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Apple Cinnamon Protein Pancakes

Liz DellaCroce Avatar

LIZ DELLA CROCE

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Fuel your day with these delicious apple cinnamon protein pancakes! Naturally gluten-free, sweetened with fruit, and packed with protein, they satisfy your cravings while keeping you full and energized.

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prep time5 minutes

Pouring syrup on a stack of apple cinnamon protein pancakes

If you follow me on Instagram or read my blog regularly, you’ve probably noticed how much I love smoothies and oatmeal. In fact, they are my go-to breakfast most days of the week. But every now and then I crave a hearty stack of warm pancakes. Who doesn’t? That’s why I love these guilt-free Apple Cinnamon Protein Pancakes, and you will, too!

Instead of the white flour and sugar-laden pancakes that cause blood sugar levels to spike, I encourage you to switch to the combination of protein and fiber. Not only will it add texture and flavor to the pancakes, but it will also help sustain your energy levels. And they’re naturally gluten-free! Another trick? Fresh fruit are a natural source of sugar that not only sweeten the pancakes but also add vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber not found in white sugar.

Want some other healthy pancake options for your breakfast rotation? Try my Gluten Free Pumpkin Pancakes or Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Pancakes.

Why You’ll Love These Pancakes

  • They’re naturally gluten-free and naturally sweetened!
  • You’ll feel fuller for longer, keeping you energized all morning long.
  • Easy to freeze and reheat, so great for meal prepping!

Ingredients

  • Oats: Whether rolled or steel-cut, both work wonders as a fiber and antioxidant rich base for pancakes.
  • Flaxseed meal: Tasteless in the pancakes, but a major contributor of fiber and omega 3 fatty acids.
  • Protein powder: I use Biochem whey protein powder, vanilla flavored, but you could use any kind! Whatever you have and is your favorite.
  • Apples: Whether using apple sauce or freshly grated, apples are a deliciously sweet way to add flavor, nutrients, and natural sweetness to cooking and baking. I use gala or Fuji.
  • Bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter the flavor. With a natural creamy texture when mashed, bananas are an obvious choice to naturally sweeten things in the kitchen.
  • Spices: Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves add amazing flavor and sweetness.

Easy Substitutions

  • Make it dairy free. You can easily use almond or oat milk in place of cow’s milk in this pancake recipe, and use a plant based protein powder.
  • Egg free pancakes. If you can’t have eggs, you can replace them with apple sauce and a pinch of extra baking powder.
  • No protein powder? No problem. If you don’t have protein powder, you can still make these pancakes without it. If the batter is too runny, you may need to add a little bit of flour or additional oats.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Protein Pancakes

Liz grating an apple with a cheese grater into a glass bowl.

Step 1. Grate an apple with a cheese grater into a large glass bowl.

Oats being measured into a glass bowl.

Step 2. Add the oats to the bowl with the grated apple.

Liz pouring milk into batter in a bowl.

Step 3. Next add the mashed banana and the milk.

Adding cinnamon to batter in a bowl

Step 4. Add the flax seed meal, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and a pinch of salt.

Adding eggs to pancake batter in glass bowl.

Step 5. Mix in your two eggs.

Adding protein powder to a bowl of ingredients

Step 6. Finish with the protein powder.

Mixing up pancake batter in a glass bowl.

Step 7. Stir all of the ingredients together until fully incorporated into a thick batter.

Protein pancakes cooking on a griddle.

Step 8. Spray a pre-heated griddle with non-stick spray, dollop some batter into circles, and cook each side for about 3 minutes.

Apple cinnamon protein pancakes on a plate topped with butter and maple syrup.

Serve by themselves, or with pure maple syrup for a delicious, protein packed breakfast.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you lower the cholesterol in pancakes?

If you’re looking to lower the cholesterol, all you need to do is use 4 egg whites instead of 2 eggs.

How do I store leftovers?

You can freeze them, or put them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

When should I eat protein pancakes?

They are best as a breakfast or pre-workout, as the protein keeps you energized throughout the workout or throughout the morning.

Apple cinnamon protein pancakes topped with butter and served with cinnamon sticks.

More Breakfast Recipes

Like It, Eat It, Share It!

Did you try these pancakes and love them? The next time you make them, snap a picture and share it to your socials! Tag @thelemonbowl and #thelemonbowl so we can admire and share your dish, I hope you enjoy!

Delicious, healthy, and fast, these Apple Cinnamon Protein Pancakes are perfect for breakfast.

Your fork is waiting.

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Apple Cinnamon Protein Pancakes?

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Apple Cinnamon Protein Pancakes

Liz Della Croce
4.36 stars average
Naturally sweetened with fruit, these apple cinnamon protein pancakes are gluten-free and will fill you up while fulfilling the sweet craving in a healthy way.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
CourseBreakfast
Serves4

Ingredients
 
 

Instructions
 

  1. Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and set aside.
    1 1/2 cups oats, 1 apple, 1 banana, 1/2 cup milk, 2 eggs, 1/4 cup protein powder, 2 tablespoons flax seed meal, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves, 1/4 teaspoon salt
  2. Heat griddle or non-stick saute pan over medium-high heat. Spray with non-stick spray once hot.
  3. Pour pancakes on to griddle, 1/4 cup at a time, and cook until the first side is browned – about 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook additional 2-3 minutes or until the second side is browned.
  4. Continue working in batches until all of the pancake batter is gone.
  5. Serve with pure maple syrup.
    pure maple syrup to serve

Liz’s Notes

Not counting calories? Go crazy and cook these in butter or canola oil. Want to lower the cholesterol? Use 4 egg whites instead of 2 eggs. (But yolks contain a lot of minerals and vitamins!!)

Nutrition

Calories: 253kcal | Carbohydrates: 38.8g | Protein: 14.1g | Fat: 5.9g | Saturated Fat: 1.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.5g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 196mg | Fiber: 6.4g | Sugar: 11.2g

Have you tried my


Apple Cinnamon Protein Pancakes?

Leave a 🌟 star rating and let us know how you liked it in the 📝 comments and share it on Instagram, Facebook & Pinterest.

We love hearing from you! This helps us continue to provide free, high-quality recipes.


4.36 from 14 votes (10 ratings without comment)

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42 responses to “Apple Cinnamon Protein Pancakes”

  1. Lori Avatar
    Lori

    As my kids say “to be honest…”
    I didn’t love the texture of these when cooked in a pan. However, I used the same ingredients and baked the batter. They turned out more like a cookie/muffin top. Easy to freeze then grab on the go.

  2. Denise Tiemissen Avatar
    Denise Tiemissen

    I found your website while looking for a recipe for protein packed pancakes. I just tried the Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Protein Pancakes. Wow! Great recipe! And it made my house smell so good! Thank you much for sharing it!
    I’m so glad I came across your website! The recipes you share look so simple and full of fresh ingredients. I tried the Shish Tawook Chicken and the Lebanese Hummus with Toasted Pine Nuts last night. Both were a hit with my family and me! The best Hummus recipe I’ve ever made! Thank you!
    Denise

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      So glad you found my website Denise!!! Keep me posted on the other recipes you try – I have over 1000 now!!! Are you signed up to get my weekly newsletter? It’s a great way to stay up to date with my new recipes each week. :)

  3. Kimberly Avatar
    Kimberly

    Looks fantastic, but I don’t use protein powders (I use hemp seeds in smoothies for extra protein.) Any suggestions for what to sub for the protein powder? Coconut flour maybe? Thanks!! I’m hoping my 14 year old son will like these for breakfast. He’s not hungry in the morning and it’s hard to get something healthy into him on school mornings at 7 a.m.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Coconut flour should work!! Let me know if you try it!! Enjoy!

      1. Nicole Avatar
        Nicole

        But you don’t state how much – a scoop is not a measurement.

        1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
          Liz DellaCroce

          Hi Nicole – Sorry about that! I just edited the recipe to include the measurement.

  4. Rachel @ Baked by Rachel Avatar
    Rachel @ Baked by Rachel

    Duh… apples, cinnamon and oatmeal – I’m in! Obviously! ;)

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      These are so good! I had them for breakfast this morning and wondered why I don’t make them more often. :)

  5. Janell Avatar
    Janell

    This sounds awesome! I’m going to try it this weekend. What kind of apples did you use..Granny Smith or red apples?

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      I usually use Gala apples but use whatever your favorite type of apples are! Granny smith might be a bit too tart but it’s up to you. :)

  6. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
    Liz DellaCroce

    I wish we were eating them together!!

  7. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
    Liz DellaCroce

    These are so good!!! Let me know if you try them!!!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      hahahha Sadly we are pretty much stuck with apples until strawberries pop up in June. It’s a loooonnnnggg winter. It’s part of the reason I hold off on buying them until the last minute!!! Let me know if you try these. :)

  8. Julee Avatar
    Julee

    These were wonderful! Such great flavor. Thank you so much. My husband even loved them.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Thank you so much for letting me know! I’m so glad to hear!!!

  9. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
    Liz DellaCroce

    SO glad to hear!! Keep me posted if you try anything else!

  10. Deanna Murray Avatar
    Deanna Murray

    We made these today and they are amazing!! Easy, tasty and very filling.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      So glad to hear!! Thank you for letting me know. :-)

  11. Renee Avatar
    Renee

    These were a bit tricky to keep from falling apart on me but I loved the taste!
    Thank you!

    1. Renee Avatar
      Renee

      Oh AND I sauteed half an apple with a little cinnamon and honey while these cooked for a topper! Delish!

      1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
        Liz DellaCroce

        Oooo GREAT idea!!!!!!

    2. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Pancakes are always a little tricky for me too! I often have to have the heat lower than I want to keep it. Glad you liked them!!

  12. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
    Liz DellaCroce

    Thanks so much Addie!! They are really good and filling.

  13. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
    Liz DellaCroce

    Thank you friend!! The protein powder works really well and I find they do keep me fuller much longer. :-) Mmmm…maple syrup…

  14. Cari Avatar
    Cari

    These were amazing, I didn’t have flax seed so I added in a couple table spoons of sun flowers seeds for some added texture. Yummmmm!! Thanks for a great breakfast food!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Wow what a great idea, Cari!! I bet they turned out great with the sun flower seeds!

  15. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
    Liz DellaCroce

    It’s like having your pancakes and eating them too! :-)

  16. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
    Liz DellaCroce

    You need to make these!! So good!!

  17. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
    Liz DellaCroce

    I only have one and he’s just 16 months but he couldn’t get enough of these. (Husband too!!) Let me know what they think! :-)

  18. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
    Liz DellaCroce

    It’s so funny you mention that – I have plans this weekend to do just that!! Every week day I wish I had them in the freezer!!

  19. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
    Liz DellaCroce

    I started grating apples a lot because my 16 month old can’t quite chew apple chunks yet. We do it in oatmeal a lot too! Have a great weekend Amanda!

  20. Allison @ Life's a Bowl Avatar
    Allison @ Life’s a Bowl

    Yummm, oatcakes! I’ve been eating them daily since I whipped up a back a few weeks ago- love the texture oats add :D

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      I need to start eating them more often – I also LOVE the texture of the oats!! :-)

  21. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
    Liz DellaCroce

    LOL. I heart you. :-)

  22. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
    Liz DellaCroce

    Fruit is a great way to sweeten and moisten pancakes without sugar and butter. Let me know what you think!! :)

  23. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
    Liz DellaCroce

    I’m the same way – I had stopped making them for awhile for that very reason but I’m really learning that there are so many great ways to create healthy pancakes. Enjoy Lauren!

  24. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
    Liz DellaCroce

    I knew they were a hit when my husband and 16 month old both cleared their plates. The apples really add a lot of great moisture and flavor. Enjoy!!

  25. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
    Liz DellaCroce

    Thanks so much Robyn. Happy Friday!!

  26. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
    Liz DellaCroce

    Too funny Dara!! Yes I started grating apple a lot for my little one who can’t quite chew apples yet. We do it in oatmeal all the time. :-) Happy Friday!

  27. Carrie @ Bakeaholic Mama Avatar
    Carrie @ Bakeaholic Mama

    Ohhhhh these sound fantastic. I think I will make these post workout on Sunday for Hubs and I. YUM

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Yes – these are PERFECT post workout!! Very filling. Enjoy Carrie!