Chocolate Protein Powder Pancakes
If there’s one thing I’ll never gatekeep, it’s this: protein pancakes that actually taste like pancakes. Not rubbery. Not dry. Not “just okay for something with protein powder in it.” These Chocolate Protein Powder Pancakes are soft, chocolatey, and packed…
If there’s one thing I’ll never gatekeep, it’s this: protein pancakes that actually taste like pancakes. Not rubbery. Not dry. Not “just okay for something with protein powder in it.” These Chocolate Protein Powder Pancakes are soft, chocolatey, and packed with ingredients that support your goals and your cravings.
This is one of those recipes I’ve made on autopilot so many times that it’s basically muscle memory. It started as a post-leg day craving and turned into a weekly staple. There’s no special pancake mix needed, just real ingredients, real flavor, and over 30g of protein per serving, depending on your powder.
What Makes These Pancakes Gym-Girl Approved
- Naturally sweetened with banana (no sugar or syrup in the batter)
- Protein-packed from the powder, eggs, and Greek yogurt
- Chocolate-forward thanks to cocoa powder + chocolate protein
Ingredients you’ll need:
Blended oats – Just regular oats blitzed in a blender until they’re flour-like. These give the pancakes structure and slow-digesting carbs to keep you full.
Chocolate protein powder – Whey or plant-based, both work. Go with a brand you like the taste of, since it really sets the flavor.
Cocoa powder – This deepens the chocolate flavor without adding sugar. Use unsweetened natural cocoa or Dutch-process.
Ripe banana – Acts as a natural sweetener and keeps the pancakes soft. The riper, the better. If you’re not a banana fan, you can sub in ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce. The texture will still be soft, but the flavor will be more neutral.
Eggs – For binding and added protein. They also help with that fluffy, pancake-like texture.
Greek yogurt – Adds creaminess, protein, and moisture. I use plain, but vanilla works too if you want it a little sweeter.
Baking powder – Gives the pancakes a nice lift so they’re not too dense.
Cinnamon – Optional, but it adds a cozy depth that works surprisingly well with chocolate and banana.
Salt – Balances all the sweetness and chocolate.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Protein Powder Pancakes
Mash the banana in a mixing bowl until smooth-ish. A few lumps are okay.
Add in the eggs and Greek yogurt, and whisk until combined.
Stir in the protein powder, cocoa powder, blended oats, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Mix well until you get a thick, smooth batter.
Let the batter sit for about 2–3 minutes so the oats can hydrate—it makes a difference!
Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat and lightly grease it.
Scoop about ¼ cup of batter per pancake into the pan. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side or until bubbles form on top and edges look set.
Flip carefully (they’re thick!) and cook another 1–2 minutes.
Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Topping Ideas
These are already sweet and rich on their own, but here’s how I like to dress them up:
- A dollop of vanilla Greek yogurt + berries
- Drizzle of almond butter or peanut butter
- Sugar-free maple syrup (or the real deal if it fits your day)
- A sprinkle of mini chocolate chips while they’re still warm
Macros & Nutrition Breakdown Per Serving
Note: These macros are based on the exact ingredient amounts listed above and a serving size of about 4 medium-sized pancakes (1/2 of the recipe). (These values are estimates and can vary depending on the exact ingredients used and portion sizes.)
- Servings: 2
- Calories:300
- Protein: 27g
- Carbs: 33g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 5g
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Fridge: Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let them cool completely before sealing to prevent sogginess.
Freezer: These freeze really well! Stack pancakes with parchment paper between each layer and freeze in a zip-top bag or container for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
- Microwave: 30–45 seconds for 2 pancakes
- Toaster: Perfect for crisp edges
- Skillet: Reheat over medium heat with a little coconut oil or spray for fresh-off-the-pan vibes
Meal Prep Tip: Double the recipe and freeze extras to grab and go all week. You can even pre-portion toppings (like nut butter or berries) in small containers for an easy breakfast box.
More High-Protein Recipes You’ll Love
Spicy Cajun Chicken Protein Bowls
Chocolate Protein Powder Pancakes
These Chocolate Protein Powder Pancakes are rich, fluffy, and naturally sweetened with banana, packed with protein from oats, eggs, Greek yogurt, and your favorite chocolate protein powder.
Ingredients
- ½ cup blended oats (just quick oats blended into flour)
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 2 eggs
- ⅓ cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
- ¾ tsp baking powder
- ⅛ tsp cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp salt
Instructions
- Mash the banana in a mixing bowl until smooth-ish. A few lumps are okay.
- Add in the eggs and Greek yogurt, and whisk until combined.
- Stir in the protein powder, cocoa powder, blended oats, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Mix well until you get a thick, smooth batter.
- Let the batter sit for about 2–3 minutes so the oats can hydrate—it makes a difference!
- Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat and lightly grease it.
- Scoop about ¼ cup of batter per pancake into the pan. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side or until bubbles form on top and edges look set.
- Flip carefully and cook another 1–2 minutes.
- Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Cooking Tip: Don’t crank the heat too high; medium is your friend. These pancakes are thick and full of real ingredients, so they need a little time to cook through without burning.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 300Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 190mgSodium: 373mgCarbohydrates: 33gFiber: 5gSugar: 9gProtein: 27g
Nutrition information on That Protein Life is estimated using online calculators and may vary based on ingredients, brands, and preparation methods. For the most accurate results, use a food scale and trusted calculator. This information is for general guidance only—please consult a professional for specific dietary needs. That Protein Life is not responsible for any discrepancies or outcomes.
Made This?
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