Admit it: There’s nothing like the smell of homemade pancakes sizzling on a hot griddle. If you flip for flapjacks but don’t want to be weighed down by a plateful of syrupy carbs, there are several ways to put a healthy spin on this breakfast classic. From substituting fiber-filled flours to topping your pile with creamy Greek yogurt, we’ve mastered all the tricks of the pancake trade. And lucky for you, we’re willing to spill our secrets! Whether you’re craving a chocolatey protein-packed stack or a fruit-filled creation, here are five guilt-free pancake recipes to get you started. Grab that spatula, it’s time to whip up those silver dollars — stat!
1. Healthy Pumpkin Pancakes (187 calories, 7 g protein)
Loaded with immunity-boosting vitamin and fiber, pumpkin steals the show in this spicy and sweet recipe. It’s only got 1.6 grams of fat for a stack of three! For extra protein, scoop some creamy Greek yogurt on top.
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2. Lemon Poppy Cornmeal Pancakes (201 calories, 7 g protein)
Bright, citrusy tang and a slight crunch of poppy seeds pack a one-two flavor punch in this scrumptious breakfast. Plus, cornmeal has more fiber than all-purpose flour so you’ll stay fuller longer.
3. Chocolate-Banana Protein Pancakes (275 calories, 21 g protein)
Are dairy and gluten off the table? These easy pancakes are perfect for refueling post-workout since they pack protein that will help muscles recover. Bonus: Adding ground flax seeds means you’ll start your day with a dose of heart-healthy omega-3s.
4. Zucchini Bread Pancakes (348 calories, 9 g protein)
Your friends and family will never guess there’s a half-cup of vegetables inside each delicious serving. A significant source of magnesium and folate, zucchini squash will give a festive pop of color that will leave other breakfasts green with envy!
RELATED: 10 Delicious Protein Pancake Recipes
5. Berry Buckwheat Pancakes (365 calories, 13 g protein)
Add nutty flavor and a solid dose of fiber to your morning stacks by substituting buckwheat for regular flour. This phytonutrient-rich grain helps control your blood sugar so you won’t have a sugar spike and crash before lunchtime.