Happy pancake day, to all who celebrate. Sure, you can go standard lemon-and-sugar crepe, or you could give one of these protein-boosted recipes a whirl.

Protein pancakes are a breakfast - or, let's face it, anytime staple well worth getting good at. They're healthy, hearty and flipping delicious (particularly if you've got some tasty protein powder to use up). And, even for the most unskilled in the kitchen, there are plenty of easy recipes to try.

Also, you've got to love protein pancakes for being a sweet and indulgent-feeling breakfast that will genuinely keep you feeling full until lunchtime (alas the same cannot be said for an almond croissant) – not to mention their position as the ultimate post-workout breakfast.

Why is Protein Important, Anyway?

Protein, one of the three key macronutrients, helps your body build and repair muscle tissue following a workout. For the record, the NHS advises that women eat around 45g a day—the equivalent of three and a half eggs, two and a half salmon fillets or five portions of lentils. (Or, you know, via protein pancakes.)

'Protein is a macronutrient that provides amino acids, which join together to create and maintain bone, skin, hormones and muscle,' explains Dr Graeme Close, professor of human physiology at Liverpool John Moore’s University, who advises some of Britain's leading athletes on nutrition.

He advises thinking of amino acids like lego blocks. 'When the muscles are damaged through exercise, the Lego builders are ready to re-build, but they can only get to work if you give them blocks with which to do the job,’ he explains.

So these protein pancake recipes aren't simply tasty and impressive-looking brunch fare. Learning how to make healthy protein pancakes is a genuine nutrition win.

Train muscle without adequate amino acids and you leave it with no option but to break down. So, getting enough protein? It's essential - especially for women who strength train.

Why you should DIY your Protein Pancakes

It's worth remembering that making your protein pancakes – of any kind – from scratch will help you avoid the store-bought ones rammed full of sugar and added undesirables.

And, sure, you can find ready-made protein pancakes with a favourable macronutrient profile, but these will undoubtedly incur a premium cost. Whereas these DIY protein pancake recipes can be made with the simplest and most inexpensive of ingredients.

Plus, they're not exactly tricky to make. Flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, butter, milk and eggs are usually the core ingredients.

Throw a scoop of protein powder into the mix and you'll be serving them up in no time. If you prefer a more Joe Wicks' approach, grab a banana, two eggs and some whey or vegan protein powder and you're GTG.

It really could not be more simple.

How to make Vegan Protein Pancakes

Dairy-free? Plant-based? Or giving Veganuary a whirl after a seriously cheese-heavy festive season? No problem.

With a few simple switches, you can easily make your protein pancakes completely vegan. Make sure the protein powder you're using is vegan, and then substitute any milk with oat, soya, almond or a pea option.

Use coconut oil instead of butter and voila! Vegan protein pancakes at the ready.

26 Best Protein Pancake Recipes to Try

Looking for stacks of inspiration? We've trawled the internet for 26 sweet protein pancake recipe ideas just for you: including Madeleine Shaw's cinnamon and maple varieties and The Food Medic's blueberry and banana creation.

Plus there's even a couple of vegan options for those of you who might be dairy-free. From fresh fruit to peanut butter and honey (drool), give yourself some options. Perhaps your first stack has a different topping combo to your second - go wild, you're the boss here.

So, if you want to supercharge your protein pancakes, read on.

Got a bunch of overripe bananas sat in your fruit basket to use up and fancy something other than banana bread? Add a hint of natural sweetness to your morning stack with these easy-peasy banana pancakes. Delicious.

Try the recipe yourself: asweetpeachef.com

The Food Medic's pancakes are naturally high in protein thanks to the spelt flour and flaxseed. Plus, they're totally plant-based and vegan-friendly. Yum.

Try the recipe for yourself: thefoodmedic.co.uk

These mouthwateringly good pancakes will give you 38g of protein in one sitting—nearly your whole daily recommended intake. Plus, the blueberry and vanilla topping is enough to make any mouth water. Make for friends, family or just yourself.

Try the recipe for yourself: proteintreatsbynicolette.com

Deliciously Ella is the queen of plant based recipes, and these pancakes are no exception: packed full of heart-healthy ingredients like chia seeds and oats, and offering a healthy natural dose of protein thanks to the almonds. Enjoy.

Try the recipe for yourself: deliciouslyella.com

Shop six simple ingredients—chickpea flour, baking powder, spinach and protein powder—plus salt and water, and you'll have this Dr Seuss-inspired stack whipped up in no time. Top with maple syrup, blueberries and whatever else you fancy.

Try the recipe yourself: runningonrealfood.com

Prefer to whip your pancakes up in a blender? Enter Ambitious Kitchen's blender pancakes – fluffy, gluten and dairy-free, and certifiably delicious.

Try the recipe yourself: ambitiouskitchen.com

Flaxseeds are full of healthy fats, so up your nutrition game with these tasty pancakes. Top however you like—WH recommends peanut butter, maple syrup and chocolate chips.

Try the recipe for yourself: apinchofyum.com

With nearly 20g of protein per serving (plus the fact they taste like banana bread), these cottage cheese pancakes really are the GOAT. Get around 'em.

Try the recipe for yourself: ambitiouskitchen.com

Protein pancakes with a twist cinnamon bun-inspired twist. Um, yum! You are so welcome.

Try the recipe yourself: thebigmansworld.com

Chocolate-lovers and those with a slight sweet tooth, listen here: it is totally possible to incorporate your favourite treat into your healthy breakfast. Try these cacao and raspberry protein pancakes—which are nearly as delicious as Nutella-smothered ones. Nearly...

Try the recipe for yourself: asweetpeachef.com

Sweet potato? In pancakes? Sounds whacky, tastes delicious—trust us. Plus, you'll be contributing towards your five-a-day. Top with pecans for added crunch.

Try the recipe for yourself: asweetpeachef.com

Love yoghurt? Yeah, us too. These pancakes are packed full of protein thanks to the hardworking ingredient: yep, yoghurt. Fluffy and light, you'll never go back to non-yog pancakes. Trust.

Try the recipe for yourself: ambitiouskitchen.com

Love to see proper hight on your stack, may we suggest these extra thick protein pancakes instead? Yes, we may. Made with protein powder, eggs and Greek yoghurt, they're the perfect way to start your day.

Try the recipe for yourself: sweetpeaandsaffron.com

AKA, a burst of all the best flavours in your mouth. Try not to drool as you read Irish beauty queen turned vegan hike-fluencer Rosanna Purcell's protein pancake recipe, complete with cinnamon and honey, for extra flavour. Properly delicious.

Try the recipe for yourself: naturalbornfeeder.com

One of the simplest protein pancakes recipe deviates from the traditional flour and egg ingredients by replacing them oats. All you'll need is seven ingredients and ten minutes and voila!

Try the recipe for yourself: asweetpeachef.com

These four-ingredient pancakes are the definition of simple: plus, WH guarantees you'll have all the ingredients in your house already. Winning.

Try the recipe yourself: jenniferbanz.com

Swerve gluten for health or preference reasons? Totally fair. These almond flour protein pancakes are delicious and vanilla-y, without any gluten, grains or dairy.

Try the recipe yourself: rachlmansfield.com

This recipe from Madeleine Shaw is naturally high in protein, thanks to the addition of ground almonds, but if you want to up the protein content a little more, add a scoop or two of your favourite protein powder.

Try the recipe for yourself: madeleineshaw.com

Not just for Halloween—the humble pumpkin is high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, and, whilst delicious in risotto, is also great in pancakes. Yes, really. Just wait until you've tried these. You'll be serving them every weekend.

Try the recipe for yourself: housesweeteats.com

Fan of mixed berries? Incorporate them into your AM pancake stack for a berry good brunch option bursting with seasonal flavours. Add a smearing of peanut, almond or cashew butter on top and you're good to go.

Try the recipe for yourself: nutritioninthekitch.com

Another blender-based recipe (although you can make it without), these pancakes are filling and make minimum mess to prepare. That, in our book, is called a win.

Try the recipe for yourself: ambitiouskitchen.com

Fresh, juicy raspberries? Check. Healthy fat-packed chia seeds for added crunch? Check. Moist, vegan-friendly pancakes? Triple check. This is a recipe for success.

Try the recipe for yourself: twospoons.ca

Another recipe perfect for the vegans amongst you, or those opting for a more plant-based diet. Plus, there's a list of different toppings options—almond butter, banana, the list goes on—which will inspire you (and make you drool).

Try the recipe yourself: runningonrealfood.com

Blueberries and pancakes go hand in hand like Beyonce and Jay-Z, banana and peanut butter. Get stuck in to this delicious recipe for a pick-me-up.

Try the recipe for yourself: fitfoodiefinds.com

Not a fan of fancy gimmicks? Then this simple recipe is for you. What you make of them is totally up to you—a great basic staple to have under your belt.

Try the recipe for yourself: ifoodreal.com

Swap your fave protein powder for a vegan option and switch any milk for oat, almond or soya and boom - you have got yourself a delicious, vegan protein pancake. Simple.

Try the recipe for yourself: runningonrealfood.com