These Caramel Chocolate Protein Pancakes are the ultimate healthy breakfast that tastes like dessert! These healthy chocolate pancakes and packed full of 30 grams of protein per serving, are made with clean and simple ingredients, and are perfectly light and fluffy.
Breakfast has always been my favorite meal of the day. Although I am not a morning person, I love to make breakfast (it's my chance to wake up in silence lol). I've been making an effort to start my day off with a high-protein breakfast like these Caramel Chocolate Protein Pancakes, or my Blueberry Protein Pancakes, rather than regular pancakes, and it's been a game changer!
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Jump to:
- Best Chocolate Protein Powder For Chocolate Pancakes:
- Ingredients For These Chocolate Protein Pancakes:
- How To Make Chocolate Protein Pancakes:
- Chocolate Protein Pancake Substitutions:
- Protein Pancake Variations:
- What You'll Need To Make These Caramel Chocolate Protein Pancakes:
- How To Store These Caramel Chocolate Protein Pancakes:
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- More Recipes Using PlantFusion Chocolate Caramel Complete Meal Protein Powder:
- Caramel Chocolate Protein Pancakes
- FOOD SAFETY:
- Latest Recipes:
Best Chocolate Protein Powder For Chocolate Pancakes:
The type of protein powder you use can certainly have an impact on how this chocolate pancake recipe will turn out. Technically you can use any protein powder. Both whey protein powder and plant-based protein powder will work. However, the flavor will vary significantly.
I avoid using whey protein powder because I am vegan, but also because whey protein is typically filled with junk ingredients such as artificial sweeteners, flavors, and preservatives. Unlike whey, plant-based protein is typically made with simple ingredients that are clean and healthy.
However, not all plant-based proteins are created equally. Many are still made with bad ingredients, or they taste like vegan protein powder if you know what I mean!
This is why I only use PlantFusion protein powder. I've been using PlantFusion for close to 3 years now and I can not express how much I love their products. Everything they make is made with clean and nutrient-dense ingredients, and the taste and texture are far superior to any other protein powder.
Their Chocolate Caramel Complete Meal Protein Powder is one of my favorites. The product line is incredible because as the name suggests, it's a complete meal. It contains flax and algae oils that provide essential fatty acids, a blend of cruciferous greens, ancient grains, superfoods, amino acids, 21 wholefood vitamins and minerals plus phytonutrients, and is fortified with digestive enzymes. All of PlantFusion's products are also certified vegan and free of major allergens.
As always, if you are interested in trying PlantFusion out, you can use my code: "NATURALVEGAN" for 25% off your purchase!
Ingredients For These Chocolate Protein Pancakes:
Dry Ingredients:
- Oat Flour - Oat flour can be made by blending either rolled oats or quick oats for about 30 seconds on high. Oat flour is a great gluten-free flour option.
- PlantFusion Chocolate Caramel Complete Meal - Any chocolate protein powder will work for these Chocolate Protein Pancakes, however, if you're looking to add as much protein as possible and give these pancakes extra flavor, I highly recommend using this specific protein. It's hands down the best plant-based protein I have ever used. Again, my code: "NATURALVEGAN" gets you 25% off your PlantFusion purchase!
- Baking Powder - Works as a leveling agent to make these the perfect fluffy pancakes without the use of any eggs.
- Baking Soda - Another great vegan leavening agent. Baking soda paired with acidic ingredients such as vinegar is the perfect way to get fluffy vegan pancakes.
- Plant-Based Chocolate Chips - If you're a chocolate lover like me, a couple of gooey chocolate chips take these chocolate protein powder pancakes to the next level.
Wet Ingredients:
- Plant-Based Milk - Any plant-based milk will work perfectly fine for these pancakes. I like using plant-based milks such as oat or soy because they have a slightly higher fat content. This will result in a fluffier and moister stack of pancakes
- Apple Cider Vinegar - These pancakes require acidity to activate the baking soda. Any vinegar will work. I personally prefer to use apple cider vinegar, because it's slightly sweeter than other vinegar varieties.
Toppings:
- Vegan Yogurt - Any vegan yogurt will work perfectly for this recipe. I always opt for coconut yogurt, because it is less watery than other vegan yogurt varieties. You can also use greek yogurt or whipped cream.
- 2-Ingredient Vegan Caramel - My 2-ingredient vegan caramel is a fantastic addition to this recipe. It takes 5 minutes to make and is oil- and refined sugar-free!
- Plant-Based Chocolate Sauce - You can either use store-bought vegan chocolate sauce, or you can make your own by combining melted chocolate and a natural sweetener (such as maple syrup) of your choice together.
See the recipe card for quantities.
How To Make Chocolate Protein Pancakes:
This Chocolate Protein Pancake recipe is fantastic because it's the ultimate easy breakfast. These easy protein pancakes only take about 15 minutes to make, and are perfect for home chefs of all levels!
- Begin by combining all the dry ingredients except the chocolate chips together in a large bowl. Whisk together to form your pancake mix.
- Add the wet ingredients to the bowl and whisk again until a smooth batter has formed.
- Heat an electric skillet or frying pan to medium heat. If your skillet is not nonstick, I recommend greasing it with vegan butter or coconut oil spray (can also use avocado oil, olive oil, etc.), Add half a cup of batter to the hot skillet. Let cook for 2-3 minutes. Once you see bubbles on top, flip and cook the other side and cook for another 2-3 minutes. The pancakes should have a deep golden brown color once cooked.
- Serve with vegan yogurt, chocolate chips, caramel, and chocolate sauce! You can also serve these delicious chocolate protein pancakes with fresh fruit and whipped cream.
Chocolate Protein Pancake Substitutions:
Whether you have an allergy, don't have a certain ingredient on hand, or just simple don't like a particular ingredient, there are plenty of easy substitutions that can be made to this Caramel Chocolate Protein Pancake Recipe!
- Milk - As I stated earlier, I like to use soy milk, because it has a higher fat and protein content. However plant-based milk like almond milk is a great low-calorie option if you're goal is weight loss.
- Flour - Oat flour can be substituted for a variety of flours in this recipe. You can use all-purpose flour, gluten-free flour, or even a paleo flour mix made up of almond flour and coconut flour will work for a low carb option.
Protein Pancake Variations:
Although these Caramel Chocolate Protein Pancakes are delicious as is, there are a couple of fun ways you can mix this recipe up the next time you make it.
- Banana Protein Pancakes- You can add a ripe banana to both the batter and on top of these pancakes for extra flavor and sweetness.
- Dark Chocolate - If you're looking to make these chocolate protein pancakes extra gooey and chocolatey, you can add cacao powder (AKA natural cocoa powder) to the pancake batter. You can also add mini chocolate chips for more chocolatey goodness!
What You'll Need To Make These Caramel Chocolate Protein Pancakes:
These Chocolate Protein Pancakes are fantastic for any kitchen, because they require minimal equipment, and can be made using various equipment.
- Mixing Bowl - Both a medium mixing bowl and a large mixing bowl will work perfectly for these pancakes. I always opt for a larger bowl to avoid any flour spilling out.
- Spatula - Any spatula will work perfectly.
- Electric Skillet - Any type of skillet hot griddle, or frying pan on the stove top will work for this recipe. However, I strongly recommend using an electric skillet. It will cook the pancakes more evenly, and prevent them from burning and sticking to the pan.
As always you can find all my go-to equipment on my Amazon storefront or my affiliate page.
How To Store These Caramel Chocolate Protein Pancakes:
Although nothing beats a fresh fluffy pancake, these chocolate protein pancakes store surprisingly well.
I recommend storing these pancakes in an airtight container without any toppings. This will keep them fresh all week. Whenever you are ready to serve, you can lightly pan fry them, or microwave them and top them with fresh toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions:
If you're looking to include more healthy breakfast recipes into your diet, protein pancakes are a great way to do so, especially if you use a quality protein powder. Protein pancakes are lower in sugar, higher in both protein and fiber, and more nutrient dense than traditional pancakes.
Technically this protein pancake recipe can be made with either milk or water. I recommend making it with plant-based milk, because it will help the pancakes to be fluffier and moister. Although water is a great way to lower calories, milks like almond milk only contain about 30 calories per cup, so it won't make that much of a difference.
More Recipes Using PlantFusion Chocolate Caramel Complete Meal Protein Powder:
If you like PlantFusion's Complete Meal protein powder as much as I do, be sure to check out some of my other recipes using it!
Caramel Chocolate Protein Pancakes
Equipment
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 scoops PlantFusion Chocolate Caramel Complete Meal
- 2 cups oat flour
- ½ cup plant based chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups Plant based milk of choice
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Toppings:
Instructions
- Begin by combining all the dry ingredients except the chocolate chips together in a large bowl. Whisk together to form your pancake mix.
- Add the wet ingredients to the bowl and whisk again until a smooth batter has formed.
- Heat an electric skillet or frying pan to medium heat. If your skillet is not nonstick, I recommend greasing it with vegan butter or coconut oil spray (can also use avocado oil, olive oil, etc.), Add half a cup of batter to the hot skillet. Let cook for 2-3 minutes. Once you see bubbles on top, flip and cook the other side and cook for another 2-3 minutes. The pancakes should have a deep golden brown color once cooked.
- Serve with vegan yogurt, chocolate chips, caramel, and chocolate sauce! You can also serve these delicious chocolate protein pancakes with fresh fruit and whipped cream.
FOOD SAFETY:
It's always important to practice safe habits whenever in the kitchen.
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
Latest Recipes:
Make sure to check out some of my latest healthy recipes!
nancy
hearty and tasty pancakes!
Jan
These pancakes were so satisfying both taste and filling. I can’t ever get enough of caramel
Natalie
I made these lovely pancakes this weekend, and I loved them. Thanks!
Melanie
Love having another hearty and healthy breakfast "go-to," and these check off every box! YUM!
Gus
The pancakes were truly a dessert for breakfast meal! Loved them!
Anaiah
This is the ultimate stack and perfect for when I want to indulge in the mornings. It's great that it's still healthy for you too!
Kayla DiMaggio
These caramel chocolate protein pancakes were so delicious! Like dessert for breakfast!
Kaitlin
I just started going to the gym after a super longgggggggggg hiatus lol. I typically am not a fan of protein pancakes but these were awesome!
nancy
wow this dessert pancake totally hit the spot! everyone loved it during brunch !