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 1/4 or 1/3 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:
How do you lower the cholesterol in pancakes?
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.
How do I store leftovers?
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.
When should I eat protein pancakes?
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
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, 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.
Great pancakes. Gluten free! Can also substitute soy flour for the protein powder and, surprisingly, grated carrots for the apple to further reduce simple sugars. Some Real Fruit spread or honey instead of the corn syrup we are all trying to avoid – sort of.
We adore pancakes in this house, and often beef them up with healthy ingredients to make them enjoyable but also better for our bodies. Apple, cinnamon and oatmeal is one of my regular breakfasts, so what a great idea to turn it into a treat!
We made these today and they are amazing!! Easy, tasty and very filling.
So glad to hear!! Thank you for letting me know. :-)
These were a bit tricky to keep from falling apart on me but I loved the taste!
Thank you!
Oh AND I sauteed half an apple with a little cinnamon and honey while these cooked for a topper! Delish!
Oooo GREAT idea!!!!!!
Pancakes are always a little tricky for me too! I often have to have the heat lower than I want to keep it. Glad you liked them!!
wow, these look great! :) So healthy and tasty!
Thanks so much Addie!! They are really good and filling.
Im reading this as I’m getting ready to whip up an oatmeal, apple, pb smoothie for breakfast :-) These pancake look super yum! I’ve never tried adding protein powder to my pancakes, but definitely want to try this recipe. P.S. Maple Syrup is never “optional” in my house~it’s a must!
Thank you friend!! The protein powder works really well and I find they do keep me fuller much longer. :-) Mmmm…maple syrup…
These were amazing, I didn’t have flax seed so I added in a couple table spoons of sun flowers seeds for some added texture. Yummmmm!! Thanks for a great breakfast food!
Wow what a great idea, Cari!! I bet they turned out great with the sun flower seeds!
What a great recipe! Full of flavor but none of the icky stuff! :)
It’s like having your pancakes and eating them too! :-)
Hel-lo!!! These are so me!
You need to make these!! So good!!
This is a great recipe, Liz. I can’t really do the oats like that in high quantity but I can see my kids loving these!
I only have one and he’s just 16 months but he couldn’t get enough of these. (Husband too!!) Let me know what they think! :-)
These sound like the perfect thing to make a big batch of and freeze. Easy, healthy weekday breakfast!
It’s so funny you mention that – I have plans this weekend to do just that!! Every week day I wish I had them in the freezer!!
These look so delicious and hearty! I have a similar recipe except without the apple. They are one of my favorite ways to start the day and leave me feeling full forever! (well, almost… ;) )
I started grating apples a lot because my 16 month old can’t quite chew apple chunks yet. We do it in oatmeal a lot too! Have a great weekend Amanda!
Yummm, oatcakes! I’ve been eating them daily since I whipped up a back a few weeks ago- love the texture oats add :D
I need to start eating them more often – I also LOVE the texture of the oats!! :-)
I just want to eat pancakes all the time.
LOL. I heart you. :-)
Love the idea of fruit mixed in to make them healthier! Definitely trying these with my son!
Fruit is a great way to sweeten and moisten pancakes without sugar and butter. Let me know what you think!! :)
I think I may have done the happy dance! I love, love, love pancakes! But I don’t make them as much because they “used” to be unhealthy. Now, I’m going to get my pancake making on, for sure!
I’m the same way – I had stopped making them for awhile for that very reason but I’m really learning that there are so many great ways to create healthy pancakes. Enjoy Lauren!
I am an oatmeal lover too, so these definitely catch my eye…. and just in time to make tomorrow for a lazy Saturday morning treat! Happy Weekend!!!
I knew they were a hit when my husband and 16 month old both cleared their plates. The apples really add a lot of great moisture and flavor. Enjoy!!
Such a great pancake recipe, Liz!
Thanks so much Robyn. Happy Friday!!
Yep, these are my kind of pancakes (apparently, we both had pancakes on the brain today). I love that you used grated apple in these for flavor and moisture.
Too funny Dara!! Yes I started grating apple a lot for my little one who can’t quite chew apples yet. We do it in oatmeal all the time. :-) Happy Friday!
Ohhhhh these sound fantastic. I think I will make these post workout on Sunday for Hubs and I. YUM
Yes – these are PERFECT post workout!! Very filling. Enjoy Carrie!