Perfect as a tasty morning meal, post-workout boost, easy Sunday brunch, or even a breakfast-for-dinner option are none other than pancakes. Loved by kids and adults alike, fluffy pancakes are a no-fail choice. Despite their reputation as an indulgent meal, the good news is that healthy pancakes do exist! And although nutritious, they are just as delicious as their less nutritious counterparts. The best part? They’re simple to make and easy to customize. They can be easily made grain-free, gluten-free, or vegan, making them suitable for everyone. You can even pack them with protein and enjoy them stacked with healthy toppings such as antioxidant-rich berries or protein-packed Greek yogurt!
So, get ready to satisfy your taste buds. Ahead, five ways to elevate your pancake game with healthy recipes that can be enjoyed any time of day — whether it’s breakfast, or even dinner!
5 Healthy Pancake Recipes That Are Seriously Delicious
We’ve included recipes to satisfy just about any pancake craving. Whether you prefer banana, chocolate chip, or blueberry pancakes — this list has you covered. And if prefer something a bit more decadent (or protein-rich), we’ve got just the thing to satisfy your cravings.
These healthy pancake recipes are also:
- Gluten-free
- Soy-free
- Refined sugar-free
Best of all, they’re made with real, wholesome nutrients (no refined flours or sneaky sugars!)
And, with a few simple swaps, your healthy pancakes can easily be made dairy-free or vegan. You can even load them up with superfoods, or customize them with a boost of protein!
#1 Banana Bread Pancakes
When two breakfast staples fuse together (banana bread and pancakes), you know it’s gonna be good. And this healthy pancake recipe certainly does not disappoint! It’s easy to make, and only requires a few simple ingredients. We used oats in place of refined flour, and a banana as an all-natural sweetener!
Servings: 2
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe spotty bananas, mashed
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup quick or rolled oats
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¾ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tbsp raw honey or pure maple syrup, (optional)
- 1 tsp coconut oil or cooking spray
Optional toppings
- Sliced banana
- Fresh berries
- Plain or vanilla Greek or coconut yogurt, unsweetened
- Drizzle of pure maple syrup or nut butter
Directions:
Step #1: In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine the spotty bananas, eggs, oats, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, vanilla extract, and optional honey (if using). Blend until the mixture is smooth (careful not to over blend). Set mixture aside for a few minutes to thicken.
Step #2: In the meantime, heat the coconut oil or cooking spray in a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once hot, pour about ¼ cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Step #3: Serve the pancakes warm with your choice of optional toppings, such as sliced bananas, berries, nut butter, or Greek yogurt
#2 Flourless Protein Pancakes
Whether you’re looking to refuel after a workout or indulge in a tasty breakfast option, healthy protein pancakes are a great choice. Not only are they delicious, but they’ll also keep you energized and satiated throughout the day. Packed with protein and simply made with 3 main ingredients — eggs, protein powder, and banana — these healthy pancakes will keep you full until lunch!
Meal prep hack: Double up this recipe and store any leftovers in the fridge or freezer! These protein-rich pancakes would make the perfect easy-prep breakfast or post-workout meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 scoop of protein powder (vanilla or flavor of your choice)
- 1 large spotty banana
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp coconut oil or cooking spray, to grease pan
- Optional toppings: fresh berries, ground flaxseed, honey, Greek yogurt
Directions:
Step #1: In a large mixing bowl, mash the banana into a smooth paste. Add the remaining ingredients, minus the coconut oil, and whisk until well combined. Set aside
Step #2: Meanwhile, heat the coconut oil or cooking spray in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
Step #3: Once hot, pour the pancake batter onto the pan using a ¼ cup measuring cup. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through
Step #4: Serve warm with your optional toppings of choice, such as fresh berries, honey, maple syrup, nut butter, or Greek yogurt. Enjoy!
#3 Chocolate Chip Healthy Pancakes
Sweet tooth lovers, this one’s for you. While these pancakes are every bit decadent, they’re made with wholesome ingredients and free from gluten or refined sugars. Enjoy this healthier spin on this pancake fan favorite and prepare to indulge the healthy way!
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- ½ banana, mashed
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp unsweetened dark chocolate chips (or raw cacao nibs)
- Unsweetened Greek yogurt and sliced banana for topping (optional)
- Drizzle of pure maple syrup for serving
- Coconut oil for cooking
Directions:
Step #1: To make the pancakes, place all of the ingredients, minus the toppings and coconut oil, in a bowl and whisk until no clumps remain.
Step #2: Heat a medium skillet over medium heat with coconut oil.
Step #3: Pour about ¼ cup of the batter onto the pan at a time, and cook until bubbles start to form. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes or until the pancakes turn a brown/golden color and are completely cooked through.
Step #4: Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt, sliced banana, and pure maple syrup.
Step #5: Enjoy!
#4 Chocolate Sweet Potato Pancakes
These pancakes have a surprising superfood ingredient: sweet potatoes! That’s right — no grains, no nuts, no refined or processed ingredients. Just wholesome root veggies! And if you’ve never mixed chocolate + sweet potatoes… you’re in for a sweet surprise! Packed with satiating carbs and chocolatey antioxidants, these decadent healthier pancakes make breakfast delicious and healthy.
Serves: 2
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato
- 3 eggs
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cacao powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Coconut oil for cooking
- Blueberries and raw honey or pure maple syrup for topping
Directions:
Step #1: To make the pancakes, place all of the ingredients, minus the toppings and coconut oil, in a bowl and whisk until no clumps remain.
Step #2: Heat a medium skillet over medium heat with coconut oil.
Step #3: Pour about ¼ cup of the batter onto the pan at a time, and cook until bubbles start to form. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes or until the pancakes are cooked through.
Step #4: Serve with blueberries and a drizzle of raw honey or pure maple syrup.
Step #5: Enjoy!
#5 Hazelnut Mocha Pancakes
Coffee + pancakes? Say no more. These almond mocha pancakes are made with less than 10 ingredients, take minutes to make, and taste like a chocolate latte (yum!) Almond flour is what makes these pancakes grain-free, gluten-free, and extra fluffy!
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup coffee, chilled
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cacao powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Coconut oil for cooking
- Hazelnuts and pure maple syrup for topping
Directions:
Step #1: To make the pancakes, place all of the ingredients, minus the toppings and coconut oil, in a bowl and whisk until no clumps remain.
Step #2: Heat a medium skillet over medium heat with coconut oil.
Step #3: Pour about ¼ cup of the batter onto the pan at a time, and cook until bubbles start to form. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes or until the pancakes are cooked through.
Step #4: Serve with hazelnuts and a drizzle of pure maple syrup.
Step #5: Enjoy!
Healthy Pancake Topping Ideas
While it seems like maple syrup is the number one pancake topping, there are, in fact, some other super delicious toppings that you can pair with all of your favorite healthy pancake recipes.
Some of our favorites include:
Raw honey: Rich in antioxidants and immune-supporting properties.
Berries: Low in sugar and full of phytonutrients.
Coconut butter: Different than coconut oil, you’ll get a healthy dose of fiber and nutrients like potassium and magnesium.
Almond butter: Nature’s skin food (thanks to the rich Vitamin E levels) that comes with a healthy dose of magnesium, calcium, protein, and fiber!
Ghee: Rich in fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins.
Greek Yogurt: Use it as a spread to give your pancakes a creamy protein boost! To make it dairy-free, swap greek yogurt for coconut or almond milk yogurt.
You can also get fancy and sprinkle on some pancake-worthy spices or guilt-free indulgent toppings like:
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Pumpkin pie spice
- Ground flaxseeds
- Hemp seeds
- Raw cacao nibs
- Shredded unsweetened coconut
- Low-sugar granola or healthy cereal
- Chopped nuts and seeds (such as dry roasted almonds or pumpkin seeds)
Pancake Day Just Got Healthier
Whether you have a family tradition of enjoying pancakes on Sundays or just need another excuse to whip up a delicious breakfast, these five healthy pancakes recipes make it possible to enjoy this favorite breakfast treat without the guilt.
Enjoy them for breakfast or have breakfast for dinner — no matter how you enjoy these pancakes, they are sure to be a hit.
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