• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Savor The Spoonful
  • Recipes
  • Resources
  • About
  • Work With Me
    • Portfolio
    • Client Inquiry Form
    • One-on-One Coaching
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Services
  • Coaching
  • Contact
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • About
    • Services
    • Coaching
    • Contact
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Breakfast

    Chocolate Protein Pancakes

    Published: Dec 29, 2021 · Modified: Sep 4, 2022 by Samantha Ensinger · 9 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    These chocolate protein pancakes are vegan and made without banana or eggs. They are super easy to make with oat flour, plant-based protein powder, and cacao powder. Not only are they super fluffy, but they have such a rich chocolate flavor that makes them a delicious, protein-packed breakfast.

    a stack of chocolate protein pancakes with fresh strawberries on top, with someone drizzling maple syrup down the side.

    The flavor of these pancakes will have you thinking it's dessert for breakfast! But don't be fooled. These chocolate pancakes are healthier for you with lots of protein and fiber to keep your body as happy as your soul.

    This pancake recipe was inspired by these oat flour pancakes, which are equally as good for breakfast! Give it a try if you love pancakes like I do.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Equipment
    • Making the Pancakes
    • Ingredient Substitutions
    • Flavor Variations
    • Storing and Freezing
    • More Breakfast Recipes
    • Recipe

    Ingredients

    The ingredients in this recipe are super simple! In fact, you need less than 10 ingredients to make these protein pancakes. Super easy!

    the ingredients needed to make the pancakes, laid out on a marble counter.
    • Oat flour - Oat flour is used because it has more protein and fiber than most flours. You can easily make oat flour at home by grinding oats in your blender or food processor.
    • Plant-based protein powder - Since these are vegan pancakes, using plant-based protein powder is a great option to provide the high protein content in these pancakes.
    • Baking powder - Baking powder helps makes the pancakes super fluffy.
    • Cacao powder - Cacao powder is what gives these pancakes their chocolate flavor. It's packed with antioxidants and nutrients.
    • Coconut sugar - This is an unrefined sugar that has a rich, caramely taste. It pairs well with the chocolate flavor of these pancakes.
    • Ground cinnamon - Cinnamon adds extra flavor to the pancakes.
    • Unsweetened almond milk - Use an unsweetened plant milk to make the pancake batter the right consistency.
    • Flax egg - There are no eggs in these vegan chocolate protein pancakes. A flax egg is used instead. Just mix one tablespoon ground flax seed with three tablespoons of water.
    • Vanilla extract - Vanilla extract provides a well-rounded flavor to the pancakes.

    So, how many of these ingredients do you have at home already? I'm guessing at least a few!

    Equipment

    You can use an electric skillet to make these pancakes, or go the traditional route of making them on a frying pan on the stovetop. Either option works well. I prefer to use an electric skillet since I can control the heat more easily.

    Just be sure to spray the equipment with non-stick cooking spray before adding your pancake batter, or it might stick!

    Making the Pancakes

    It only takes a few minutes to mix the pancake batter together. You'll have these ready in no time!

    STEP 1: Make oat flour. If you don't have premade oat flour, you can make your own! Blend old-fashioned oats or quick oats in a blender or food processor until they become a fine flour. The finer the grind, the smoother your pancakes will be.

    STEP 2: Make flax egg. Prepare your flax egg by mixing one tablespoon ground flax seed with three tablespoons of water. Stir and then set aside for 5-10 minutes to thicken. Using a flax egg helps provide structure to the pancakes.

    STEP 3: Stir dry ingredients. In a large bowl, stir together the oat flour, protein powder, baking powder, cacao powder, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and (optional) pinch of salt.

    STEP 4: Add wet ingredients. Next, add the almond milk, flax egg, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Stir until just combined. Don't overmix!

    STEP 5: Heat skillet. Spray an electric skillet (or frying pan) with non-stick cooking spray and heat to medium-low.

    STEP 6: Cook pancakes. Add about ¼ cup of batter to the pan for each pancake. Cook until the edges start to firm up. Then flip the pancakes and cook the other side for another minute or so.

    STEP 7: Add toppings. Get creative with adding toppings to your pancakes. Try fresh fruit or berries, nuts, coconut whipped cream, peanut butter, or pure maple syrup. The options are endless!

    a plate of chocolate protein pancakes on a plate with fresh strawberries on top

    Ingredient Substitutions

    These are vegan chocolate protein pancakes, but you can make some ingredient substitutions if you aren't vegan or prefer to use something else.

    • Flour - instead of using oat flour, you can use white whole wheat flour or whole wheat pastry flour instead. Both of these options have a good protein content.
    • Protein Powder - You can use whey protein powder if you don't want to use plant-based protein powder.
    • Cacao Powder - Instead of using cacao powder, you can use cocoa powder. Dutch-process would provide a rich flavor. Be cautious about using cheaper baking cocoa, or the pancakes might not have a strong chocolate flavor.
    • Sugar - You may use cane sugar, granulated sugar, or brown sugar instead of coconut sugar. You may also omit the sugar completely for less-sweet pancakes.
    • Milk - Use dairy milk or any plant milk variety in the pancakes for good results.
    • Egg - If you're not vegan, you can use a real egg in the pancakes.

    If you make changes to the recipe, please don't try to change more than one or two ingredients at a time. The more you change, the less likely your pancakes will turn out as planned.

    Flavor Variations

    There are so many ways to make these pancakes. Here are a few different flavor options you can try out. Feel free to get creative!

    • Sweeter Pancakes - These pancakes are not very sweet on their own. Cacao powder provides a rich, bittersweet flavor the pancakes. Add an additional 4 tablespoons of coconut sugar for sweeter, dessert-like pancakes.
    • Chocolate Banana Pancakes - Mash a banana and add it to the pancake batter for a chocolate-banana flavor. Consider adding fresh banana slices on top the pancakes, too!
    • Chocolate Peanut Butter Pancakes - You can add 1-3 tablespoons of natural peanut butter to the pancake batter for a peanut butter flavor. Drizzle some peanut butter on top of your pancakes for an extra treat and some more protein.

    For another delicious breakfast option, try these cinnamon apple waffles. The flavors are amazing in them!

    a stack of chocolate pancakes with strawberries on top and a fork holding a bite of the stack

    Storing and Freezing

    To store the pancakes, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. Reheat before serving if you'd like.

    To freeze the pancakes, place them in an airtight container in the freezer for 30-60 days. Be sure to let them thaw on the counter before serving again.

    More Breakfast Recipes

    If you made these pancakes, I'd love to know how you liked them! Please consider leaving a rating and comment below. If you post a photo on Instagram and tag me, I'd love to repost it to my stories. For more delicious breakfast recipes, try these favorites!

    • A loaf of four ingredient banana bread on a cutting board, sliced into multiple slices, showing soft texture.
      Healthy 4-Ingredient Banana Bread
    • close-up of a healthy banana blueberry muffin with purple blueberries inside.
      Healthy Banana Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins
    • a stack of oat milk pancakes with a forkful missing, showing the fluffy texture inside.
      Fluffy Oat Milk Pancakes (Dairy-Free)
    • two oat flour waffles topped with strawberries and maple syrup.
      Easy Oat Flour Waffles (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

    Recipe

    a stack of chocolate pancakes with maple syrup flowing down the side

    Chocolate Protein Pancakes

    Samantha Ensinger
    These chocolate protein pancakes are vegan and made without banana! They are super easy to make with oat flour, plant-based protein powder, and cacao powder. They're super fluffy and make for a great protein-packed breakfast!
    5 from 9 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 10 mins
    Total Time 15 mins
    Course Breakfast
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6 pancakes
    Calories 160 kcal

    Equipment

    • Electric Skillet (or frying pan)

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 ¼ cup oat flour
    • ¼ cup plant-based protein powder
    • 2 teaspoons baking powder
    • 3 tablespoons cacao powder
    • 4 tablespoons coconut sugar
    • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • Pinch of salt optional
    • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
    • 1 flax egg 1 tablespoon ground flax seed + 3 tablespoon water
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla

    Optional Toppings

    • fresh berries
    • walnuts or pecans or favorite nuts
    • peanut butter or almond butter
    • pure maple syrup

    Instructions
     

    • Start by making oat flour. Add quick oats or old-fashioned oats to a blender or food processor. Blend until you have a fine flour. Then measure out the proper amount of oat flour for the pancakes.
      1 ¼ cup oat flour
    • In a small bowl, stir together 1 tablespoon of ground flax seed with 3 tablespoons water. Stir, then let stand for 10 minutes to thicken. This is the flax egg.
      1 flax egg
    • In a large bowl, stir together the oat flour, protein powder, baking powder, cacao powder, coconut sugar, cinnamon and pinch of salt.
      1 ¼ cup oat flour, ¼ cup plant-based protein powder, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 3 tablespoons cacao powder, 4 tablespoons coconut sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, Pinch of salt
    • Add the almond milk, flax egg, and vanilla extract to the bowl and stir until just combined.
      1 cup unsweetened almond milk, 1 flax egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla
    • Lightly coat an electric skillet or frying pan with non-stick cooking spray. Heat over medium heat.
    • Add about ¼ cup pancake batter to the skillet and cook until the edges start to firm and bubbles appear on top. Flip the pancakes and cook until fluffy. It does not take as long to cook after you flip.
    • Top the chocolate pancakes with fresh berries, nuts, peanut butter, or pure maple syrup. Enjoy!
      fresh berries, walnuts or pecans, peanut butter, pure maple syrup

    Notes

    Double the recipe if you'd like more than 6 pancakes.
    Share on Facebook Share by Email Pin Recipe
    « Gluten Free Gingerbread Cookies
    5 Reasons to Raise Your Rates At The End of the Year »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. nancy says

      December 29, 2021 at 10:10 pm

      5 stars
      finally pancakes that makes me full and not feel bloated

      Reply
    2. Andrea White says

      December 30, 2021 at 12:59 am

      5 stars
      This stack of pancakes is something else! So chocolatey and so delicious!

      Reply
    3. Gabriela Herrera says

      December 30, 2021 at 7:49 am

      5 stars
      I've been craving pancakes for the last 3 months and I love how clean these are. I am so gonna make them Saturday morning.

      Reply
    4. Bobbie says

      December 30, 2021 at 9:53 am

      5 stars
      These are delicious and nutritious! Love a pancake recipe that is healthy.

      Reply
    5. Kayla DiMaggio says

      January 26, 2022 at 11:04 am

      5 stars
      Yum! These chocolate protein pancakes were so delicious! I loved how they weren't overly protein flavored!

      Reply
    6. Cindy Mom the Lunch Lady says

      January 26, 2022 at 4:47 pm

      5 stars
      These pancakes were so yummy! I love how they kept me feeling full until mid afternoon.

      Reply
    7. dave says

      January 26, 2022 at 5:50 pm

      5 stars
      these chocolate protein pancakes are the best!!

      Reply
    8. Crystal says

      January 26, 2022 at 6:05 pm

      5 stars
      These are my favorite types of breakfast recipes! I'm drooling! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    9. Giangi Townsend says

      January 27, 2022 at 9:05 am

      5 stars
      I am not too much of a breakfast person, however your recipe will bring me to be.
      Thank you for sharing.

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    about samantha

    Samantha, owner of savor the spoonful

    Hi, I'm Samantha! I created Savor The Spoonful during my sophomore year of college with the goal of sharing dietary-friendly recipes that are truly delicious. I'm passionate about inspiring others to live a life without food rules and dieting. That means enjoying desserts like these, and having fun while doing so. Learn more about me.

    subscribe to our newsletter

    trending new recipes

    • close-up of a healthy banana blueberry muffin with purple blueberries inside.
      Healthy Banana Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins
    • a stack of three fudgy red velvet cake mix brownies on a tray.
      Fudgy Red Velvet Cake Mix Brownies (Easy!)
    • A big stack of chocolate chip cookies without brown sugar on a wire tray. Chocolate chips are melting inside the cookies.
      Chocolate Chip Cookies Without Brown Sugar
    • A dozen lucky charms cookies on a wire tray, with lucky charms marshmallows on top.
      Lucky Charms Cookies
    • a stack of oat milk pancakes with a forkful missing, showing the fluffy texture inside.
      Fluffy Oat Milk Pancakes (Dairy-Free)
    • A loaf of four ingredient banana bread on a cutting board, sliced into multiple slices, showing soft texture.
      Healthy 4-Ingredient Banana Bread

    let's work together

    Need food or product photography, videography, recipe development, sponsored content, or something else? Let's partner together. Learn more about what we offer.

    most popular recipes

    • many peanut butter oatmeal balls on parchment paper, shown from above.
      3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls (Vegan)
    • vegan lemon cookies on a tray.
      Vegan Lemon Cookies
    • two jars of birthday cake overnight oats with coconut whipped cream and rainbow sprinkles.
      Birthday Cake Overnight Oats
    • a blueberry muffin with a bite taken out
      Blueberry Applesauce Muffins
    • almond flour peanut butter cookies on parchment paper
      3-Ingredient Almond Flour Peanut Butter Cookies
    • a stack of two vegan protein waffles with fresh blueberries and maple syrup on top.
      Healthy Vegan Protein Waffles (No Banana)

    coaching for food bloggers and photographers

    I offer tailored, one-on-one coaching for entry-level food bloggers and food photographers wanting to turn their passion into a revenue-generating business. Book your free discovery call.

    spring & easter recipes

    • a stack of two vegan raspberry muffins.
      Healthy Vegan Raspberry Muffins (Oil-Free)
    • a slice of gluten free key lime pie with lime zest on top
      Gluten-Free Key Lime Pie
    • a strawberry filled cupcake with strawberry filling and pink strawberry buttercream frosting
      Strawberry Filled Cupcakes
    • Blackberry Lemon Bread
    • Vegan Blackberry Muffins
    • a stack of peach cobbler pancakes on a plate with fresh peaches and maple syrup on top.
      Vegan Peach Cobbler Pancakes

    customizable media kit template

    I created a customizable media kit template to make it super easy for you to pitch brands and land partnerships! Get the media kit template.

    gluten-free favorites

    • four brownie blondies turned on their side, showing the chocolate blondie swirl of the bars.
      Brownie Blondies (Gluten-Free)
    • a stack of gluten free pumpkin cookies
      Gluten Free Pumpkin Cookies
    • a small white bowl with a dozen small no-bake cookie dough bites in a pile, with chocolate chips inside each ball.
      Edible No Bake Cookie Dough Bites
    • healthy banana oatmeal cookies on parchment paper with chocolate chips.
      Easy 4-Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Cookies
    • thumbprint cookies with icing in the center.
      Thumbprint Cookies With Icing
    • close up of peanut butter blossoms on a wire tray with glistening hershey kisses.
      3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Blossoms (Quick & Easy!)

    popular vegan treats

    • healthy 2-ingredient peanut butter cookies on a tray.
      2-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies (No Egg)
    • a stack of vegan funfetti sugar cookies.
      Vegan Funfetti Sugar Cookies (No Chill)
    • vegan pound cake with fresh strawberries and blueberries on top.
      Gluten Free Vegan Pound Cake
    • Vegan Cinnamon Pop Tarts
    • a sweet potato pie with coconut whipped cream on top
      Vegan Sweet Potato Pie
    • many green matcha scones on parchment paper with glaze.
      Matcha Scones

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    about

    • about
    • recipes
    • resources
    • portfolio

    disclaimers

    • privacy policy
    • terms & conditions
    • accessibility statement
    • copyright policy

    contact

    • contact
    • work with me
    • client inquiry form
    • one-on-one coaching
    • media kit template
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Facebook
    • Mail

    Copyright © 2022 Samantha Ensinger | Savor The Spoonful