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Here are all our favorite healthy pancake recipes packed with protein, fiber, and wholesome ingredients, to satisfy your cravings without compromise!
Need a healthy pancakes recipe to jump start your morning? There’s no “standard” definition of a healthy pancake. Some people may look at overall calories per pancake, others may prefer those that are loaded with nutrient-dense ingredients or conform to a certain diet.
What’s a “healthy pancake”?
As cookbook authors of a healthy style cookbook, we take the approach that a healthy pancake is one made with wholesome ingredients, sometimes with less all-purpose flour and sugar than the typical recipe.
So here’s our list of our top healthy pancakes on this website! Try recipes like Oatmeal Pancakes made with 100% oats (no flour), or high-protein Cottage Cheese Pancakes, or flapjacks loaded with fruits and vegetables like banana, sweet potato, or applesauce. Ready to get started?
And now…our top healthy pancake recipes to try!
At the top of our list of healthy pancakes is these banana oatmeal pancakes! They're flourless and made in a blender for quick and easy breakfasts! Enjoy fluffy, satisfying pancakes packed with wholesome oats and natural sweetness.
Cottage cheese in pancakes? This protein-packed pancake uses half the flour as a regular pancake recipe, relying on eggs and cottage cheese instead. It’s tender, fluffy, and vanilla-scented: in fact, it tastes like French toast! This is our go-to pancake recipe. Each pancake has 7 grams of protein and 111 calories.
We love a good pancake recipe for lazy weekend breakfasts. Here’s what’s become our go-to healthy recipe: whole wheat pancakes! Using whole wheat flour adds a nutty complexity in flavor that makes these flapjacks absolutely irresistible. It also makes them a bit heartier so they keep you satisfied through the morning. Bookmark this recipe because it will become a favorite (we promise!).
These sweet potato pancakes are so fluffy, moist and cinnamon-scented, they immediately moved to the top of our favorite healthy pancakes list. They're the most delicious, fluffy breakfast treat: incredibly moist and packed with cozy flavors. Get ready to fall in love with this easy and satisfying breakfast idea!
Looking for a healthy pancake recipes that's outrageously delicious? Meet these incredible Oatmeal Pancakes! They’re fluffy, they’re made with 100% oats (no flour!), and easy to whip up in a blender. Even better: they taste like vanilla cake! These healthy pancakes are gluten-free and full of fiber and protein. Breakfast just got better!
Does your definition of healthy mean plant-based? Then try these vegan pancakes! The flavor is rich and buttery, but there are no eggs or dairy at all. There’s a secret ingredient that makes them extra savory irresistible (peanut butter!). Though they’re vegan, this recipe will please literally anyone, no matter their diet!
Here’s a healthy pancakes recipe that's ideal for gluten-free diets: Almond Flour Pancakes! They’re fluffy and vanilla scented, so tasty that no one would guess there’s none of the standard all purpose flour. In fact, we might just switch to these as our everyday pancake! These have the most calories of all the recipes in the list, but you're getting all the benefits of ground almonds.
Here's a fun trick that's worth knowing and a great use for a lone banana ripening on the counter: 3 ingredient banana pancakes! These healthy pancakes are nutrient-dense, made mostly bananas and eggs with a small amount of flour. They come together in 10 minutes and they fry up into a fluffy, satisfying texture that feels like more than the handful of ingredients.
This Greek yogurt pancakes recipe has become our new favorite! Greek yogurt makes pancakes tender, moist and fluffy, with a subtle tang. Really, they’re the best pancakes you can make. And if you’re like us, you might already have all of the ingredients in your pantry or fridge! Even better: add Greek yogurt flavored with a bit of maple syrup as a topping.
Try these Vegan Banana Pancakes! These babies are fast, easy and so delicious: and leftovers make for great snacks, slathered in nut butter with a hint of maple syrup. This healthy pancake recipe is so easy to make using simple ingredients: no need for any egg substitutes! We tried them out on family and they couldn’t stop raving.
Need a show-stopping healthy pancakes recipe? Look no further than these Lemon Ricotta Pancakes! They're impossibly fluffy and light, with a pop citrus flavor on the finish. Even better: they're packed with protein: a whopping 9.6 grams per pancake! They might sound fancy, but they're so easy to whip up and perfect for impressing friends and family at a lazy breakfast or brunch.
Here’s a recipe for cozy mornings that’s got a secret…it’s a healthy pancakes idea, too. Meet these Apple Cinnamon Pancakes! They’re fluffy, cinnamon-spiced, and guess what? They’re made of 100% oats, no flour! Using oats lends a warm, homey flavor and makes them more filling and nutrient-dense than the traditional pancake.
Last up in our healthy pancakes recipes...Applesauce Pancakes! This fruit puree makes the ideal soft and moist texture for flapjacks, and adds a boost of fruit. These pancakes are perfectly fluffy and spiced with cinnamon. They’re perfect for a cozy breakfast…and easy enough for anyone (even kids!). Top them with a little more applesauce and a hint of maple syrup.
Topping ideas for healthy pancakes
Another thing to think about when it comes to pancakes? The topping! Make sure not to load on caloric or sugary toppings. The best toppings here?
- Small drizzle of maple syrup
- Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of maple syrup
- Hint of powdered sugar
- Strawberry puree or Mango puree
More healthy breakfast recipes
Need more ideas for healthy breakfasts? Seems like we’re always in need of more. Here are some of our top ideas:
- Try 20 Healthy Breakfast Ideas
- Opt for Banana Baked Oatmeal or Everyday Baked Oatmeal
- Try our Healthy Banana Bread Muffins
- Go savory with Breakfast Vegetable Scramble
Frequently asked questions
Not at all! You can enjoy delicious pancakes without sacrificing nutrition. These recipes focus on whole grains, natural sweeteners, and fruits and vegetables for a satisfying breakfast.
These recipes use ingredients like whole wheat flour, oats, and fruits which are packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, using natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey in moderation keeps the sugar content in check.
Depending on the flour you use, the batter might be slightly thicker than regular pancake batter. Don’t worry! This is normal for some healthy pancake recipes. Add a splash of milk (a tablespoon at a time) or unsweetened plant-based milk until it reaches a pourable consistency.
It depends on the recipe! In most of these recipes you can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water and let it sit for 5 minutes) instead of a regular egg and opt for a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk.
Great question! Here are some ideas:
Protein powder: Add a scoop of your favorite unflavored or vanilla protein powder to the batter.
Nut butters: Top with some almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter for extra protein and healthy fats.
Greek yogurt: Fold in or top with some plain Greek yogurt for a protein boost and added creaminess.
Healthy Oatmeal Pancakes (& More Ideas!)
These deliciously easy banana oatmeal pancakes are made in a blender using oats and bananas: no flour! They’re delicious with a healthy spin.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: About 9 large or 12 small pancakes 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups Old Fashioned rolled oats
- ¼ cup plain or vanilla yogurt (Greek or whole milk work)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk of choice
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted (or neutral oil)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or maple syrup)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¾ cup mashed very ripe bananas (about 2 medium)
Instructions
- Place the oats, Greek yogurt, eggs, milk, melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla, baking powder and kosher salt in a blender. Blend on high until a smooth batter forms.
- Mash the bananas, then stir them into the blender with a spatula.
- Lightly grease a skillet with butter and wipe off extra grease with a paper towel. Heat the skillet over low heat. Add a few more tablespoons milk to the batter until it is still thick but can pour out of the blender. Pour the batter into small circles. Cook the pancakes until the bubbles pop on the top and the bottoms are golden: low and slow is the key! Then flip them and cook until golden on the other side.
- Add another tablespoon or two of milk to the remaining batter and stir so that it is pourable. Cook the remaining batter, adjusting the heat as necessary (the skillet can get very hot on the second batch). Place the cooked pancakes under an inverted bowl to keep them warm. Serve immediately with maple syrup.
thanks so much for posting. my family and i are going vegan and this will be a great edition to our breakfast recipe choices
This was an excellent recipe! So excited I found it! Thanks
Excellent!
Let us know if you have any questions!