Protein Pancake Bites

These healthy protein pancake bites are my go-to and family favorite for busy mornings. I have two versions of this pancake protein mini muffin recipe–one that uses high-protein pancake mix for a nutritious shortcut and one that’s perfect for anyone with dietary restrictions. My kids love helping me make them, and I store them in the fridge, where they last us all week. For more of my favorite recipes, you must try my sourdough pancakes, and these protein energy balls are another great lunch option.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Protein Pancake Bites Recipe 

These pancake protein mini muffins are a yummy treat for when you’re craving pancakes but are short on time. They’re convenient and can be eaten on the go.

Want to know my lunch hack? I pack the same lunch for my kiddos every day, and these pancake muffins are always included. They love the predictability, and I appreciate the reduced stress of meal planning. It’s a win-win situation! Plus, they’re a great nut-free option for school lunches.

🥞 Protein Pancake Bites Ingredients 

• 🍌 Bananas: Use overripe bananas with lots of brown spots for sweeter muffins.
• 🥚 Eggs add extra protein. 
• 🥞 Pancake Mix: I like Simple Mills Protein or Kodiak Power Cakes pancake mix, which have more protein than the average mix.
• 🥛 Milk: Use whatever type of milk you prefer.
• 🫐 Toppings: Top these mini pancake muffins with whatever toppings you like. My kids like mini chocolate chips, oats, berries, cinnamon sugar, and lemon poppy seeds.

👩‍🍳 How to Make Protein Pancake Bites

1. Make Muffin Batter: Smash the bananas in a mixing bowl. Stir in the eggs, pancake mix, and milk. 
2. Decorate Muffins: Scoop the batter into a greased muffin pan and sprinkle with desired toppings.
3. Bake mini muffins in a 350°F oven for 12 to 14 minutes. 

Watch my protein pancake bite video to see me make them.

🪄 Tips and Tricks

If you’re packing these pancake muffins for school lunch, this stainless steel lunchbox is my favorite.

🗒 Variations

• Dietary Restrictions: If you need an egg-free, gluten-free version with no refined sugar, I’ve got you covered! Instead of protein pancake mix, use vanilla protein powder (I love FlavCity), baking powder, and almond flour. Nut butter (or seed butter) binds the mixture instead of eggs, and unsweetened applesauce provides a subtle sweetness without added sugar.
• No mini muffin tin? You can also make full-size muffins in a regular muffin pan. They should take around 20 minutes, but check them with a toothpick before removing them from the oven. Once you insert it and it comes out clean, they’re ready.

🗒 Substitutions 

• Pancake Mix: You can use any pancake mix, even a homemade one, if you have a favorite recipe. It doesn’t have to be a high-protein one. I like Pamela’s for a gluten-free pancake mix.
• Fruit: Swap the banana for applesauce or vice versa, depending on which version you’re making.
• Protein Powder: Use different protein powder flavors like chocolate or strawberry to change up the muffin flavors.

🍽️ Best served with

My family and I eat these mini pancake protein muffins for breakfast, lunch, and snacks throughout the day.

• Breakfast: Dip them in Greek yogurt or maple syrup.
• Lunch: Pair with fresh fruit and veggies for an easy school lunch.
• Snack: These high-protein pancake bites will keep you full in between meals.

👝 How to Store

These mini protein pancake bites will last for one week in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let them come to room temperature or microwave them until warm.

They’re also great to freeze, so you always have them on hand. 

• Set them on a sheet pan to flash freeze for a couple of hours. This process will prevent them from sticking together.
• Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container. 
• If you’re packing them for school lunch, pull them out of the freezer in the morning, and they’ll thaw by lunchtime.

🤔 Common Questions