Made without yogurt or bananas these dairy-free protein pancakes are ultra-light but also fueling. Using a base of vegan protein powder, they're a flourless recipe that packs in 32 grams of protein to start your morning.
"These were amazing..my hungry teenager ate a whole stack! The rest of us enjoyed them as well..." - Bernice
Load up on fuel in the mornings with this banana-free ingredient protein pancake recipe. Made with vegan vanilla protein powder, these pancakes come out light and fluffy.
And because they contain only four ingredients, they’re also simple to whip up!
As a Certified Nutrition Coach, protein pancakes are a staple in my diet because they give you all the feeling of indulgence while still keeping you on a high-protein diet. This is also the premise of my Strong and Sweet Protein Guide which has dessert-like snacks with 17 grams or more of protein.
Why You'll Love The Recipe
Easy to make: With only 4 ingredients, no major kitchen skills are required and you probably have everything you need. These dairy-free protein bars have only four ingredients too.
Fueling: Naturally dairy-free, gluten-free, and low-carb, the protein pancakes can be a staple in any diet.
Versatile: You can make pancakes into anything you want them to be. From a fueling, low-key breakfast to an indulgent brunch recipe, they work for everything.
The Ingredients and Substitutions
Most protein pancake recipes use bananas or yogurt as a way to make the pancakes less dry- and that’s definitely a great option and what I use in sheet pan protein pancakes.
However, these ones are both yogurt-free and banana-free. Learn more about how to make protein pancakes so that you can make them PERFECT every time.
Vegan vanilla protein powder: The kind of protein you choose will affect the texture and flavor of the pancakes. Use one you love.
Any non-dairy milk will work, we use homemade hemp milk most of the time.
Know that the egg helps bind the pancakes and hold them together. I haven't yet tested if these pancakes work with a flax egg though.
Important Teaching Tips
- The brand of protein powder you choose will affect both the flavor as well as the texture of the pancakes
- These pancakes are best eaten right after making them. They do not freeze well
- The pancakes don’t expand too much so the size you portion them will most likely be the size they stay
- Once you whisk together the batter, portion the pancakes into the pan immediately. The longer the batter sits, the more it will absorb the liquid, and the denser the pancakes will be
- The recipe makes five small pancakes which is one full serving
How To Make Dairy-Free Protein Pancakes
Step 1: Preheat a pan with non-stick spray and gather ingredients.
Step 2: Whisk together the ingredients and portion into small, thin pancakes in the pan.
Step 3: Cook until slightly brown on the bottom. Flip and continue cooking for 1-2 more minutes.
Step 4: Serve them with maple syrup and fruit.
Which Protein Powder Works Best?
The protein powder you choose will affect the flavor and texture of the protein pancakes. this recipe was made with Genuine Health Fermented Protein Powder.
This is one of my favorite protein powders because contains a quality blend of ingredients that doesn’t cause any bloating (which is why these chocolate protein pancakes are so great).
That said, Genuine Health isn't a sweet protein powder. If you find you have a very sweet palate, try using Botanica or adding some stevia drops.
Know that using other brands will change the recipe. Vegan protein powders are all unique in the blend of proteins and ratios they use. Thus, some absorb more than others and all of them taste different. Learn more about choosing the best protein powder for your goals.
Flavor Variations
The easiest way to adjust the flavor of the dairy-free protein pancakes is to use a flavored protein powder. Opting for a chocolate protein powder or even a salted caramel protein makes for a tasty switch. That said, below are a few other ideas:
Extracts: Adding in vanilla extract for comfort, almond extract for a nutty tasty, or rum extract for indulgence can make for new flavors.
Yogurt: Yes, these protein pancakes are yogurt-free. However, you could add yogurt in (and especially flavored yogurt) to change the taste and make them fluffier.
Chocolate chips: This is a favorite in my house, mini dairy-free chocolate chips are an easy way to indulge.
Topping The Pancakes
This truly depends on how indulgent you want to make these pancakes! The best toppings can include:
- Maple syrup
- Dairy-free caramel sauce
- Nut butter
- Drizzled chocolate ganache (our favorite for protein crepes too!)
- 2-minute coconut whip
- Fresh fruit
Fast, crave-worthy snacks that hit your protein goals (without tracking or extra cooking time).
Frequently Asked Questions About High Protein Pancakes
Like anything else, the quality of the ingredients matters. So long as the protein powder you choose is a healthy blend, these pancakes will be too. Protein is the best way to break a fast and provide your body with the fuel it needs to kick off the day. With minimal ingredients and 28 grams of protein per serving, these pancakes make a tasty, healthy option.
Vegan protein powders can cause pancakes to become somewhat dry. However, there are a few ways to get around this!
First, choose a protein powder that blends well. This is why I opt for Genuine Heallth Fermented protein.
Second, you can add-in half a mashed banana. The banana will not only sweeten the recipe but also keep the pancakes moist.
Lastly, you can add ¼ cup of yogurt to the recipe also! This is a hidden gem when it comes to pancakes and what makes my High Protein Yogurt Pancakes so popular.
Other Dairy-Free Recipes You'll Love
- Low Carb Chocolate Pancakes
- Banana Protein Pancakes
- High Protein Yogurt Pancakes
- Peanut butter baked protein oats
- Berry baked protein oatmeal
- Dairy-free breakfast casserole
- 18 Make ahead breakfast ideas
- Gluten-free blueberry bagels
- Protein bagels
- Overnight cookie dough protein oats
- Easy, gluten-free bagels
- Chocolate chip protein powder muffins
- High protein pancakes
- Yogurt protein pancakes
- Blueberry protein oatmeal
- High protein snack recipes
- Healthy breakfast recipes
4 Ingredient Dairy-Free Protein Pancakes
Video
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup Vegan protein powder
- 1 Egg
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- ¼ cup Almond milk
Instructions
- Preheat a non-stick pan over medium heat.
- In a large bowl, whisk all the ingredients together until no clumps remain.
- Immediately portion the pancakes into the pan. Cover and cook for 6-7 minutes until the edges start to turn brown.
- Flip and recover to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Remove and top with your favorites.
Notes
- The brand of protein powder you choose will affect both the flavor as well as the texture of the pancakes
- These pancakes are best eaten right after making them. They do not freeze well
- The pancakes don’t expand too much so the size you portion them will most likely be the size they stay
- Once you whisk together the batter, portion the pancakes into the pan immediately. The longer the batter sits, the more it will absorb the liquid, and the denser the pancakes will be.
- The recipe makes five small pancakes which is one full serving
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Pearl says
Just what I needed after hitting the gym. Used soy protein powder which turned out surprisingly light and fluffy. Definitely making these again!
fitasamamabear says
Noted on the soy porwder, thanks!
Jill says
These pancakes are my new go-to for a healthy and satisfying breakfast. Specially on those hectic work from home mornings. Thanks for sharing.
fitasamamabear says
Wahoo!
Jessica says
My daughter loves pancakes but the storebought ones are so high in sugar and I feel they are very unhealthy for her so I am hoping I'd find an alternative without depriving my daughter from eating what she loves. Glad I came across this recipe. I made this and she loved it! She asked me if I could cook this more often for our breakfast lol!
fitasamamabear says
Always a win when kiddos approve!
Terrence C. says
Thank you for such a comprehensive piece on protein pancakes. I also checked out your other posts of choosing the best protein. We made this for breakfast and realized that we weren't hungry until dinner. This is a very satiating smoothie. We used Plant Based protein powder for this recipe.
fitasamamabear says
Thanks so much!
Crystal says
I usually buy ready-made pancakes from the store, I am NEVER going back again! Love this recipe so much and super easy to do.
fitasamamabear says
Haha homemade is best!
Kate says
I love quick and easy breakfast ideas for those busy work from home mornings. With just four ingredients, they're so easy. The vegan protein powder adds a boost, and the result is a satisfying and filling meal, enough to last me the whole day.
fitasamamabear says
Right?! Busy morning win.
Rica says
These pancakes are quick and tasty. And I'm so happy that I managed to sneak in some extra protein to my kids' breakfast.
fitasamamabear says
Yay!
Amanda says
These pancakes are fluffy, flavorful, and my kids really loved them. It's their new breakfast favorite!
fitasamamabear says
Glad they were a hit!
jennifer says
I love how easy these are and that I can switch up the flavor easily with the variety of protein powder. I used a cake batter flavor today!
fitasamamabear says
Easy is key lol
Gracey says
I really love how easy and how simple it was to make this recipe with only 4 ingredients needed (really perfect for busy mornings!)
fitasamamabear says
Definitely great for busy days!
Shay L. says
Loved this banana-free version of protein pancakes! They were super simple to make too!
fitasamamabear says
Glad you enjoyed them!
Ksenia says
These were so easy to make, and I loved that I could feel good about serving these to myself AND my children! It was a delicious, fast breakfast that I'll definitely repeat.
fitasamamabear says
So happy everyone loved them!
Jane says
These pancakes are SO good! I love how you can use them as a base for a ton of different toppings.
fitasamamabear says
The toppings are where it's at lol