Protein Banana Pancakes (Healthy, Runner-Friendly)

This Protein Banana Pancakes recipe is a runner’s dream, especially if you love pancakes as much as I do. I prefer pancakes after long runs as they provide a great source of post-run carbohydrates.

To kick the protein up a notch, I add whey protein powder so I increase my protein intake for better recovery from my long run or workouts. See below for my recommendation.

Protein Banana Pancakes Ingredients

Regular pancakes are often just a mess of refined flour, white sugar, and essentially a carb overload that leaves you hungry a few hours later. And who needs a sugar crash mid-morning? Not runners and athletes. I created these protein banana pancakes to be nourishing and provide both slow-release healthy carbs as well as a good dose of protein.

You only need a few basic ingredients to make Protein Banana Pancakes, most of which you might already have on hand. The liquid portion is simply banana and applesauce, both of which are great for athletes who need extra carbohydrates as well as essential nutrients like potassium, which is important for muscle function. 

My protein picks here are both eggs and whey protein powder. Eggs are a powerhouse of nutrients, including choline for brain health and antioxidants, and whey protein not only promotes muscle growth but might also lower blood pressure, inflammation, and cholesterol. I like to use Optimum Nutrition’s French Vanilla here, but any protein powder will work if it is a good-quality protein. 

I also added some more fiber in the form of rolled oats, which happen to help you fuel as well as slow the release of the sugar from the banana and applesauce. Quick-cooking old-fashioned oats will give different results, but both are equally tasty.

What to Serve with Protein Banana Pancakes

If you are looking for even more nutrition, toppings are your friends. Pick and choose from the following list, and you’ll have a solid breakfast or snack any time of day:

Nut butter: Peanut butter, almond butter, and other nut butters are a great source of healthy fats, fiber, protein, and minerals. 

Fresh fruit: Need more carbohydrates? A sliced banana will take care of that. Fresh or sauteed apples are also a great choice with these protein banana pancakes, as are fresh berries.

Dark chocolate chips: Sometimes, we just want to eat for fun and not for nutrition. Luckily, dark chocolate chips add a little decadence along with flavonols and antioxidants to help reduce inflammation. 

Coconut nectar or maple syrup: You don’t want to overdo it on simple sugars, but a thin drizzle of syrup makes them taste even better. And you shouldn’t feel guilty about it. Running and working out eat up a lot of calories and energy.

Greek yogurt: A favorite ingredient of athletes and busy people, Greek yogurt is packed with protein and provides a welcome creaminess. You can even whip it with erythritol for a sweet whipped cream substitute. 

These protein banana pancakes are fluffy and delicious but are also packed with nutrition. If you enjoy them, don’t forget to also try my Gluten-Free Peach Pancakes, which call for oat flour instead of rolled oats, and my healthy Chocolate Pancakes, which get most of their protein from Greek yogurt.

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