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Healthy High-Protein Banana Pancakes

Welcome back to TheNextRecipes.com! Sophia Harper here with a fantastic, protein-packed breakfast that will actually keep you full and energized all morning long. If you are tired of eating dry, rubbery protein pancakes that taste like chalk, this easy blender recipe is about to completely revolutionize your morning routine. By using overripe bananas to provide natural sweetness and moisture, rolled oats instead of refined flour, and your favorite vanilla protein powder, you create a stack of incredibly fluffy, tender pancakes that taste like a decadent weekend treat. They come together in minutes right in your blender, leaving you with practically zero dishes to wash, making them the ultimate healthy breakfast for busy weekdays or lazy Sunday mornings.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 9 minutes
Total Time 14 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 290

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large overripe banana peeled
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 scoop about 30 grams vanilla protein powder
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk or milk of choice
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Coconut oil or butter for greasing the skillet
  • Maple syrup and sliced bananas for serving

Equipment

  • High-powered blender or food processor
  • Large non-stick skillet or electric griddle
  • Flat silicone spatula for flipping
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Blend the Batter: Place the peeled overripe banana, eggs, rolled oats, vanilla protein powder, almond milk, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract into the pitcher of a high-powered blender. Secure the lid tightly.
  2. Process until Smooth: Blend on high speed for 30 to 45 seconds until the oats are completely broken down and the batter is completely smooth and creamy. Let the batter rest in the blender for 2 to 3 minutes; this allows the oats to absorb some of the moisture and thickens the batter perfectly.
  3. Preheat the Skillet: While the batter is resting, heat a large non-stick skillet or an electric griddle over medium-low heat. Lightly grease the surface with a small amount of coconut oil or butter.
  4. Pour the Pancakes: Pour the rested batter directly from the blender onto the warm skillet, using about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake.
  5. Cook the First Side: Let the pancakes cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes. You will know they are ready to flip when small bubbles begin to form and pop on the surface, and the edges look slightly dry and set.
  6. Flip and Finish: Use a flat spatula to carefully flip each pancake. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes on the second side until they are golden brown and cooked all the way through the center.
  7. Serve: Transfer the warm pancakes to a plate. Top generously with extra fresh banana slices, a drizzle of pure maple syrup, or a dollop of peanut butter. Serve immediately.

Notes

Choosing a Protein Powder: The flavor and texture of these pancakes will depend heavily on the protein powder you choose. A high-quality whey or whey-casein blend works best for a fluffy texture. Plant-based protein powders tend to absorb more liquid, so if your batter looks too thick to pour, simply add an extra splash of almond milk to the blender.
The Banana Matters: Just like when making banana bread, you want a banana that is heavily speckled with brown spots or completely brown. Green or yellow bananas lack the necessary sugar content and will not provide enough moisture to balance the dry protein powder.
Storage and Freezing: Let leftover pancakes cool completely to room temperature. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze them between layers of parchment paper in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Reheat them quickly by popping them straight into the toaster.