Protein Pumpkin Bread

                                                       

Love having a slice or two of this bread as a snack, or a few slices for breakfast (loaded with peanut butter, obviously). I'm working on keeping my recipes simple (i.e. no more crazy ingredients). Mostly because:

1. It's unnecessary

2. I don't have time

3. You don't have time

Here we go: 

                               

Protein Pumpkin Bread

Ingredients:

1/2 cup coconut flour

1 scoop vanilla whey protein (I used Cellucor)

1/3 cup stevia for baking

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 cup canned pumpkin 

3/4 cup egg whites

1/2-3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk

3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 300 F. 

2. Mix the dry ingredients together in a bowl. Mix the wet ingredients in a separate bowl. Add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients (add more almond milk if necessary, but you want a nectar-thick batter). 

3. Spoon the batter into a bread loaf pan lined with parchment paper (for easy removal). Cook about one hour and 10 minutes or until knife comes out clean. 

4. Let cool and cut into 8 slices. I recommended refrigerating them (I like the texture better when they are chilled). 

Nutrition Information for 1 slice: 103 calories, 4 g Fat, 8 g Carbs, 8 g Protein

Snickerdoodle Protein Pancakes

I was looking through some of my old pancake recipes recently and realized I haven't posted the one that I've been making the most.

Other things have changed. I've been using PEScience protein powder for all of my protein powder recipes, and I'm obsessed. The great thing about this powder is that it's a mix of whey and casein.

Whey: A liquid by-product of cheese production (appetizing, I know- it tastes nothing like cheese). It is quick digesting and easily absorbed. Whey is best used anytime of day, especially as a protein source post-workout. Whey protein comes in a few forms, but the best is "whey protein isolate".

Casein: Casein is another milk-based protein. It has a slower rate of digestion compared to whey protein, so it provides a more steady release of amino acids to the body over a longer period of time. This protein is a good option anytime of day, but is used a lot before bed (to prevent protein breakdown overnight).

So, the combination of both of these proteins is ideal. Plus, casein tends to act like a thickening agent- and thick batters make awesome pancakes!

Also, PEScience has amazing flavors including Snickerdoodle and Blondie that are unique AND delicious. I'm not sponsored by them or paid to say any of this (I wish)....I just truly like the brand!

Back to the  pancakes. And by the way, you can use whatever whey protein you have if you don't have PEScience. If you want to buy it, Vitacost has great prices. You can use this link for $10 off your first order :)

Snickerdoodle Protein Pancakes

Ingredients:

1/2 medium (~100 g) zucchini, grated (I just chop it in my Ninja food processor)
1/3 cup oatmeal
2 tablespoons coconut flour
2 tablespoons PEScience Snickerdoodle protein powder
1 teaspoon psyllium husk
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 cup egg whites
Stevia to taste
Almond milk as needed (or any milk)

Directions:

1. Cook the zucchini in the microwave for one minute. Set aside. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.

2. Combine all ingredients (including the zucchini) in a food processor. Batter WILL be thick. Add enough almond milk to give it a pudding-like mixture (about 1/4 cup?).

3. Coat skillet with cooking spray. Add batter by the spoonful to the pan. Flatten slightly. Cover and cook about 4 minutes (or until pancake sets and is golden brown underneath). Flip pancakes and cook about 3 minutes on the other side or until cooked through.

Soft Baked Pumpkin Butter Cookies

The sweetness from the vanilla protein powder and the pumpkin butter is enough, so there's no sugar added! Baking up a storm during this winter blizzard we're having :)

Soft Baked Pumpkin Butter Cookies

Makes 6

Ingredients:
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder
- 2 tablespoons coconut flour
- 1/4 cup pumpkin butter
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.

2. Combine the egg, protein powder, coconut flour, pumpkin butter, and pumpkin pie spice in a large bowl. This WILL be sticky.

2. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Add cookie dough by the spoonful. Bake 10 minutes or until lightly golden.

Per one cookie: 1.4 g Fat, 8.4 g Carbs, 5.5 g Protein

Banana Raspberry Protein Bread

I had a container of raspberries and some ripe bananas laying around and wanted to save them before they went bad. So, I threw them into this bread and it came out really good!

You can definitely leave out the raspberries and make a regular banana bread instead. Truth be told, I'm not a huge fan of raspberries. Which is probably why they were about to go bad in the first place...

Raspberries are an GREAT source of fiber- about 8 grams per cup! That  is about one third of the recommended daily value for adults. Fiber is helpful for slowing down digestion, making you feel full, and getting rid of waste (aka go #2).

Either way, leave them in or out- up to you.

You can find the protein powder, stevia and flour from Vitacost. Here's a link for a discount off your first order: 

Banana Raspberry Protein Bread

Ingredients:

2 scoop vanilla whey protein (I use Cellucor)
1/2 cup coconut flour 
1 tablespoon granulated stevia (or other sweetener of choice)
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 large bananas (about 150 grams each)
3/4 cup egg whites
1/2 cup unsweetened cashew or almond milk
1/2 cup raspberries


Directions:

1.  Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. In a large blender or food processor, blend together all ingredients except the raspberries. Fold in raspberries after.
3. Add batter to a loaf pan coated with cooking spray. Bake for about 50-60 minutes or until knife comes out clean.
4. Allow to cool, then cut into 8 slices (or however many you like).

Nutrition Information for one slice: 1.5 g Fat, 14.5 g Carbohydrates, 4 g Fiber, 10.3 g Protein

Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins

This recipe is perfect for those super ripe bananas on your counter. The bananas provide enough sweetness, so you don't need to add much sweetener. These are probably the most moist muffins I've ever made. It's hard not to eat the whole batch!

I get my flours, stevia, and extracts from Vitacost. They have the best prices and an amazing selection of food and supplements. Use this link for money off your first order. 

Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins

Ingredients:

3 small very ripe bananas (or two medium)
2 eggs
2 teaspoons coconut oil 

1/2 cup unsweetened cashew or almond milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup almond flour
1/4 cup coconut flour
1/4 cup stevia
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup chocolate chips (more if desired)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. In a food processor, combine the banana, eggs, coconut oil, milk, and vanilla. Blend until smooth.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flours, stevia, baking powder and cinnamon.
3. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in the food processor. Blend until smooth. Fold in the chocolate chips.
4. Add batter to a muffin tin coated with cooking spray. Bake 25 minutes or until knife comes out clean. Allow to cool.

Healthy Twinkies

Fun fact about Twinkies: The original filling was banana flavored! It wasn't until bananas were being rationed in WWII that Hostess changed it to vanilla.

Another fact that is probably NOT surprising: Twinkies are not so nutritious.

So, I went on a quest to make a healthier version of the beloved Twinkie. They came out totally cake-like with a perfect creamy vanilla filling!

I get my flours, extracts and stevia from Vitacost (cheap, and delivered right to your door!).

Ok here's the recipe!

Healthy Twinkies

Ingredients for the Twinkie:

1/4 cup light spelt flour
1/4 cup coconut flour
1/3 cup granulated stevia
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon vanilla or butter extract
1 egg
1/3 cup almond milk
1/2 cup plain, non-fat Greek yogurt

Filling:

1/3 cup plain, non-fat Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon sugar-free vanilla Jell-O pudding mix

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.

2. Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Add the egg, milk, and Greek yogurt to a blender or large food processor and blend until combined. Add the dry ingredients and blend until smooth (Don't overmix!!).

3. Spray a canoe pan with cooking spray (I got mine on clearance at Sur La Table- mine has 6 "canoes"). Divide batter evenly amongst pan. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until knife comes out clean.

4. To make the filling, combine the Greek yogurt and pudding mix. Add mixture to the bottom corner of a small Ziploc plastic bag. Cut a small hole in the bottom corner of the bag (this is where the filling will come out).

5. To add the icing to the Twinkie, use a chopstick or a knife to hollow out the Twinkie by pushing it through horizontally (don't go all the way). Pipe the frosting in each Twinkie.

Keep in the fridge!

Serves 6

Nutrition Facts Healthy Twinkie (per one): 65 calories, 1.8 g Fat, 9.1 g Carbohydrates, 5.5 g Protein, 2.7 g Sugar

Nutrition Facts Original Twinkie (per one Twinkie): 140 calories, 4.5 grams Fat (2.5 Saturated Fat), 24 g Carbohydrates, 1 g Protein, 18 g Sugar

Coconut Flaxseed Pancakes

I had been sticking to my usual pancake recipe all week, but decided to switch it up this morning and use some ground flaxseed in the batter. These came out so delicious and fluffy- I could've had 3 more stacks.

Ingredient note: I buy my flour, flaxseed, stevia, oatmeal, psyllium husk and more from Vitacost. They have the best prices and deliver right to your door. Click the link for a discount off your first order!

Coconut Flaxseed Pancakes

Ingredients:

1/3 cup riced cauliflower (I used my Ninja to finely chop it)
1/4 cup egg whites
2 tablespoons Cellucor Cinnamon Swirl Whey Protein
3 tablespoons coconut flour
1 tablespoon flaxseed
1 teaspoon psyllium husk
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Stevia to taste
Almond milk

1. Microwave the riced cauliflower for 45 seconds (you do NOT taste it- it makes the pancakes moist).
2. Combine all ingredients together in a food processor, except the almond milk. Slowly add almond milk until the batter has a slightly pudding-like consistency.
3. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and spray with cooking spray. Once hot, add pancake batter by the spoonful. Cook like regular pancakes (be patient- they take longer to cook than regular pancakes- you don't want to flip too soon!). 

Gingerbread Protein Cookies

Every Christmas,  we have a cookie bake-off at my parents' house. There's six of us in my family, so we team up and each team tries to make the tastiest, most festive cookies. Our family and friends are the unofficial cookie judges, and the cookie that gets the most positive feedback wins. The winning team wins nothing, just the glory of being the year's cookie champs.

During our cookie bake-off, I stick to the original recipes. However, I got the itch to make one healthier cookie, and make a batch before the competition began. My family loved them, and my mom even asked me to write down the recipe to send into a cookie contest she saw in a magazine. I love when I convince others that healthy tastes good :).

Gingerbread Protein Cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup oatmeal
1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder
2 tablespoons coconut flour
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon cloves
3/4 teaspoon ginger
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 egg
1 banana
2 tablespoons almond milk
2 packets Truvia

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350. Line a baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Blend oatmeal into flour (I use my Ninja food processor for this).
3. Slice the banana. Add all ingredients into a blender (or use a hand mixer). Blend until smooth.
4.  Roll the dough into 10 uniform balls. Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon.
5. Bake for 10 minutes. Cool.

For the frosting, I just mixed together some plain Greek yogurt with vanilla casein. Casein protein powder makes the yogurt thick like frosting. Whey protein will not have the same effect. Make sure your cookies are completely cool before adding the frosting or the yogurt will melt!

Nutrition information (1 cookie without frosting): 60 Calories, 1.4 grams Fat, 7.7 grams Carbs, 4 grams Protein

Cauliflower Sandwich Bun

I figured if you can make a pizza crust, there’s no reason you can’t use cauliflower in place of a sandwich bun. I was really happy with how these came out. This would actually be a great cheese-less pizza base if you just modify how you shape it!

Cauliflower Sandwich Bun

Ingredients:

1 cup grated cauliflower (Ninja!)

¼ cup egg beaters

1 tablespoon flaxseed

2 teaspoons coconut flour

Salt and onion powder to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 450. Use a food processor to grate your cauliflower.
2. Combine the cauliflower, egg beaters, flaxseed, coconut flour and spices in a bowl. Combine well.
3. Spray a cookie sheet with non-stick spray. Form the crust ingredient two circles resembling the top and bottom of a bun. Place the cookie sheet in the oven and cook until the crust is lightly browned, 15 minutes.
4. Let buns cool on a cooking rack while you set your oven to broil. Set the cooling rack on your cookie sheet and place in the oven. Broil until a little crispy, about 2 minutes.

I melted some low-fat cheddar on the bun while it was under the broiler, then sandwiched a Boca burger inside. Incredibly bun-like!

Peanut Butter Banana Waffles

When I woke up today, my stomach wasn't feeling 100%. I decided to forgo the protein powder that I usually use at breakfast for this reason (just in case it made my stomach worse!). As horrible as it is to have a stomach ache, I'm happy that it forced me to make a protein powder free, and therefore, kid friendly waffle recipe! These waffles are also gluten-free and dairy-free, and packed with protein from the peanut flour I used. These flours may sound foreign, but they are available at great prices from Vitacost (discount off your first order included in the link!).

Peanut Butter Banana Waffles

Ingredients:

1/4 cup peanut flour
2 tablespoons coconut flour
1 small banana (100 grams)
3 tablespoons egg whites
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Stevia to taste
Almond milk if needed

Directions:

1. Preheat waffle maker and spray with cooking spray.
2. Place all ingredients into a food processor or blender (I use my Ninja). Blend until smooth.
3. Pour into waffle pan and cook until done. Top with your favorite toppings (nuts, fruit, yogurt, nut butter, coconut flakes, etc.)

Butter Toffee Kabocha Protein Pancakes

If you couldn't already tell by following me on Instagram (@adena86) I am in LOVE with kabocha squash. Kabocha squash is also referred to as japanese pumpkin. It is sweet, moist, and has this satisfying texture that I've become completely addicted too. I buy at least five kabocha squash whenever I see them in the grocery store to avoid kabocha withdrawal. If you have a hard time finding kabocha, you can replace it with any other winter squash (butternut, acorn, fresh or canned pumpkin), but I highly recommend you don't give up your search. Kabocha will change your life.

Another note about the ingredients. DO NOT fear the cauliflower. You DO NOT taste it. It makes the pancakes incredibly moist and cake-like. Read more about why I use cauliflower here.  

Butter Toffee Kabocha Pancakes

Ingredients:

1/3 cup riced cauliflower (raw cauliflower finely chopped in a food processor)
3/4 scoop Elite Butter Cream Toffee protein powder (or any flavor whey protein)
2 tablespoons oatmeal
2 tablespoons coconut flour
1/2 tablespoon psyllium husk

1/3 cup cooked kabocha squash 
3 tablespoons egg whites
8-10 drops English Toffee liquid stevia (or plain stevia)
Almond milk as needed

Directions

1. Place cauliflower in the microwave. Cook for about 40 seconds.
2. Meanwhile, heat a nonstick pan coated with cooking spray over medium heat.
3. Add the remaining ingredients (protein powder through stevia) to your food processor. Blend until smooth. Add almond milk as needed (add SLOWLY). You want your pancake batter to be thick.
4. Add the batter by the spoonful to the pan. Cook until the edges set. These are thick so be patient! Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes on the other side, or until cooked through.

I topped mine with sugar-free caramel syrup and Justin's Maple Almond Butter :)

Low Carb Birthday Cake Pancakes

It's not really my birthday, but these seriously tasted just like a Funfetti birthday cake! Low carb, fluffy, healthy, delicious protein pancakes. Love when they come out perfect! I used Cellucor's Cor-fetti Cake Batter protein for this recipe. If you don't have it, substitute with vanilla flavored whey. The flour and psyllium husk are from Vitacost, my favorite online grocery store. They have so many fun ingredients that most grocery stores don't carry. Plus, they have amazing prices. Use this link for $10 off your first order:

Want more carbs to fuel or recover from your workout? Here's another recipe I made that's higher in carbs and tastes like cake too!

Note: If you are scared of the cauliflower- DON'T BE. It is seriously a magical ingredient. Read about why I use it here. 

Low Carb Birthday Cake Pancakes

Ingredients:

1/3 cup riced cauliflower (just add raw cauliflower to your food processor and finely chop)
3/4 scoop Cellucor Cor-fetti Cake Batter protein powder
2 tablespoons coconut flour
1/2 tablespoon psyllium husk
3 tablespoons egg whites
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 packet stevia
3 tablespoons almond milk, more as needed

Directions:

1. Preheat a nonstick pan over medium heat. Coat with cooking spray. Microwave your riced cauliflower for 40 seconds.

2. Add all ingredients to a food processor or blender (I use my Ninja). Blend until smooth. Gradually add more almond milk if needed, but make sure the batter is THICK. A little milk goes a long way.

3. Add batter by the spoonful to the your pan. Cook until the edges set. These will take longer than regular pancakes- be patient! Flip and cook on the other side (about 4 minutes?).

4. Layer with stevia sweetened Greek yogurt ("frosting") if desired. I also like to add nut butter right in the middle :)

Nutrition Facts (pancakes only): 186 Calories, 3 grams Fat, 18 grams Carbohydrates (13 grams Fiber), 24 grams protein

Apple Pie Protein Pancakes

These have been one of my favorite recipes that I keep going back to. The unsweetened applesauce in this recipe gives the pancakes great flavor and keeps them moist. Applesauce is a great replacement for butter and oil in baking. Other options to replace the butter and oil  in your recipes include Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, banana, and even avocado! Do NOT let the cauliflower in the recipe scare you. You cannot taste it, and it makes the pancakes more dense and cake-like. Read more about the ingredients I use here. You can find the coconut flour and psyllium husk from Vitacost. It's cheaper than the grocery store and delivered right to your door! Use this link  for money off your first order!

Apple Pie Protein Pancakes

Ingredients:

1/3 cup riced cauliflower (I place raw cauliflower in my Ninja food processor and blend until finely chopped)
3/4 scoop vanilla whey protein powder (I used Cellucor)
2 tablespoons coconut flour
1/2 tablespoon psyllium husk
1 stevia packet
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
3 tablespoons egg whites
2-3 tablespoons almond milk
Nutmeg and cinnamon to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat a nonstick pan over medium heat and coat with cooking spray.
2. Microwave your cauliflower rice for 40 seconds.
3. Add all ingredients to your food processor (including cauliflower). Blend until smooth, but do not over mix! Batter should be thick.
4. Add batter to the pan by the heaping spoonful. Cook until set and small bubbles start to form. Flip and cook on the other side. Be patient. Mine are thick so it takes a little longer than regular pancakes.

I layered mine with stevia sweetened Greek yogurt, warm apple slices, and topped them with more cinnamon :)

Serves 1

Nutrition Information:  3 g Fat, 27 g CHO, 14 g Fiber, 24 g Protein

Red Velvet Cake Batter Protein Waffles

Cellucor... I LOVE YOU ❤️ Cellucor is one of my favorite protein powders for baking and making pancakes and waffles. The flavors are amazing. Cinnamon Swirl, Peanut Butter Marshmallow, Cake Batter, and now Red Velvet Cake Batter! I don't know... This one might be a favorite! Went crazy today and took out the waffle maker. You can easily make these into pancakes too.

Tip: I only order my protein powders from Bodybuilding.com. If your order elsewhere, you're spending too much! Plus, they usually give you free samples :)

                                      

                                       

                                  

Red Velvet Protein Waffles

Ingredients:

3/4 scoop Red Velvet Cake Batter protein powder (by Cellucor)

1/3 cup oatmeal ground into flour (I use my food processor)

2 tablespoons coconut flour 

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 stevia packet

3 tablespoons egg whites

2 T cottage cheese

5 tablespoons almond milk 

Directions:

1. Preheat waffle maker (or pan if making pancakes). 

2. Blend together all dry ingredients in a blender or food processor. 

3. Add egg whites, cottage cheese, and milk. Blend until smooth. Add batter to waffle maker and cook! 

I topped mine with WF sugar-free chocolate syrup, strawberries, and stevia sweetened Greek yogurt. Feels like I just ate cake for breakfast!

Vanilla Almond Protein Pancakes

One of my favorite extracts to use is almond extract. Love the nutty, warm flavor! These were so fluffy :)

Also, don't let the cauliflower scare you! It makes the pancakes more moist and cake-like! You can omit if you don't have any, but I highly recommend it.

                              

Vanilla Almond Protein Pancakes 

3/4 scoop Vanilla protein powder (I use Cellucor Whipped Vanilla)

2 tablespoons oatmeal

2 tablespoons coconut flour 

1/2 tablespoon psyllium husk

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 stevia packet 

1/3 cup riced cauliflower 

3 tablespoons egg whites 

3 tablespoons Greek yogurt 

1/3 cup almond milk 

Splash of almond extract (about 1/2 teaspoon)

Directions: 

1. Preheat a large non stick pan over medium heat. Coat with cooking spray. 

 2. Place cauliflower in a food processor and finely chop. Place in a bowl and microwave 40 seconds.

3. Add all ingredients including the cauliflower to your food processor. Blend until smooth.

4. Add pancake batter to your pan by the spoonful. Cook until edges set and then flip. Be patient! They are thick and take longer than regular pancakes. Once you flip, cook another 3-4 minutes on the other side. Serve with your favorite toppings/fillings!

Cafe Mocha Protein Pancakes

These pancakes had the perfect amount of coffee flavor . I layered these with stevia sweetened Greek yogurt and topped them with Wild Friends Vanilla Espresso Almond Butter (one of my top three favorite nut butters!). Perfect. 

                                     

Cafe Mocha Protein Pancakes

Ingredients:

3/4 scoop Cafe Mocha protein powder (I used Dymatize)

1/3 cup riced cauliflower 

2 tablespoons oatmeal 

2 tablespoons coconut flour

1/2 tablespoon psyllium husk

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 packet stevia

1/4 teaspoon coffee extract

2 tablespoons Greek yogurt 

3 tablespoons egg whites

2-3 tablespoons almond milk 

Directions:

1. Cook cauliflower rice in the microwave for 40 seconds.

2. Grind oats into oat flour with a food processor. Add the remaining ingredients (includig the cauliflower!) and blend well. 

3. Heat a large, nonstick pan over medium high heat. Coat with cooking spray. Make sure the pan is hot!

4. Add the batter by the spoonful. Flip when the edges set and small bubbles start to form. Cook another 2-3 minutes on the other side. 

Tips for Fluffy Pancakes

I've been getting a lot of questions about how I get my pancakes so thick and fluffy :) So here are some ingredients and tips to make your own!

Ingredients:

Baking Powder

Psyllium husk

Coconut flour 

Cauliflower 

You can order psyllium husk and coconut flour from Vitacost. It's an online health/grocery store where I order the majority of my ingredients from. Use this link for a discount off your first order:

Baking powder is a mix of baking soda and an acid. It is a leavening agent, which means its added to recipes in order to produce carbon dioxide to give rise to the finished product. Make sure your baking powder is fresh- old baking powder will make your product flat. No one wants flat pancakes! 

Psyllium husk helps to bind your pancakes and gives them extra texture and fluff! I use about 1/2 tablespoon to 1 tablespoon in my recipes. It's also a great source of fiber.

Coconut flour makes light, fluffy pancakes. It absorbs more liquid than other flours, so you'll need to add extra water, milk, etc. when cooking with this. It can be used alone or mixed with another type of flour to make delicious pancakes, breads, cakes, bars- anything!

Cauliflower in pancakes?! Yes, and I swear you don't taste it! Cauliflower makes your pancakes dense and cake-like. To incorporate cauliflower for that cake-like look and texture, simply process raw cauliflower in a food processor or blender, then place in a bowl and microwave for 40 seconds (I usually use about 1/3-1/2 cup for my recipes). Blend it with your other pancake ingredients until smooth.

Pancake Techniques:

While preparing your pancake ingredients, make sure you pre-heat your pan. I usually preheat my non-stick pan over medium high heat and spray with no n-stick spray (you can also use coconut oil or other oil). Make sure it's hot before you add your batter. Do not use high heat. Keep it on medium and be patient :)

DO NOT over mix. This will lead to flat, sad looking pancakes. 

Make sure your batter is thick. Thick batter= thick pancakes.

Hope this helps! More questions? Ask away!

Cinnamon Graham Cracker Protein Pancakes

Pretty sure the picture says it all. FLUFF. My usual ingredients with Cinnamon Graham Cracker whey protein by Optimum Nutrition. Delicious, but if you don't have that flavor, use whatever whey protein powder you like! I always buy my protein powders from bodybuilding.com. If you buy them anywhere else, your paying WAY too much! 

                   

Cinnamon Graham Cracker Protein Pancakes

Ingredients:

1/3 cup riced cauliflower 

1 level scoop Cinnamon Graham Cracker whey protein (I used Optimum Nutrition. If you don't have this, use another flavor!)

1/4 cup oatmeal

2 tablespoons coconut flour

1 teaspoon psyllium husk

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 medium banana (50 grams)

3 tablespoons egg whites 

1 tablespoon almond milk

1/2 teaspoon butter extract (optional if you don't have any) 

1 packet stevia

5 drops liquid stevia

Directions:

1. Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat. Coat with cooking spray. 

2. Cook the cauliflower in the microwave for 40 seconds (I "rice" mine by putting it into a food processor until finely chopped).

2. Add all ingredients (oatmeal through the stevia) on a food processor. Add cauliflower last (so it has a chance to cool down a little).

3. Blend until smooth, do not over mix. 

4. Cook your pancakes! 

Butternut Squash Protein Pancakes

I love squash EVERYTHING. I always have cooked squash prepared and waiting in my fridge. Squash is  perfect for pancakes because it makes them really thick and moist. This morning's stack was nothing less than incredible. These are an absolute must-try!

Butternut Squash Protein Pancakes

Ingredients:

1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons (30 grams) oatmeal 

1 tablespoon coconut flour

1 scoop protein powder 

1 teaspoon psyllium husk (can omit, but adds fiber and texture)

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Stevia and cinnamon to taste

2/3 cup (85 grams) cooked butternut squash

3 tablespoons egg whites

3 tablespoons almond milk 

Fruit (optional)

Directions: 

1. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Coat with cooking spray.

2. Using a blender or food processor, blend the oatmeal into flour. Add the rest of the ingredients to the blender/food processor and blend until smooth. 

3. Add batter to the pan by the spoonful. If using fruit, place it in the center of the pancake batter at this time (if using bananas, slice them). 

4. Once the edges of the pancake set, flip. Cook on the other side about 3-4 minutes. 

5. Eat!!! I topped mine with sugar free syrup and peanut butter :)

Coconut Cream Protein Pancakes

Fluffy, filling, and the perfect amount of coconut flavor. I've been wanting to test out the coconut emulsion I picked up at T.J. Maxx. I like the flavor better than coconut extract. It tastes more....natural? It doesn't have a strong aftertaste. But extract works perfectly fine for this recipe too!

Ingredients: 

2 tablespoons oatmeal 

2 tablespoons coconut flour

2 tablespoons vanilla whey protein 

1/4 teaspoon baking powder 

1 stevia packet

1 tablespoon reduced-fat coconut flakes 

(or regular)

1/3 cup riced cauliflower (pulse in a good processor until finely chopped) 

2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt

2 tablespoons low-fat cottage cheese 

1/2 teaspoon coconut emulsion (or extract) 

Directions:

1. Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat. Coat with cooking spray. 

2. Microwave cauliflower rice for 40 seconds. 

3. Add all ingredients into a food processor. Blend until smooth.

4. Cook your pancakes! Be patient, flip when the edges have set and little bubbles start to form. 

I layered my stack with Greek yogurt mixed with stevia. You can also add more coconut flakes.