This is a simple and satisfying vanilla protein pancakes recipe you can make to pack a little more punch into your morning meal.  Dashes of vanilla and cinnamon are added to bump up the cozy warm flavor in these easy morning pancakes that will start you off right.

An Easy vanilla protein pancakes recipe with a Basic Homemade Pancake Batter

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This very simple pancake batter will yield 8 to 10 pancakes, depending on how wide you pour them, and they’ll carry about 20 to 30 more grams of extra protein than regular pancakes.  

A few simple ingredients like milk, egg, and melted butter give these homemade easy pancakes a moist buttery finish without a complicated process.  Cinnamon and vanilla add a hint of cozy warm flavor for a delicious pancake packed with protein.  

Add Vanilla and Cinnamon for Warmth

To bump up those vanilla notes with extra flavor, I like to add a bit of Trader Joe’s Bourbon Vanilla Bean paste and then add my dashes of cinnamon.  If you don’t have this available, or would prefer to use regular vanilla, simply replace the vanilla paste with a 1 to 1 ratio of good quality vanilla extract.

What Kind of Protein Powder Do I use for the protein pancakes?

I know there are a lot of products out there and a lot of different protein powders, so go with what you know tastes good and with what you already have experience using.  Use your favorite vanilla protein powder and sprinkle it in with the dry ingredients, which you’ll sift into the bowl first.  

A lot of people already have their favorite powder picked out, but if you’re still shopping around, here are a few popular and well-liked brands:

• Body Fortress Vanilla Whey Protein:
  • This is the one I use in this recipe. It has a rich vanilla taste and mixes effortlessly with water, milk, or your favorite shake recipe for a creamy, satisfying protein drink. 30 grams of protein per serving.
• Premier Protein Powder:
  • Mix, Bake, Blend – recreate your favorites smoothie, pancakes, muffins, cookies, donuts, brownies, or protein bars with 30 grams of protein per serving.
• Garden of Life Protein Powder: This is the same protein powder I used in my pumpkin protein pancakes linked below. Build and repair muscle with completely plant based protein powder, 4g BCAAs, and 5g fiber in just 130 calories per serving of vegan protein powder. 22 grams of protein per serving.
• Sunwarrior Protein Powder: A best-selling vanilla protein powder. Enjoy all the amino acids of whey protein without the bloat or discomfort with our vegan organic plant protein powder made from nutrient dense Hemp seed and Pea protein complex. 17 grams of protein per serving.

Ingredients To Make High Protein Pancakes:

• All purpose flour
• Vanilla Protein Powder
• Cinnamon 
• Baking Powder
• White sugar
• Salt
• Vanilla 
• Milk
• Egg
• Melted Butter – unsalted

How To Make Easy Vanilla Protein Pancake Recipe

• Place a sifter over a large mixing bowl and sift the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, sugar, and salt together into the bowl. Set aside and combine the wet ingredients in a separate bowl.
• Whisk together milk, egg, and vanilla. Now, lastly, whisk in the melted butter.
• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients little by little and stir together until combined. Some small lumps are normal.
• Now with the same sifter you used for the dry ingredients, dust the protein powder into the batter. Gently shake your sifter and dust in the protein powder a little bit at a time, folding in with a spatula stirring and incorporating until the protein powder is finished passing through the sifter and incorporated.

Remember:

• Adding the protein powder in with the batter will thicken it a little.
• The exact effect will depend on the protein powder you use.
• Just keep in mind, if the batter is too thick, you can always add another splash of milk to loosen.
• If batter is too thin, carefully add another teaspoon or so of flour to thicken.

You’re basically looking for a thick yet pourable consistency that you can scoop up and pour onto the pan without much fuss.

To Cook Vanilla Protein Pancakes:

• Using a buttered pre-heated griddle or non-stick skillet, over medium heat, cook the pancakes.  
• Drop a dab of butter in the center of the skillet and use a 1/3 cup scoop to drop pancake batter over the buttered spot in the pan.  If you’d like a smaller size pancake, use a 1/4 cup scoop.
• Cook pancakes over medium-high heat until nicely browned underneath and little air bubbles begin to pop open over the uncooked (top) side of the pancake.  About 1 to 2 mins.  
• Using a wide pancake spatula, flip the pancake and cook another minute or until golden brown.  Remove and set aside on a serving platter.  Repeat process with remaining batter until batter is finished.

TO Cook vanilla protein waffles

• Pre-heat your waffle maker or waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions. Spray with a bit of non-stick cooking spray, if desired.
• Using a ladle, drizzle the same batter over the hot iron in a circular motion.
• Cook the waffles according to manufacturer’s instructions until lightly crispy on the outside and golden brown.

vanilla protein pancakes recipe Serving Suggestions:

• Serve these vanilla protein pancakes warm, smeared with a few more dabs of butter and a drizzle of maple syrup on top.
• Serve topped with fresh fruit such as sliced bananas, butter, and syrup.
• Serve dusted with a sprinkling of powdered sugar and fresh berries on top such as fresh sliced strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries.  Blueberry banana pancakes are a nice combination!
• If you have any leftover, re-heat and smear with a bit of peanut butter as a protein-packed midday snack with even more added grams of protein.

If you like a little cozy fall spice, try these easy pumpkin protein pancakes made with pumpkin purée and pumpkin pie spice, or these moist banana pumpkin muffins!  They make a perfect breakfast for the cozy season!

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