Cinnamon Chia-Flax Protein Pancakes
Start your day with these dairy-free, gluten-free protein pancakes made with chia seeds, flax seeds, and banana. Nutritious, filling, and satisfying!
This recipe came to be after an email from our friend. She told us about these pancakes that she loved from The Skinny Confidential. The idea of using banana in the place of our usual almond flour or coconut flour was intriguing, so we tried it. Then we tweaked it, and we tweaked it a little more.
And the result are these cinnamon chia-flax protein pancakes. They are moist, flavorful, filling, and good for you. They are packed with protein, fiber, and omega-3s. They are also naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and Paleo.
Ground chia seeds and flax seeds are used instead of flour for a lighter twist on pancakes, which makes them a nourishing option for any day of the week. Try our Fluffy Greek Yogurt Pancakes, Lighter Zucchini Egg Muffin Cups or Banana Yogurt Smoothie for other lighter higher protein breakfast options.
What makes this recipe great
- These no flour banana pancakes are a lighter pancake option.
- They are simple to make. You just throw everything into a blender or food processor.
- They are high in protein, omega-3s, fiber and antioxidants.
- It’s a great way to add chia seeds and flax seeds into your diet.
- They are great for those following a dairy-free, gluten-free, or Paleo diet.
Recipe ingredients
- Eggs– these bind the batter together and add protein.
- Banana– they add sweetness to the pancakes while also binding the batter together.
- Chia Seeds– make sure to use ground chia seeds. You can grind them yourself in a coffee grinder or buy them pre-ground.
- Flax seeds– make sure to use ground flax seeds or flaxseed meal.
- Cinnamon– this adds nice flavor to the pancakes.
- Lemon juice– this helps activate the baking powder in the recipe and balances the acidity in the recipe.
- Baking soda– this is what makes the pancakes rise!
- Honey– we love only using a little to add a hint of sweetness.
See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Step by step instructions
Step 1
Step 1: Make sure your flax seeds and chia seeds are ground. You can’t do this in a food processor. You need a coffee grinder or spice grinder.
Step 2
Step 2: Put all of your ingredients into a food processor or blender.
Step 3:
Step 3: Put 2 Tablespoons worth of batter on the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes a side.
Step 4
Step 4: Flip the pancakes.
Expert tips
- How to grind chia seeds or flax seeds at home– you can use a coffee grinder or spice grinder. We prefer to buy ground chia seeds and ground flaxseed meal but if we can’t find it, we do it at home.
- Make sure the pancake batter isn’t lumpy. The banana sometimes takes time to mix so make sure the banana isn’t lumpy. This results in thicker pancake batter.
- How to serve: Serve pancakes with maple syrup, berries or other fruit, butter, almond butter, maple butter, apple butter or whatever is your favorite pancake topping of choice.
Prep 5 minutesCook 5 minutesTotal 10 minutesMakes 1
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 1 banana
- 2 Tablespoons ground chia seeds
- 2 Tablespoons ground flaxseeds
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon honey
Method
- Put all of the ingredients into a blender or food processor. Mix.
- Scrap the sides of the blender down with a spatula and then blend everything together one more time.
- Heat a large pan over medium heat. Grease with oil.
- Use 2 Tablespoons worth of batter to make each pancake. Lower heat to low medium.
- Wait until the batter starts bubbling a bit (2-3 minutes) before flipping. Cook for about another few minutes on the other side, or until golden brown.
- Note: Depending on your stove top or your pan, these may cook more or less quickly, so just keep an eye on them. Also, we noticed that our first few pancakes took more time to cook, and the other ones browned much more quickly.
- Yields 7- 8 mini pancakes total. Serves 1 or 2.
Notes
- How to grind chia seeds or flax seeds at home – you can use a coffee grinder or spice grinder. We prefer to buy ground chia seeds and ground flaxseed meal but if we can’t find it, we do it at home.
- Make sure the pancake batter isn’t lumpy. The banana sometimes takes time to mix so make sure the banana isn’t lumpy. This results in thicker pancake batter.
- How to serve: Serve pancakes with maple syrup, berries or other fruit, butter, almond butter, maple butter, apple butter or whatever is your favorite pancake topping of choice.
