Apple Cinnamon Protein Pancakes

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.

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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

Liz grating an apple with a cheese grater into a glass bowl.

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.

Adding eggs to pancake batter in glass bowl.

Step 5. Mix in your two eggs.

Adding protein powder to a bowl of ingredients

Step 6. Finish with the protein powder.

Mixing up pancake batter in a glass bowl.

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.

Apple cinnamon protein pancakes on a plate topped with butter and maple syrup.

Serve by themselves, or with pure maple syrup for a delicious, protein packed breakfast.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you lower the cholesterol in pancakes?

If you’re looking to lower the cholesterol, all you need to do is use 4 egg whites instead of 2 eggs.

How do I store leftovers?

You can freeze them, 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 or throughout the morning.

Apple cinnamon protein pancakes topped with butter and served with cinnamon sticks.

More Breakfast Recipes

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.