Chocolate Protein Pancakes without Protein Powder {or Refined Sugar}

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These Chocolate Protein Pancakes without Protein Powder are a delicious way to start the day! They use whole wheat flour and no refined sugar or protein powder–all the best without losing amazing flavor!

a hand placing a mint leaf on top of a pile of chocolate pancakes topped with homemade whipped cream

Ok, friends. This recipe has changed our Saturday mornings.

My family loves traditions, and one of the traditions we have recently tried to establish is Saturday morning pancakes and waffles. Depending on the week, I might heat up the waffle iron or pour pancake batter into a skillet. Either way, we enjoy a breakfast treat for which we don’t normally have time on weekday mornings.

But I’ve hit a snag in this tradition: namely, that pancakes and waffles are both major sources of sugar crashes–especially for my young kids.

So what did I do? Developed recipes, of course!

Today, I’m sharing our recipe for Chocolate Protein Pancakes without Protein Powder. And next, I hope to share our recipe for Whole Wheat Protein Waffles (made without refined sugar).

Protein Pancakes in the Blender

Making protein pancakes doesn’t have to be difficult at all. In fact, this recipe for chocolate protein pancakes is one of the easiest ones in my cookbook!

Whipping up a batch of batter in a blender and then pouring the batter into the pan directly from the blender pitcher simplifies the entire process.

How to Get Lots of Protein without Protein Powder

There are so many natural sources of protein powder! Here are just a few:

  • nuts
  • seeds
  • eggs
  • whole grains
  • yogurt (especially Greek yogurt)

This chocolate protein pancakes recipe makes use of many of these ingredients.

a pile of chocolate protein pancakes on a white plate and topped with whipped cream and maple syrup and a mint leaf

Why Avoid Protein Powder?

Not every protein powder is created equally. And not everyone needs to avoid protein powder.

However, there are links between some protein powders and the toxin lead. In one study, 28 brands were tested for lead, and only one brand contained zero traces of the toxin (source).

Because of this study (and the expensive nature of many well-sourced protein brands), my family typically opts for natural sources of protein–options like eggs, whole grains, seeds, and nuts.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • These chocolate protein pancakes are made in the blender, simplifying the entire process!
  • You get all the chocolate flavor without using refined sugar or refined grains.
  • These chocolate protein pancakes are packed with protein without using protein powder.

Ingredients

1 cup whole wheat flour
1 1/2 Tbsp. maple syrup
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. sea salt
2 eggs
1 cup plain yogurt
2 Tbsp. cold-pressed extra virgin coconut oil
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/3 cup cocoa powder
Half a ripe banana

a pile of chocolate protein pancakes on a white plate and topped with whipped cream and maple syrup and a mint leaf

How to Make Chocolate Protein Pancakes

This chocolate protein pancakes recipe is super simple to make! Just follow these steps:

STEP ONE: Blend all ingredients together in a high-powered blender.

STEP TWO: Preheat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium heat.

STEP THREE: Pour the batter directly from the blender pitcher onto the heated skillet or griddle. Each pancake should use about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the batter.

STEP FOUR: Cook the pancake for about one minute (or until the edges are beginning to crisp and the center is bubbly), then flip to cook the other side.

STEP FIVE: Once cooked through, remove the pancake from the heat. If desired, wrap in a dish towel to keep warm.

STEP SIX: Repeat this process with the remaining pancake batter.

STEP SEVEN: Serve the cooked pancakes with maple syrup and/or homemade maple-syrup whipped cream.

a pile of chocolate protein pancakes on a white plate and topped with whipped cream and maple syrup and a mint leaf

Storage Instructions

If you have leftover chocolate protein pancakes, you can store them in an airtight Ziplock bag in the refrigerator for up to three days.

If you prefer to freeze the leftovers (or want long-term storage), cool the pancakes completely and then store inside a Ziplock bag in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheating

When you are ready to eat leftovers from this recipe, you have several options:

  • Our favorite: Reheat the pancakes in a pan over low heat for about a minute.
  • Use a microwave.
  • Heat in the oven.

Serving Suggestions

These chocolate protein pancakes are delicious as-is. But you can definitely dress them up and max their protein content with the addition of a few ingredients for presentation:

top-down view of a pile of chocolate protein pancakes on a white plate and topped with whipped cream and maple syrup and a mint leaf

Variations and Substitutions

  • If you don’t care about avoiding protein powder, you can totally add it to this recipe! Here is the simple swap to make: Instead of 1/3 cup cocoa powder, use 1/4 cup cocoa powder and 1/4 cup chocolate protein powder.
  • Add a sprinkling of ground cinnamon for a Mexican-chocolate inspired pancake.
  • Stir in a drop or two of mint extract for chocolate-mint pancakes.
  • Sub out the banana for a sweetened yogurt.
  • Add dates instead of banana for another natural sweetener option.

Need More Protein? These Recipes Have You Covered…

Add more protein to your daily snacking habits with these recipes:

Recipe Card for Chocolate Protein Pancakes without Protein Powder

a hand placing a mint leaf on top of a pile of chocolate pancakes topped with homemade whipped cream

Chocolate Protein Pancakes without Protein Powder (blender recipe)

Yield: 5 large pancakes
Prep Time: 1 minute
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 11 minutes

These Chocolate Protein Pancakes without Protein Powder are a delicious way to start the day! They use whole wheat flour and no refined sugar or protein powder--all the best without losing amazing flavor!

5.0 Stars (1 Review)

Ingredients

  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp. maple syrup
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp. baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp. sea salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 Tbsp. cold-pressed extra virgin coconut oil
  • 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup cocoa powder
  • Half a ripe banana

Instructions

    1. Blend all ingredients together in a high-powered blender.
    2. Preheat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium heat.
    3. Pour the batter directly from the blender pitcher onto the heated skillet or griddle. Each pancake should use about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the batter.
    4. Cook the pancake for about one minute (or until the edges are beginning to crisp and the center is bubbly), then flip to cook the other side.
    5. Once cooked through, remove the pancake from the heat. If desired, wrap in a dish towel to keep warm.
    6. Repeat this process with the remaining pancake batter.
    7. Serve the cooked pancakes with maple syrup and/or homemade maple-syrup whipped cream.

Did you make this recipe?

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