Save to Pinterest Mornings in my tiny apartment kitchen used to be chaotic affairs until I discovered that breakfast could actually be exciting. This protein pancake bowl started as a desperate attempt to use up a overripe banana and some protein powder I had abandoned months earlier. Now it is the one breakfast that makes me actually want to get out of bed.
My roommate walked in on me taking photos of this bowl at the kitchen table and just shook her head. But then she asked for a bite and proceeded to eat half of it. Now we make pancake bowls every Sunday morning and take turns choosing the toppings.
Ingredients
- 1 large egg and 2 egg whites: Using whole egg plus whites gives structure and richness without too much extra fat or calories
- 1/3 cup unsweetened almond milk: Any milk works but almond keeps the batter light and lets the other flavors shine through
- 1/2 cup rolled oats: These create that authentic pancake texture and provide fiber to keep you full for hours
- 1 scoop protein powder: Vanilla or unflavored works best and transforms breakfast into a serious protein boost
- 1 medium ripe banana: Half goes into the batter for natural sweetness and half becomes fresh topping on your finished bowl
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: This is what makes the pancake puff up beautifully instead of staying flat and dense
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Optional but adds such warmth and depth that I never skip it anymore
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Pure vanilla makes everything taste more expensive and homemade
- 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt: A secret addition that keeps the pancake incredibly moist and tender
- Pinch of salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and bring all flavors together
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil: For cooking and adding the most subtle buttery richness to your pancake
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt: The cool creamy element that makes this a bowl instead of just pancakes on a plate
- Fresh berries: Blueberries strawberries or raspberries add bright tart contrast to the sweet warm pancake
- 1 tablespoon nut butter: Warm it slightly to drizzle over the top like an indulgent sauce
- 1 tablespoon chopped nuts: Walnuts almonds or pumpkin seeds add satisfying crunch and healthy fats
- Honey or maple syrup: Just a teaspoon or two for that finishing touch of sweetness
Instructions
- Blend your batter:
- Combine the oats protein powder egg egg whites almond milk half banana baking powder cinnamon vanilla yogurt salt and sweetener in a blender. Blend until completely smooth and creamy adding a splash more milk if it seems too thick or a tablespoon of oats if too thin.
- Heat your pan:
- Warm a nonstick skillet over medium heat then add coconut oil swirling to coat the bottom. Reduce heat to medium low when the oil shimmers and a water drop sizzles on contact.
- Cook the pancake:
- Pour all batter into the skillet for one large thick pancake or make two smaller ones if you prefer. Cook 3 to 4 minutes until edges set and bubbles appear then flip carefully and cook 2 to 3 minutes more until golden and cooked through.
- Build your bowl:
- Transfer the warm pancake to a wide bowl and cut into bite sized pieces. Top with Greek yogurt remaining sliced banana fresh berries nuts and granola then drizzle with nut butter and honey.
- Eat immediately:
- Mix everything together right before eating to get warm pancake pieces with cool yogurt and fresh fruit in every single spoonful.
Save to Pinterest This recipe became my go to after a particularly grueling month of early morning workouts when I needed something substantial but did not have time for complicated cooking. Now it feels like a reward for getting out of bed.
Make It Your Own
The topping combinations are endless and that is half the fun of this breakfast. Some days I go all out with chocolate protein powder and dark chocolate chips while other times I keep it simple with just almond butter and sliced banana.
Batch Cooking Magic
Make several pancakes on Sunday and store them in the fridge. Each morning just warm a pancake for 30 seconds in the microwave then add your toppings fresh. It transforms weekdays into something special without any morning effort.
Texture Secrets
The contrast between temperatures and textures is what makes this bowl feel so indulgent. Warm soft pancake meets cool creamy yogurt and then crisp fresh fruit and crunchy nuts all come together in one spoonful.
- Toast your nuts and granola for 2 minutes before topping for extra warmth and crunch
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt over the final drizzle of honey to make all flavors pop
- Let the pancake cool just slightly so it is warm not hot when you add the cold toppings
Save to Pinterest There is something about eating breakfast from a bowl that feels more comforting than a plate. This recipe turned my most dreaded meal into the highlight of my day.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, absolutely! To ensure your pancake bowl is gluten-free, simply use certified gluten-free rolled oats. Also, double-check that any granola you might add as a topping is certified gluten-free.
- → What protein powder works best?
Vanilla or unflavored whey protein powder is recommended for its neutral taste and smooth texture. However, a plant-based protein powder can also be used if you prefer a dairy-free option. Adjust sweetener if your protein powder is very sweet.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can certainly prep components. Cook the pancakes ahead and refrigerate them. When ready to eat, gently warm the pancake and then assemble with fresh toppings. This works well for meal planning throughout the week.
- → How can I make this dairy-free?
To make this bowl dairy-free, ensure you use a plant-based protein powder, unsweetened plant milk (like almond or oat milk), and dairy-free yogurt (such as coconut or almond-based yogurt). You'll also want to avoid whey protein.
- → What are some other topping suggestions?
Beyond the suggested Greek yogurt, berries, nuts, and honey, consider adding sliced kiwi, shredded coconut, dark chocolate chips, or a dollop of applesauce. A sprinkle of chia or flax seeds can also boost the nutritional value and add texture.
- → Can I make a chocolate version?
Yes, for a delicious chocolate twist, simply add 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder to the batter when blending. Top it with berries and perhaps a few dark chocolate chips for an extra indulgent treat.