Walnut Banana Protein Pancakes
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
These banana protein pancakes offer a healthier twist on a classic morning treat. Packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, crunchy walnuts, creamy bananas, whole wheat flour, and a protein punch ā they're the perfect blend of nutrition and indulgence. Get ready for a stack that's not only delicious but also fuels your day with energy and flavor!
For another healthy pancake recipe, check out these whole wheat pancakes.
These delicious walnut banana protein pancakes are our go-to Sunday morning breakfast. Bananas and walnuts are a comforting flavor combo, and they're packed full of protein and made without any refined sugar. They also reheat beautifully for easy weekday breakfasts, so make some extra pancakes to warm up for easy weekday breakfasts.
Banana protein pancakes use wholesome ingredients like whole wheat flour, oats, and collagen powder, providing added fiber and protein compared to traditional pancake recipes. They're denser than regular fluffy pancakes and, because of the bananas in them, they're also tender and moist. Don't skip the caramelized bananas on top ā they're divine!
Ingredients needed
Protein banana pancakes are full of flavor and protein that will keep you full for a long time!Ā This is what you need:
- Quick oats:Ā Gives the pancakes a hearty texture while adding fiber.
- Whole wheat flour:Ā Helps with the structure and makes the pancakes more filling.
- Collagen powder:Ā We used Vital Proteins for a protein boost without flavor, but you can use your favorite protein powder.
- Baking powder: Acts as a leavening agent, giving the pancakes a lighter and fluffier texture.
- Cinnamon:Ā For a touch of warmth.
- Bananas: Adds natural sweetness and moisture to the pancakes.
- Milk: Contributes to the batter's consistency and moisture.
- Eggs:Ā Binds everything together.
- Chopped walnuts:Ā For a little nutty crunch.
- Butter: Or a neutral flavored oil for the pan.
- Maple syrup:Ā Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup over your pancakes!
How to make banana protein pancakes
Banana protein recipes are super simple and forgiving ā we don't even get out the measuring cups for this one. Here are the instructions:
- Make the batter: Whisk the dry ingredients together in a bowl. Mash the bananas in a large bowl and then stir in the milk and eggs. Then add the dry ingredients and stir just until it comes together.
- Cook and flip: Pour the batter into a hot, oiled pan and cook for around five minutes. Then flip the pancake over and cook it for 2 minutes on the other side.
- Enjoy: Serve the banana protein pancakes either on their own or with the caramelized bananas, candied walnuts, and some maple syrup on top!
Tips for making banana protein pancakes
These banana protein pancakes are versatile and simple ā here are some tips to keep in mind:
- The batter will look quite chunky when you pour it into the pan. Don't worry, it will bind together.
- Just like with regular pancakes, you want the middle to look bubbly and start to dry before you flip them. It's a little harder to tell when these guys are ready to flip as they're not as smooth as a regular pancake. See that the top begins to dry and turn matte before you flip them.
- If you don't have a non-stick pan, use butter to cook them to prevent sticking.
- You can switch up the nuts or use a combination. We really like using pecans, too.
- If you don't have a griddle, you can use a few frying pans to cook several pancakes at the same time if you'd like.
- The recipe is very forgiving ā we often make it without measuring cups and it always comes out great.
Also, try these low-carb pumpkin pancakes and these delicious almond flour pancakes!
Best protein powder for pancakes
We like using collagen powder in these pancakes as it gives them a big boost in protein without adding any flavor. This recipe was tested with our favorite collagen powder,Ā Vital Proteins. If you prefer a different kind of protein powder, you can use that instead. Just make sure that you like the flavor as you will taste it in the pancakes!
Choosing the best protein powder for you will depend on your dietary preferences, taste preferences, and any specific nutritional goals you may have. Whey protein powder is derived from milk and considered a great choice for enhancing muscle protein synthesis. You can also find a plant-based protein powder. For pancakes, look for a complementary flavor like vanilla or banana.
What to serve with banana protein pancakes
If you're feasting for breakfast, enjoy these pancakes alongside some homemade sausages and next to a healthy breakfast salad.
Mix it up and sub out the maple syrup for fun flavors, like this rhubarb syrup or hibiscus syrup, or a bourbon fig jam with vanilla.
Wash those pancakes down with a nutella latte, almond butter latte, or Irish cream latte ā or go down the smoothie route with a kiwi smoothie or mango pineapple smoothie.
Recipe FAQs
What other toppings can go on banana protein pancakes?
The caramelized bananas are simply perfect. And you can make double the candied walnuts so you can enjoy them as salad toppings throughout the week, too! You can play with variations of the fruits and nuts ā our top picks are sliced pear, strawberries or blueberries, almonds, pecans, chia seeds, or sunflower seeds. You can put a dollop of peanut butter, another nut butter, honey, greek yogurt, coconut flakes, chocolate chips, cinnamon sugar, or coconut whipped cream. Or, add a few drops of vanilla extract into the batter.
Can I store leftover banana protein pancakes?
Absolutely ā these reheat really well so you can make them on a Sunday and enjoy them for weekday breakfasts. Store them in the fridge in an airtight container. If you're storing them in the freezer, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I make these gluten-free or dairy-free?
To make these gluten-free, choose gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour alternative. To make these dairy-free, sub the milk for your preferred dairy-free milk, like oat milk.
More pancake recipes
Banana Protein Pancakes Recipe
Ingredients
Walnut Banana Protein Pancakes
- 1 Ā½ cups quick oats
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- Ā¼ cup collagen powder (see notes)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Ā½ teaspoon sea salt
- 2 medium bananas (chopped)
- 1 Ā½ cups milk
- 2 large eggs
- Ā½ cup chopped walnuts
- Butter or neutral-flavored oil (for the pan ā see notes)
- Maple syrup (to serve)
If you want to fancy up your pancakes, add these extras
Caramelized Bananas
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- 1 banana (sliced)
Candied Walnuts
- Ā½ cup walnuts
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk the oats, flour, collagen powder, baking powder, cinnamon, and sea salt.1 Ā½ cups quick oats, Ā¼ cup collagen powder, 1 tablespoon baking powder, Ā½ teaspoon sea salt, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 cup whole wheat flour
- In a large bowl, mash the bananas and then stir in the milk and eggs.2 medium bananas, 1 Ā½ cups milk, 2 large eggs
- Add the dry ingredients and the walnuts and stir just until it comes together. Do not over mix.Ā½ cup chopped walnuts
- Heat a small amount of butter in a non-stick frying pan over medium-low heat. Add Ā¼ cup of the batter to the pan and let the pancake cook for 4-5 minutes, until it appears mostly dry on the sides and a few bubbles form on top. Flip the pancake over and cook it for 2 minutes on the other side. Repeat with the remaining batter, buttering the pan between each pancake.Butter or neutral-flavored oil
- Serve the banana protein pancakes either on their own or with the caramelized bananas, candied walnuts, and some maple syrup on top.Maple syrup
To make the optional toppings
- While the pancakes are cooking, make the caramelized bananas and candied walnuts. Heat 1 teaspoon of coconut oil in a small frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the banana slices and let them cook undisturbed for 1 minute. When they are caramelized on one side, remove them from the pan and place them on a piece of parchment paper, caramelized side facing up.1 banana, 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- In the same pan, add the walnuts, honey, and coconut oil. Bring to a boil and let it continue to boil while stirring frequently until the honey starts to brown. Immediately remove the pan from the heat and spread the walnuts out in a single layer on the parchment paper with the bananas.Ā½ cup walnuts, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 teaspoon coconut oil
Video
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
For more inspiration, check out all of our pancake recipesĀ and our breakfast recipes!
I made these on the weekend and everyone loved them. Nice to have a healthy alternative to regular pancakes. Will make your recipe again!
Hi Kristen, can I use almond flour?
I haven’t tried it with almond flour so I’m sorry but I can’t say for sure if it would work or not.
looks yummy! can i use whole wheat flour instead of all purpose? or will it become too dense?
I haven’t tried it with whole wheat flour but I suspect it will work just fine!