Low Carb Protein Pancakes (No Protein Powder!)

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These Low Carb Protein Pancakes have over 26 grams of protein with all-natural ingredients. Whip up a batch for a delicious breakfast and keep the rest in the fridge or freezer for meal prep.

283 CAL 18g CARBS 11g FAT 26g PROTEIN 4
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I make a lot of pancakes and am constantly experimenting with ways to add more protein so that I am not starving an hour after eating. In the past, I would prepare something on the side for protein like a boiled egg, turkey bacon, or protein smoothie. However, it's so much easier if I can just get some of that extra protein right in the pancake. Enter cottage cheese!

Before you click away, trust me here. Cottage cheese is one of my favorite secret weapons to boost the protein in my favorite pancake recipes. Don't worry, you can't taste it at all. It adds a creaminess and richness to the pancake plus lots of good, lean protein. I also love adding cottage cheese to my egg muffins

Then like any good pancake, you can easily customize these protein pancakes with your favorite fruit, spices, or nuts, Just add them right to the batter.  Or you can mix it up daily by topping your pancakes with fresh fruit, nut butter, butter, syrup, or a bit of chocolate syrup.

Looking for more protein pancakes? Try these Oatmeal Banana Pancakes, Greek Yogurt Pancakes, and Oatmeal Protein Pancakes.

Key Ingredients 

Here are the main ingredients you will need to make these cottage cheese pancakes. 

  • Eggs: This recipe uses a combination of eggs and egg whites. If you prefer whole eggs or all egg whites, both options will work as well. 
  • Cottage cheese: Cottage cheese is the secret ingredient in this recipe to add even more protein. Any style of cottage cheese will work, just look for small curd. It blends right into the batter and you won't even know it's there.
  • Coconut flour: To keep these low-carb and keto-friendly, this recipe uses coconut flour. Do not swap in almond flour or another low-carb flour since they all cook differently. 
  • Vanilla extract and cinnamon: To add some flavor to these pancakes, add vanilla extract and cinnamon. Feel free to play with the flavors by using other low-carb flavors and sweeteners. 

Note: These pancakes do not have any added sweetener. If you prefer a sweet pancake, make sure to add a low-carb sweetener like stevia, Swerve, or monk fruit. If you make these savory, they can be used as a wrap or bread replacement as well. 

Recipe Ideas and Variations

There are lots of ways to customize these pancakes and make them your own. Here are some ideas!

  • Make chocolate pancakes by adding unsweetened cocoa powder and a no sugar sweetener. For even more chocolate flavor, add in some sugar free chocolate chips.
  • Add some fresh blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries to add some natural sweetness and color to the pancakes. Gently fold them into the batter after blending it or sprinkle on top while they cook. 
  • Turn these into savory pancakes by adding fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil.
  • If you are not watching carb counts, add a flavored cottage cheese including pineapple, peach, or berry. 
  • Try adding some fresh lemon zest or lime zest to add a citrus note to the pancakes.
  • Boost the nutrition and fiber in the recipe by adding some chia seeds to the batter. 

Side Dishes for Protein Pancakes

While these pancakes are plenty filling on their own, here are some tasty side dishes to serve on the side. 

  • Make some tasty chia seed jam to serve with the pancakes. For a brunch spread, you could also serve some chia seed pudding.
  • If you are serving these for brunch, make a tasty frittata or some egg muffins on the side. 
  • For a simple option, add some fresh fruit and bacon, sausage, or ham.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most common questions about making these protein pancakes.

These pancakes should only be made with coconut flour. Almond flour cooks much differently than coconut flour and the pancakes will not turn out if you swap in a new flour. Try these Almond Flour Pancakes instead if you prefer almond flour.

These low-carb protein pancakes will keep in the fridge for 4-5 days.  Let cool before storing them. Then reheat in the toaster, a hot skillet, or the microwave.

If you prefer sweeter pancakes, make sure to add your preferred sweetener to the pancake batter. Low carb options include stevia, monk fruit, or granulated low carb sugars. If you are not low carb, add honey, pure maple syrup, or agave. 

The Recipe
Low carb protein pancakes with cottage cheese served on a plate with berries.

Low Carb Protein Pancakes (No Protein Powder!)

283 CAL 18g CARBS 11g FAT 26g PROTEIN 4
PREP TIME: 5 Min
COOK TIME: 15 Min
TOTAL TIME: 20 Min
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Ingredients

US METRICS
  • 4 eggs
  • 4 egg whites
  • 2 cups reduced fat cottage cheese
  • 1/8 tsp. salt
  • 1.5 tsp baking powder
  • 2/3 cup coconut flour
  • 2/3 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon

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Instructions

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1

Add everything to a blender and pulse until just combined. Consider adding Stevia to taste for a sweeter pancake.

2

Spray a skillet/griddle over medium high heat with cooking spray. Add the batter and cook until bubbles begin to burst and edges firm up. Almost let the pancake become fully cooked to help make it easier to flip. Flip and cook for 2-3 minutes. Repeat until all pancakes are cooked.

Nutritional Facts
Serving Size: 3-4 pancakes
Amount Per Serving
Calories 283
Calories from Fat 96
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 11g
16%
Saturated Fat 3g
13%
Monounsaturated Fat 0g
0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
0%
Cholesterol 197mg
66%
Sodium 771mg
34%
Total Carbohydrate 18g
6%
Dietary Fiber 8g
30%
Sugars 8g
Protein 26g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Nutritional Values provided are estimates only and may vary based on the preparation method.

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About the author Meet Kristen McCaffrey
Hi, I’m the cookbook author, recipe developer, and food enthusiast behind Slender Kitchen. I am obsessed with making healthy food that is easy to prepare and absolutely delicious. Meal planning is my secret weapon and I hope I can make meal time easier for you with our tried and tested recipes and foolproof meal plans. Learn More
† We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
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