Are you craving a fun twist on breakfast? Look no further! My Cinnamon Roll Protein Pancakes are easy to make and packed with nutrition. With simple ingredients like oats, vanilla protein powder, and the sweet swirl of cinnamon, you can create a delicious morning treat that fuels your day. Let’s dive into this tasty recipe and make your breakfast dreams come true!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Healthy Twist: These pancakes are packed with protein and fiber, making them a nutritious choice to start your day.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and a blender, you can whip up these delightful pancakes in no time.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or mix-ins, like nuts or fruits, to make them your own.
- Deliciously Indulgent: The cinnamon swirl makes these pancakes feel like a treat, combining health and indulgence perfectly.
Ingredients
List of Main Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 1 cup almond milk (or any milk of choice)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Swirl Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil (or melted butter)
These ingredients come together to create a delicious and healthy dish. Rolled oats serve as the base, giving the pancakes a hearty texture. Vanilla protein powder adds a boost of protein, making these pancakes filling and nutritious.
Baking powder helps the pancakes rise, while ground cinnamon gives them that classic cinnamon roll flavor. The egg binds the ingredients, and almond milk keeps them moist. You can add honey or maple syrup for sweetness, but it’s optional.
The cinnamon swirl is key to the fun. Coconut sugar or brown sugar creates a sweet, caramel-like flavor. Ground cinnamon in the swirl enhances that warm, cozy taste. Finally, melted coconut oil or butter adds richness to the swirl.
Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to make something special.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Batter
- Blending dry ingredients: Start by adding 1 cup of rolled oats, 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt into a blender. Blend these until they look like flour. This step gives the pancakes a nice base.
- Adding wet ingredients: Next, add 1 egg, 1 cup of almond milk, 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup (if you want it sweet), and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Blend everything until smooth.
- Resting the batter: Let the batter sit for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps the oats absorb liquid and makes the pancakes fluffier.
Making the Cinnamon Swirl
- Mixing ingredients for the swirl: In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of coconut sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon of melted coconut oil. Stir until it forms a paste. This swirl will make your pancakes taste like a cinnamon roll.
- Setting aside the swirl mixture: Once mixed, set this cinnamon swirl aside. It will add a lovely flavor to your pancakes when cooked.
Cooking the Pancakes
- Heating the skillet: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease it with cooking spray or a small amount of oil. This keeps the pancakes from sticking.
- Pouring and swirling the batter: For each pancake, pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet. Quickly drizzle about 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon swirl mixture in the center. Use a toothpick or knife to swirl the cinnamon mixture in gently.
- Cooking time and flipping tips: Cook each pancake for about 2-3 minutes. Bubbles will form on the surface when they are ready to flip. Flip them and cook for another 2 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and keep warm in a low-heat oven while you cook the rest.
These steps ensure you create fluffy, delicious cinnamon roll protein pancakes. Enjoy the process and the tasty results!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Pancake Texture
To get the best pancake texture, use a blender. Blend the oats until they look like flour. This gives your pancakes a nice, smooth base. After blending, let the batter rest for five minutes. This step helps the oats absorb the liquid. You will get fluffier pancakes this way!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have leftover pancakes, store them in an airtight container. They stay fresh in the fridge for about three days. To reheat, use a toaster or microwave. The toaster gives a lovely crispness. If using a microwave, heat them for about 20-30 seconds. This keeps them soft and warm.
Making the Swirl Perfect
For the swirl, adjust sugar to fit your taste. If you like it sweeter, add more coconut sugar. Mix the swirl well to make a paste. When you pour the batter, use a toothpick to create a nice swirl. This makes your pancakes look beautiful and appetizing!
Pro Tips
- Use Quick Oats: For a smoother batter, consider using quick oats instead of rolled oats. They blend more easily and create a fluffier pancake.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce or omit the honey or maple syrup. The coconut sugar in the swirl adds enough flavor on its own.
- Perfect Pancake Size: Use a measuring cup to pour the batter onto the skillet for uniform pancakes. This ensures even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
- Keep Warm: If making a large batch, keep the cooked pancakes warm in a low-heat oven (around 200°F or 93°C) until ready to serve.
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can easily change the flavor of your pancakes. Adding chocolate chips makes them sweeter. Just toss in a handful before you cook them. You can also add nuts for crunch.
Experimenting with spices can create fun twists. Try adding nutmeg for warmth or ginger for a kick. Each spice will give your pancakes a new taste.
Protein Powder Alternatives
Not all protein powders taste the same. You can use chocolate-flavored protein for a twist. It pairs well with the cinnamon flavor. There are also fruit-flavored powders for a fun change.
If you want a vegan option, try pea or rice protein. These options still pack a protein punch. They fit into many diets while keeping your pancakes tasty.
Dietary Substitutions
If you're gluten-free, swap rolled oats for gluten-free oats. This keeps your pancakes safe for those with gluten issues. Make sure to check labels for hidden gluten.
For dairy-free pancakes, use coconut or soy milk instead of almond milk. These alternatives work just as well. They keep the pancakes moist and delicious without the dairy.
Storage Info
Storing Pancakes
You can store your cinnamon roll protein pancakes in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just place them in a sealed container to keep them fresh. If you want to save them for longer, freeze the pancakes. They can stay in the freezer for about 2 months. To freeze, separate each pancake with parchment paper and stack them in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat pancakes, use a microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, heat for about 30 seconds on high. For the skillet, warm it over low heat and cook each pancake for 1-2 minutes per side. This keeps them soft. To maintain texture and flavor, you can add a splash of almond milk while reheating. Enjoy your pancakes warm and fresh!
FAQs
How do I make gluten-free cinnamon roll protein pancakes?
To make gluten-free cinnamon roll protein pancakes, use gluten-free oats. Blend them until they form a flour-like texture. Then follow the recipe as usual. This simple swap keeps your pancakes tasty and safe for those avoiding gluten.
Can I use regular flour instead of oats?
Yes, you can use regular flour instead of oats. However, you may need to adjust the liquid. Oats absorb more liquid than regular flour. Start with a little less milk and add more if needed to get the right batter consistency.
What can I substitute for almond milk?
You can use any milk you like. Options include cow's milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Each choice adds its flavor, but all will work well in the recipe. Choose what you enjoy most for the best taste.
How much protein is in each pancake?
Each pancake contains about 7-10 grams of protein. The amount varies based on the protein powder used. This makes them a great choice for a filling breakfast or post-workout meal.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the batter ahead. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a quick stir before cooking. The pancakes will still taste fresh and delicious!
You learned how to make delicious cinnamon roll protein pancakes. We covered the main ingredients, plus how to blend and cook them step-by-step. I shared tips for perfect pancakes, storing, and fun variations.
Now, you can create fun flavors and keep pancakes fresh for later. Enjoy trying different options like gluten-free or chocolate chip. With these skills, you’ll impress family and friends every time you cook!