These absurdly simple Protein-Packed Pancakes have me a little fixated on them! Light and fluffy and incredibly tasty, they are made using egg whites, protein powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and store-bought pancake mix. All week long, relish a straightforward and nutritious breakfast by include them in your weekend meal prep.
If you love pancakes for breakfast but want to enjoy a healthier option, these Super Easy Protein Pancakes made with just five ingredients are the perfect solution! They’re also great for anyone who wants a high-protein breakfast meal prep idea that is sweet, not savory (sometimes, I just can’t do another egg muffin, lol)!
I have spent the last year working with a fitness coach, and one of the daily habits I am committed to is getting a baseline of 30 grams of protein onto my plate for each meal at Ridiculously Easy Protein Pancakes with Pancake Mix.
If you follow me on Instagram, you know these pancakes have become a staple in my weekly routine. I like to call them my semi-homemade protein pancakes because I use a store-bought pancake mix as the base. I usually prepare five days worth of these pancakes when I am doing my meal prep, so I have them ready for a busy week. Let me show you how I do it!
How to meal prep protein pancakes
Think about your future self and how much time you can save if you prepare some protein pancake jars ahead of time. Here’s all you have to do (you’ve got this!) at Ridiculously Easy Protein Pancakes with Pancake Mix:
- Storage container: I like to use fat, short 16-ounce mason jars. They are great for prepping the dry ingredients for these protein pancakes and also work really well for overnight oats.
- Pancake mix: Add 1/3 cup (or 40 grams) of pancake mix to each jar.
- Extra add-ins: For flavor, add 1/4 tsp cinnamon. To make the pancakes light and fluffy, add 1/8 tsp baking soda. I also added 2-3 grams of fiber powder, which is optional (more details are below!).
- Protein powder: Add half a scoop (2.5 tablespoons or 13 grams) of vanilla protein powder at Ridiculously Easy Protein Pancakes with Pancake Mix.
- Store: Repeat this with however many jars you want to prep for the week; for me, that’s usually 5 or 6. Pop on the lid, and store them in a cool, dry place.
- To prepare: Grab one of the pre-prepped pancake jars, mix in the liquid egg whites, and cook in an 8-inch skillet until golden brown on both sides at Ridiculously Easy Protein Pancakes with Pancake Mix.
Ingredients needed
This protein pancake recipe requires just 5 key ingredients, plus one extra that I like to stir in for extra fiber. They couldn’t be easier to whip up and they pack in nearly 25 grams of protein for just one pancake. Here is a note on all of the ingredients needed:
- Pancake mix: I always use the Simple Mills Almond Flour Pancake Mix (which is also gluten-free). It creates a soft, light, fluffy pancake, but I bet you could use just about any pancake mix you prefer or have on hand—I tend to think they would all work.
- Protein powder: Vanilla protein powder helps to boost the protein content and tastes great. I like the taste and texture of whey protein, but you can use a plant-based option if you prefer.
- Baking soda: Don’t skip this step! It’s the secret to creating a super fluffy pancake.
- Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon always! It adds the most delicious, cozy, warm flavor.
- Fiber powder: It’s optional but I like to add NOW acacia fiber powder for plenty of fiber and a filling breakfast at Ridiculously Easy Protein Pancakes with Pancake Mix.
- Liquid egg whites: This is all the liquid you need! Egg whites help to boost the protein even more and keep the pancakes nice and light!
How to make this recipe
OK! Get ready and don’t blink – these super easy protein pancakes come together in a flash. You’ll notice I like to cook mine into one big pancake, but you can certainly make smaller pancakes if you prefer a stack.
Don’t forget your toppings! My favorite way to finish these protein pancakes is topped with nut butter or PBFit (lower fat with higher protein option!) and some fresh berries. Maple syrup would also be delicious.
Helpful tips
Let’s make sure your pancakes turn out just right! Here are a few friendly tips to keep in mind.
- One serving: This recipe makes one big pancake, which is one serving. You can also make them smaller if you prefer a stack of pancakes. Each serving is loaded with protein, very filling, and has a good balance of carbs, protein, and healthy fats. If you like numbers, here’s the breakdown per serving: 278 calories,
- What type of pan: Use any nonstick pan or nonstick griddle. I like to use a smaller 8-inch pan, so that one pancake perfectly takes up the entire surface area.
- When to flip: The pancakes are ready to flip when the edges are set and you see little bubbles on the surface of the pancakes. This is about 2 minutes per side.
- Keep warm: If you’re making multiple pancakes for your family, to keep cooked pancakes warm until you have them all ready, place cooked pancakes in a 200ºF oven to keep them warm at Ridiculously Easy Protein Pancakes with Pancake Mix.
Variations
- Use a different pancake mix: Follow the same measurements, and this recipe should work fine with other pancake mixes. However, I’ve only used the Simple Mills almond flour pancake mix, so I can’t for sure.
- Toppings: Yes, please! Add fresh fruit, a dollop of yogurt, nut butter, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, and/or a drizzle of maple syrup. There are so many options at Ridiculously Easy Protein Pancakes with Pancake Mix!
- Flavorings: Add some grated nutmeg or fresh lemon zest to change up the flavor! Vanilla or almond extract would also be a delicious way to add an extra flavor boost.
How to store leftovers
Aside from prepping jars of pancake mix, you can also prep cooked pancakes because they store wonderfully. Quadruple the batch and you’ll have pancakes to enjoy all week long! These make a great grab-and-go breakfast for those busy mornings. Here is how you can store (or freeze) them at Ridiculously Easy Protein Pancakes with Pancake Mix:
- In the refrigerator: When the pancakes have cooled, place them in an airtight container or zip-top bag and store them in your fridge for up to about 4 days at Ridiculously Easy Protein Pancakes with Pancake Mix.
- In the freezer: Place the leftover pancakes in an airtight zip-top bag and label it with the date. They will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. No need to thaw before reheating!
- Reheat: When you’re ready to eat a pancake, pop it in the microwave for about 45 seconds or rewarm in a toaster oven at Ridiculously Easy Protein Pancakes with Pancake Mix.
More healthy pancake recipes
- Peanut Butter Protein Pancakes
- Oatmeal Pancakes
- Sheet Pan Pancakes (keto + paleo!)
- Pumpkin Protein Pancakes
Ridiculously Easy Protein Pancakes with Pancake Mix
I’m slightly obsessed with these Super Easy Protein Pancakes! Made with just five ingredients (store-bought pancake mix, protein powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and egg whites), they are light, fluffy, and packed with protein and fiber. Meal prep the pancake base ahead and have an easy, healthy breakfast recipe ready for a busy week at Ridiculously Easy Protein Pancakes with Pancake Mix.
Course: BREAKFAST
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free, Low Calorie
Author: Dani Spies
Prep Time5minutes mins
Cook Time5minutes mins
Total Time10minutes mins
Servings:1 serving
Calories:255kcal
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup (40 grams) Simple Mills almond flour pancake mix
- 5 tablespoons (13 grams) vanilla protein powder
- 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
- dash of cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon (2 grams) NOW acacia fiber powder (optional)
- 1/3 cup (90 grams) liquid egg whites
Instructions
- Whisk all of the ingredients to fully combine in a large bowl.
- Pour into an 8-inch nonstick pan. Cook for 2 minutes on each side.
- Top with any favorite toppings! I love to top my pancake with PBFit or natural peanut butter and fresh berries.
Notes
Storage tips:
- In the refrigerator: When the pancakes have cooled, place them in an airtight container or zip-top bag and store them in your fridge for up to about 4 days at Ridiculously Easy Protein Pancakes with Pancake Mix.
- To store leftover pancakes in the freezer, put them in an airtight zip-top bag and mark the date on it. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Pancake Mix for Ridiculously Easy Protein Pancakes doesn’t require thawing before reheating!
- Reheat: When you’re ready to eat a pancake, pop it in the microwave for about 45 seconds or rewarm in a toaster oven.
Nutrition
Serving: 1pancake | Calories: 255kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 8g | Sodium: 271mg | Potassium: 132mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 0.1mg