Sometimes the morning can be a REAL struggle. Most of the time I am not a functional human being until after my cup of coffee and around 9 AM I become more conscious of my surroundings and begin to be productive. Basically adding my worth into society.
I get up SUPER early to go to the gym (i.e. 3:30 AM) and I just push hard through my workouts and I like it. I admit it. I like working out this early because my brain hasn’t fully comprehended the awful strenuous exercises I am doing to it. AND it’s a plus for later when I can come home from work knowing I already got in a killer workout for the day ;).
So AFTER all of that I get Jake and I ready for work. And sometimes breakfast is hard to throw together before heading out the door. Since we both go to work so early we just take our breakfasts and lunches with us. Pancakes are such an easy food to make quickly, put in a container, and be on your way. And if you are really in a time pinch they can be made ahead of time in batches and put in the freezer until later!
C'mon, how can you resist these babies? They are completely drool worthy. I am all about natural and clean ingredients which is why I use REAL maple syrup ( you only need a little!). The pancakes on their own are completely fine even without it!
These whole wheat pumpkin pecan pancakes are the perfect thing to take to work! I usually make a big batch and store them in the freezer to use when I need them. I pack the syrup and pecan topping separately.
I think pumpkin is good any time of year and of course it’s full of fiber to keep you satisfied until lunch!
These protein pumpkin pancakes are wholesome, a touch of sweetness, and full of that “pumpkin pie” flavor we all love! I add some vanilla protein powder to mine to get in extra protein (especially after a work out!).
Serves 3: ( 2 pancakes per serving) Calories: 212, Fat: 2.1g, Sodium: 94. Carbs: 35g, Sugar: 5g, Protein: 14.5g
You Need:
¾ cup whole wheat flour
1 scoop of vanilla protein powder ( I like Lee Labrada Lean Whey Protein for Her)
½ banana
2 egg whites
1 teaspoon cinnamon
4 tbs pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
3 tbs of unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1 tbs of pecans/ pancake for garnish
Extra cinnamon on top!
A light drizzle of maple syrup on
Directions:
Mush banana with egg whites and almond milk until there are no banana chunks left
Add flour, spices, pumpkin, protein powder, and flour.
Whisk thoroughly together
Heat a small to medium skillet on medium to preheat
Spray with cooking spray and add ¼ cup of batter to make 1 pancake.
When the top shows signs of bubbling on the edge it’s time to flip!
Cook other side for 30 seconds to a minute
Repeat this process until all the batter is used!
Serve immediately or let it cool place on a single layer on a baking sheet in the freezer for 30 minutes. Then store in a gallon Ziploc bag for later!
Enjoy!
Melanie (@melaniemiddle1) says
This looks wonderful. I'd get up early for this and I'm not even a morning person!
Kim (Feed Me, Seymour) says
Girl, mornings are always a struggle. But getting up at 3:30? You are a serious, serious champ. I totally get why you need these awesome pancakes!
Nutmeg Nanny says
I love that you took delicious pancakes and made them packed with protein!
Renee - Kudos Kitchen says
These sound wonderful and I love that you added protein powder. I'm going to have to try your recipe. Good tip about putting them in the freezer too.
foodwanderings says
Ooh a power pancake and with an almond milk too. Love this. Holy moly 3:30 am workouts?! That's a commitment!
beate weiss-krull (@Beatepdx) says
I am with Heather here - 3:30 is the middle of the night for me as well 😉 but these pancakes must make everything better. Perfect!
thecleandish says
You work out at 3:30am?! Woah!! I thought I was tough for running at 5am sometimes... like, every other week 😉 Love the pancakes!! What a tasty looking breakfast.
[email protected] says
5 am is plenty early too! Thank you, these pancakes are rock in' 😉
Erin @ Texanerin Baking says
I want to cry a little over 3:30 but as long as you like it. 😉
And I love protein pancakes! Such a great way to start the day.
TheSuburbanSoapbox says
Love the protein in these pancakes....they're be great even after the holidays when I have to get up at 3:30 just to squeeze in a work out.
Lauren @ Healthy Delicious says
Um 3:30am is more like staying up late than getting up early! Ha! I'm lucky if I drag myself out of bed at 8:30.
We've been really into pancakes lately. I'll have to give this recipe a try!
Paula - bell'alimento says
Absolutely love pumpkin pancakes - even better these are packed with protein.
Amy @Very Culinary says
I'm an early riser, too - getting up between 4:30-5...to run and get work done. Gotta squeeze every ounce of productivity in before the kids wake up. It would definitely be easier if these pancakes were waiting for me!
[email protected] Mom says
Love that you added Labrada protein powder, I use it and love it too!
Kristen says
Can you make these without protein powder? And do you think the different types of protein powders impact the consistency? Thanks!!
[email protected] says
Kristen, yes you can make these without the protein. Just add a little more flour until you get the right consistency. Yes, I think the type of powder you use can effect the consistency, I like powders that are "fluffy" like Labrada for her or biochem. Hope this helps!
Back for Seconds says
3:30? Wowza! Might be worth it if I was waking up to these instead of the gym 😉 YUM!
veganinthefreezer says
You can't beat that for a pile of goodness. You are my idol by the way!
cookincanuck says
I'm an early morning workout person, too. Okay, maybe not 3:30 - but I'm up at 5:15 on most days to fit in a run. These pancakes would be the perfect pre-run refueling breakfast.
Angie | Big Bear's Wife says
I love the pecans in these! I'll need to make them this weekend, for brunch! 😉
[email protected] says
3:30??? Oh good Lawwwwd! I go to bed at 1! But I do love early mornings... not 3 am... but 6 am is good. With a side of your very healthy, delicious pancakes!!
The Food Hunter says
Would love these for breakfast anytime!
Dinnermom says
I would TOTALLY enjoy these after a 3:30 am workout! Wow!
Martha @ A Family Feast says
WOW! 3:30 am! I struggle to get up at 5:30 to make it down to the treadmill in our basement! So impressed...and I'm so impressed with these healthy and delicious pancakes too! 🙂
Lora @cakeduchess says
I bet it feels good to know you did so much while most of us are sleeping...good for you to get out and get working out at that hour!! Great idea to add protein powder to this tasty pumpkin pancake recipe!:)
Heather Schmitt-Gonzalez | girlichef.com says
I like mornings... but I still consider 3:30 the middle of the night - holy cow! It pains me the mornings I have to wake up at 4:15. I'd love to have some of these beauties waiting for me in the freezer (to go w/ my coffee, of course). Yum!