25 Protein Pancake Recipes to Start Your Day Right

Protein pancakes for Pancake Day? We love to see it. This year, in the UK, Shrove Tuesday falls on February 16, 2021. And we've got a flipping great idea for celebrating (particularly if you've got some protein powder to use up). You'll likely know them as the ultimate post-workout breakfast but protein pancakes can make an appearance on their name-day, too! So, what are you waiting for? Put that shaker away and get out the whisk: it's mixing time.

Why is protein important?

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.

If you exercise a lot this number should be higher.

Why should you make your own protein pancakes?

It's worth remembering that making your pancakes – of any kind – from scratch will help you avoid the store-bought ones rammed full of sugar and added nasties. And let's be honest, they're not exactly tricky to make. Flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, butter, milk and eggs usually make up 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 literally could not be more simple.

Looking for stacks of inspiration? We've whipped up the web for 25 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. Because there's more to great toppings than a tub of Nutella. 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 – you're in charge!

So, if you want to supercharge your protein pancakes, read on. We've got you covered this pancake day!

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. 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 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 Kanye and Kim, 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 for the big day itself.

Try the recipe for yourself: ifoodreal.com