Blueberry Protein Pancakes

I am so excited to share today's oatmeal blueberry protein pancakes with you guys! This recipe combines two of my loves: blueberry pancakes, and vegan protein powder! These pancakes are oatmeal based (AKA gluten-free) and super easy to make - easy like Sunday morning (que the music)!

The Best Plant Based Protein For Oatmeal Blueberry Protein Pancakes:

Over my past 4-ish years of being vegan I have tried a lot of plant based protein powders. Some were good, some were okay, and others tasted like chalk. This led me to a period of just swearing off vegan protein powders, because I couldn't find one that I genuinely liked.

However the day I discovered PlantFusion everything changed. I find that most proteins (plant based or not) have a one size fits all model to them. This really irritates me. We're all so unique, how could we possibly all need the same exact nutrients? This is one of the reasons I love PlantFusion so much. They have something for everybody, and they all taste amazing.

I have made these vegan blueberry protein pancakes many times with almost every PlantFusion protein powder. They all work perfectly to create nice fluffy protein pancakes that are delicious. This recipe really is fool proof. This is awesome, because you can shop around and figure out which of their products serves your needs the best and still enjoy these delicious pancakes.

I went with the PlantFusion Inspire for Women because it helps to balance hormones (I can really tell a difference when I am using this product consistently). I am not someone who likes to drink protein shakes, so incorporating nutrient dense protein powders into my breakfast is key.

This protein has a nice vanilla flavor that is not too overwhelming when mixed with the blueberries. I also have found that this protein fluffs up better than other proteins in pancakes. However like I said, they all work great.

As always my PlantFusion code "NATURALVEGAN" gets you 25% off your entire purchase at PlantFusion!

Keys To Making The Best Oatmeal Blueberry Protein Pancakes:

In my opinion blueberry pancakes are the superior pancakes. Needless to say I have made an insane amount of vegan blueberry protein pancakes over the years. I've learned a thing or two.

First, make sure you're using fresh blueberries, not frozen when making blueberry protein pancakes. This is key, because when you use frozen blueberries you can end up with purple/grey pancakes. I also find that the blueberries are not as flavorful and juicy.

Second, use a quality skillet. Something I don't think I will ever be able to do is cook pancakes on the stovetop. I've tried for years and I always end up with burnt, mushy pancakes. Growing up we always had a generic nonstick skillet that worked amazing for pancakes. However it was full of all kinds of harsh linings and coatings.

I recently invested in a GreenLife Ceramic Nonstick Electric Skillet, and it has honestly been a life saver! I am not an expert about what goes into making this product non stick, but it works great, and has to be better for you!

Last, but not least, use the right type of flour. I used oatmeal (oat flour) for these vegan blueberry protein pancakes, and it works perfectly. When oats are blended into flour and cooked they achieve a cake like texture. In my opinion this is perfect for making fluffy pancakes!

What Makes These Vegan Protein Pancakes Healthy?

Obviously these vegan blueberry protein pancakes have protein and blueberries in them, but what else makes them healthy? These vegan protein pancakes are free of many ingredients typically found in pancakes. This recipe is:

• Egg-free
• Gluten-free
• Oil-free
• Refined sugar-free
• Vegan
• Dairy-free
• WFPB

Ingredients For These Blueberry Protein Pancakes:

Dry Ingredients:

• PlantFusion Vanilla Inspire for Women - Use code: "NATURALVEGAN" for 25% off!
• Oatmeal - Ground into oat flour. If you can afford it, I highly recommend buying organic oatmeal!
• Baking Powder - Helps the pancakes to rise and become fluffy

Wet Ingredients:

• Plant Based Milk - You can use any plant based milk, I went with soy.
• Blueberries - Make sure you're using fresh!

Pancake Toppings:

• Vegan yogurt - My favorite vegan yogurt brands are: Kite Hill, Harmless Harvest, and CocoJune.
• Bananas - Optional
• Strawberries - Optional
• Maple Syrup - You can also use date syrup, or any plant based syrup of choice!

How To Make These Oatmeal Blueberry Protein Pancakes:

Making these Oatmeal Blueberry Protein Pancakes is pretty straight forward. Begin by sifting your ingredients together in a large bowl. Sifting is important when it comes to pancakes. If you don't you end up with clumps of oatmeal, protein powder, and baking soda.

Next, add the plant based milk and then the fresh blueberries. Mix until smooth. You can adjust the plant based milk you add based on the desired fluffiness of your pancakes. Add more for thin pancakes, and less for thick pancakes.

Pour onto a coated pan, or nonstick skillet. Let cook until bubbles start to form. Once the bubbles have appeared, flip and cook until browned on both sides and edges are cooked through.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do Protein Pancakes Taste Different?

If you've never made protein pancakes before, your first question is probably regarding the flavor. While this can vary from recipe to recipe, I would say that that protein pancakes do indeed have a different flavor. The flavor isn't dramatically different, but you will have a bit of that "protein" taste. This is why choosing a quality plant based protein powder like PlantFusion is crucial for these Blueberry Protein Pancakes.

Can You Cook Pancakes Without Oil?

These pancakes are oil and butter-free, and therefore I would not recommend cooking them with with oil or butter, because the point would be moot. How do you cook pancakes without butter, or oil? I love using a healthy non-stick skillet and simply cooking it without adding anything else.

Another oil-free pancake cooking hack is to bake the pancakes. Yep, that's right- bake 'em! I pour the pancake batter onto a sheet pan with a silicone baking mat and bake them at 350 with the light on. Once bubbles appear (less than 5 minutes) flip and cook for until edges are crisp.

Are Protein Pancakes Healthier Than Regular Pancakes?

Protein pancakes shot to fame after Kodiak Cakes popularized the concept. Thank goodness they did, because they really are worth the hype! They're filling, delicious, and easy to make. But are they healthier than regular pancakes.

It really depends on the recipe! I wouldn't recommend buying pre-made protein pancake mixes, because they're often full of highly processed and refined ingredients. I also would really encourage you to stay away from using whey protein powder. Whey protein is an extremely processed food that contains hormones, and can cause inflammation, digestive issues, and more.

Therefore if you make protein pancakes with whey, I would say they are not healthier. However if you make them with a whole foods plant based protein powder, then they are much healthier than regular pancakes. They are healthier, because they contain more nutrients and ingredients that will keep you full for longer. This helps prevent excess snacking!

Related Plant Based Recipes:

• Key Lime Pie Overnight Oats
• Chocolate Caramel Protein Pancakes
• Protein Brownie Pancakes
• Chocolate Caramel Chia Seed Pudding
• Berry Waffles