Saturday morning. Fall candle burning. Espresso brewing.
And also you’re about to flip probably the most excellent stack of pumpkin pancakes that one way or the other pack 22 grams of protein with out tasting such as you’re chewing on a health club mat.
I do know, I do know. We’ve all been personally victimized by protein pancakes earlier than. You understand those – they appear nice within the recipe picture however prove dense sufficient to make use of as doorstops, dry sufficient to soak up all moisture out of your mouth, and unhappy sufficient to make you query why you even attempt to eat wholesome. However stick with me right here, as a result of I’m about to alter your complete pancake recreation.
Let’s Get Actual for a Second
Final fall, I went by means of what I now name “The Nice Pancake Melancholy of 2024.”
Each Sunday, I’d attempt a brand new protein pancake recipe. Each Sunday, I’d find yourself disillusioned, lined in protein powder, feeding rock-hard pancake pucks to my very confused canine (who additionally rejected them, which… says rather a lot). My husband began shopping for emergency backup waffles. It was embarrassing.
However right here’s the factor about being cussed and actually loving pancakes: you don’t quit. You mix. You flip. You fail. You attempt once more.
And finally, after roughly a million horrible batches and a small fortune in protein powder, you crack the code.
These pancakes? They’re that code.
What Makes These Completely different (Moreover Every thing)
Right here’s what we’re working with: fluffy pancakes that style like pumpkin pie and pack extra protein than three eggs. They freeze superbly, reheat like a dream, and – that is essential – they really style like one thing you’d select to eat, not one thing you’re forcing down whereas grimacing at your health app.
The key isn’t sophisticated. It’s not some bizarre ingredient you need to order on-line or a method that requires a level in meals science. It’s nearly realizing what truly works versus what Instagram tells it’s best to work.
Collect Your Components (The Traditional Suspects + One Recreation Changer)
You in all probability have most of these things already:
1 cup rolled oats – We’re turning these into flour as a result of shopping for oat flour is for individuals who have their lives collectively greater than us. Simply common old style oats. Nothing fancy. You’ll be able to seize completely good oats at any grocery retailer, however I exploit Bob’s Purple Mill as a result of I’m fancy like that.
1 scoop vanilla protein powder – Pay attention, the model issues right here. Get one thing that tastes good by itself. I exploit Orgain Natural Protein Powder from Amazon – it’s creamy, truly tastes like vanilla, and doesn’t have that bizarre chalky aftermath. For those who wouldn’t drink it in a shake, it’s not going to magically style higher in pancake kind.
1/2 cup pumpkin puree – The orange stuff in a can. Pure pumpkin. Not the pie filling with all of the sugar and spices already added. I really feel like I shouldn’t need to say this, however primarily based on my DMs, I positively do.
2 giant eggs – The binding agent, the protein enhance, the explanation these don’t disintegrate while you flip them.
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk – Or common milk. Or oat milk. Or no matter milk-like substance you retain in your fridge. This isn’t the place to emphasize about dairy alternate options.
1 teaspoon baking powder – THE GAME CHANGER. That is what stands between you and hockey puck pancakes. Don’t skip. Don’t scale back. Belief the method.
The flavour crew: 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup (relying in your candy tooth), 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
Make These Pancakes
Prepared?
That is going to really feel flawed as a result of it’s too straightforward, however that’s precisely why it really works.
Step 1: Put every thing – and I imply EVERYTHING – in your blender. Oats first (in order that they’re nearer to the blades), then every thing else. No particular order. No separate bowls. No sifting. Simply dump all of it in there such as you’re making a smoothie. (For those who want a superb blender, this Ninja one from Amazon is what I exploit and it handles oats like a dream.)
Step 2: Mix for about 30-45 seconds till it appears like pancake batter. You understand what pancake batter appears like. Belief your self.
Step 3: Let it sit for precisely 2 minutes. I’m severe about this. The oats want a sizzling second to soak up some liquid and thicken up. Use this time to warmth your pan to medium warmth and mentally put together for pancake glory.
Step 4: Right here’s the place individuals mess up – the pour. Use a 1/4 cup measure for every pancake. Don’t eyeball it. Don’t go rogue. Constant dimension = constant cooking = no burnt edges with uncooked middles.
Step 5: Look ahead to the bubbles. When the floor begins wanting just like the moon (a lot of little bubble craters), flip it. About 2-3 minutes on the primary facet, 1-2 on the second.
Step 6: Stack them excessive and admire your work earlier than destroying the proof.
Troubleshooting Your Pancake Issues
As a result of I’ve made each mistake potential, let me prevent some grief:
“My batter is simply too thick” – Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, till it’s pourable however not runny. Assume melted ice cream consistency.
“They’re not cooking by means of” – Your warmth’s too excessive. Decrease it and be affected person. Pancakes will not be the place to be in a rush.
“They follow the pan” – Even non-stick pans want a bit assist. Gentle coating of butter or spray between every batch. This isn’t the time to show you don’t want oil.
“They style too wholesome” – Add one other tablespoon of maple syrup to the batter and high with actual butter. There’s no award for struggling.
Let’s Speak Toppings
Look, you can eat these plain they usually’d be high-quality.
However we’re not right here for high-quality. We’re right here for Saturday morning magic.
My go-to mixture: a pat of butter (melting into all these little pancake crevices), a drizzle of actual maple syrup (not the faux stuff), and a dollop of Greek yogurt for further protein and tanginess. If I’m feeling fancy, toasted pecans. If I’m feeling fundamental, simply syrup. Each are right.
Different glorious decisions embody peanut butter (melted for 20 seconds within the microwave for optimum drizzling), sliced bananas (potassium to steadiness all that protein), whipped cream (as a result of Saturday), or simply an aggressive quantity of cinnamon on high.
Storage Secrets and techniques from a Meal Prep Convert
Right here’s what modified my life: making a triple batch on Sunday and freezing them.
Layer them between parchment paper (wax paper works too for those who’re not valuable about it), stick them in a freezer bag, squeeze out the air, and freeze for as much as 2 months. Although actually, in the event that they final greater than two weeks, you might have extra self-control than me.
Reheat instantly from frozen within the toaster. I’m speaking straight from freezer to toaster, no defrosting, no microwave, simply pop them in like Eggo waffles however infinitely higher. Two cycles on medium warmth often does it.
For the fridge individuals (I see you, non-committal meal preppers): they’ll hold for about 4 days in an hermetic container. Microwave for 30 seconds or toast them for a bit crispy motion.
The Numbers Half
Per serving (which is 3 good-sized pancakes):
- 310 energy (lower than a bagel with cream cheese)
- 22g protein (greater than a protein bar)
- 38g carbs (the great type that gas your day)
- 8g fats (protecting you happy)
- 6g fiber (your intestine well being thanks you)
Your Burning Questions Answered
“Do I actually need a blender?”
You could possibly attempt mixing by hand for those who purchase oat flour, however actually, the blender is doing 90% of the work right here. It’s 2024. Embrace know-how.
“Can I make these vegan?”
Change eggs with flax eggs (2 tbsp floor flaxseed + 5 tbsp water, let it gel for five minutes). They received’t be fairly as fluffy however nonetheless excellent.
“What if I’m allergic to oats?”
Strive almond flour as an alternative, however use solely 3/4 cup because it’s denser. The feel can be totally different however nonetheless pancake-adjacent.
“Can I prep the batter the evening earlier than?”
You’ll be able to, however the baking powder will lose its mojo in a single day they usually received’t be as fluffy. For those who should, add an additional 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder proper earlier than cooking.
“Why did my canine reject the opposite protein pancakes however loves these?”
As a result of canines know. They all the time know.
Extra Excessive-Protein Fall Breakfast Wins
For those who’re on this entire “protein at breakfast with out struggling” practice, you’re going to like my Excessive-Protein Pumpkin Pie In a single day Oats too. For while you need 25g of protein however can’t be bothered to activate the range. Make them Sunday evening, seize them working out the door Monday morning.
The very best half? When you nail these pancakes and people in a single day oats, you’ll understand wholesome breakfast doesn’t need to style like cardboard and unhappiness. Revolutionary, I do know.
Closing Ideas from a Reformed Pancake Pessimist
I used to assume protein pancakes have been a lie informed by health influencers who forgot what actual meals tastes like.
These modified my thoughts.
They’re proof that wholesome meals doesn’t need to style like punishment, you could have your pancakes and your protein too, and that generally the perfect recipes come from failing 47 occasions first.
Make them this weekend. Or don’t, and hold choking down these protein bars that style like chocolate-flavored chalk whereas watching everybody else take pleasure in actual breakfast.
Your alternative.
However while you do make them (and you’ll, as a result of pancakes), and also you’re sitting there with a heat stack, espresso in hand, feeling such as you’ve one way or the other cheated the system by consuming one thing this good that’s additionally good for you – simply keep in mind this second.
That is what successful at breakfast appears like.
P.S. – For those who’re the one that’s going to DM me asking if you should utilize water as an alternative of milk and no eggs and substitute the protein powder with extra oats… simply make common pancakes. These aren’t for you.
