellaCroce
Hi Nicole – Sorry about that! I just edited the recipe to include the measurement.
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel
Duh… apples, cinnamon and oatmeal – I’m in! Obviously! ;)
Liz DellaCroce
These are so good! I had them for breakfast this morning and wondered why I don’t make them more often. :)
Janell
This sounds awesome! I’m going to try it this weekend. What kind of apples did you use..Granny Smith or red apples?
Liz DellaCroce
I usually use Gala apples but use whatever your favorite type of apples are! Granny smith might be a bit too tart but it’s up to you. :)
Aggie
Oh my heaven, can you come over and make these for me this morning?
Liz DellaCroce
I wish we were eating them together!!
Erin @ Texanerin Baking
Yay! I love protein pancakes. :) And apple cinnamon? That can only make things better! Love the ingredient list for these.
Liz DellaCroce
These are so good!!! Let me know if you try them!!!
Erin @ Texanerin Baking
I’ve seen these before?! And haven’t made them yet?! Oh wait. I know what it was. Apples in February does not compute in my head. I’m totally making these in a week or two!
Liz DellaCroce
hahahha Sadly we are pretty much stuck with apples until strawberries pop up in June. It’s a loooonnnnggg winter. It’s part of the reason I hold off on buying them until the last minute!!! Let me know if you try these. :)
Julee
These were wonderful! Such great flavor. Thank you so much. My husband even loved them.
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you so much for letting me know! I’m so glad to hear!!!
patricia van dyke
Liz, Thanks so much for this delicious recipe. Just made these for breakfast this morning after seeing on pinterest last night. Aaamazing!
Liz DellaCroce
SO glad to hear!! Keep me posted if you try anything else!