Fuel your day with these delicious apple cinnamon protein pancakes! Naturally gluten-free, sweetened with fruit, and packed with protein, they satisfy your cravings while keeping you full and energized.
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!
Instead of the white flour and sugar-laden pancakes that cause blood sugar levels to spike, I encourage you to switch to the 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.
Want some other healthy pancake options for your breakfast rotation? Try my Gluten Free Pumpkin Pancakes or Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Pancakes.
Why You’ll Love These Pancakes
- They’re naturally gluten-free and naturally sweetened!
- You’ll feel fuller for longer, keeping you energized all morning long.
- Easy to freeze and reheat, so great for meal prepping!
Ingredients
- 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. I use gala or Fuji.
- 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.
Easy Substitutions
- 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.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Protein Pancakes
Step 1. Grate an apple with a cheese grater into a large glass bowl.
Step 2. Add the oats to the bowl with the grated apple.
Step 3. Next add the mashed banana and the milk.
Step 4. Add the flax seed meal, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and a pinch of salt.
Step 5. Mix in your two eggs.
Step 6. Finish with the protein powder.
Step 7. Stir all of the ingredients together until fully incorporated into a thick batter.
Step 8. Spray a pre-heated griddle with non-stick spray, dollop some batter into circles, and cook each side for about 3 minutes.
Serve by themselves, or with pure maple syrup for a delicious, protein packed breakfast.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re looking to lower the cholesterol, all you need to do is use 4 egg whites instead of 2 eggs.
You can freeze them, 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 or throughout the morning.
More Breakfast Recipes
- Almond Flour Raspberry Muffins
- Blueberry Cinnamon Smoothie
- Bacon, Egg, and Spinach Casserole
- Avocado Toast with Egg, Ham, and Arugula
- Chilaquiles Verdes
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
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and set aside.1 1/2 cups oats, 1 apple, 1 banana, 1/2 cup milk, 2 eggs, 1/4 cup protein powder, 2 tablespoons flax seed meal, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves, 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Heat griddle or non-stick saute pan over medium-high heat. Spray with non-stick spray once hot.
- Pour pancakes on to griddle, 1/4 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.pure maple syrup to serve
Leave a Reply