Healthy Pumpkin Protein Pancakes

Healthy pumpkin protein pancakes are a nutritious and delicious breakfast option, perfect for a fall-inspired morning treat. Made with wholesome ingredients, they will fill you with energy all morning.

What are Pumpkin Protein Pancakes made of?

Here’s a description of each ingredient in your healthy pumpkin protein pancakes:

• Oat Flour: Oat flour is made from ground oats and offers a nutty flavor and fiber content. Oats are incredibly nutritious, studies show that oats and oatmeal have many health benefits. These include weight loss, lower blood sugar levels, and a reduced risk of heart disease.

• Vanilla Protein Powder: Vanilla protein powder is a powdered supplement containing protein derived from whey (if whey-based) or plant sources (if plant-based). It enhances the protein content of the pancakes and adds a pleasant vanilla flavor.

• Baking Powder: Baking powder is a leavening agent that helps the pancakes rise and become fluffy when cooked.

• Pumpkin Spice: Pumpkin spice is a blend of spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and sometimes ginger. It adds warm and aromatic flavors, perfect for fall-inspired recipes. If you don’t have Pumpkin spice, just mix these spices.

• Pumpkin Puree: Pumpkin puree is made from cooked and mashed pumpkin. It adds natural sweetness, moisture, and pumpkin flavor to the pancakes.
• Unsweetened Almond Milk (or any milk of your choice): Unsweetened almond milk is a dairy-free milk alternative. It provides liquid to the batter and can be chosen for its mild flavor and lower calorie content. You can use any milk you prefer.
• Small Egg: A small egg serves as a binding agent in the pancake batter and contributes to the pancakes’ texture.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Honey or maple syrup is used to sweeten the pancakes, although it’s listed as optional. They add a touch of natural sweetness to the batter. Adjust the amount to your desired level of sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract is a flavoring derived from vanilla beans. It enhances the overall flavor of the pancakes with a pleasant vanilla aroma.
• Coconut oil: Coconut oil helps pancakes not t stick to the pan.

Are protein pancakes healthy?

The healthy pumpkin protein pancakes can be a nutritious breakfast option when prepared thoughtfully and eaten in moderation. Here are some points to consider regarding their healthiness:

• Protein Content: These pancakes contain protein from the vanilla protein powder and the egg. Protein is essential for muscle repair and overall satiety, making these pancakes a good choice if you’re looking to increase your protein intake.
• Whole Grains: The use of whole wheat flour or oat flour provides fiber and nutrients compared to refined flours, contributing to a more balanced meal.
• Pumpkin Puree: Pumpkin puree adds vitamins, minerals, and fiber to the pancakes while imparting a natural sweetness. It’s a healthy choice.
• Low Added Sugar (Optional): The use of honey or maple syrup for sweetness is optional and can be adjusted to your preference. You have some control over the added sugar content.
• Pumpkin Spice: Pumpkin spice adds flavor without extra calories or sugar, making these pancakes a great option for fall flavors.
• Low Fat: These pancakes use minimal fat, primarily from the egg and a small amount of oil for cooking. This keeps the fat content relatively low.

In summary, when made with wholesome ingredients and mindful portion control, these pumpkin protein pancakes can be a nutritious and satisfying breakfast choice, especially for those looking to incorporate more protein and whole grains into their diet.

How to make Pumpkin Protein Pancakes?

In a mixing bowl, blend together oat flour, vanilla protein powder, baking powder, and pumpkin spice. Stir thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, unsweetened almond milk, a small egg, coconut oil, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Continue whisking until you achieve a smooth, wet mixture. Gently pour the wet ingredients into the bowl containing the dry ingredients, and stir until they are just combined. It’s important not to overmix; a few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine. Let the batter rest for about 10 minutes.

Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat, and lightly coat it with cooking spray or a small amount of oil. Ladle approximately 1/4 cup of pancake batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, usually taking about 2-3 minutes.

Carefully flip the pancakes and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side, or until they turn a golden brown color and cook through. Present your healthy pumpkin protein pancakes with your preferred toppings. Consider fresh berries, sliced bananas, Greek yogurt, a drizzle of pure maple syrup, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added enjoyment. Bon appétit!

If you like healthy pancakes, check out these recipes:

• Lemon Poppy Seed Pancakes
• Healthy Blueberry Pancakes
• Vegan Banana Pancakes
• Cottage Cheese Pancakes