These Cottage Cheese Protein Pancakes are combined in a blender and cooked in a matter of minutes. Made with whole grain oats, cottage cheese, and eggs, they’re a nutritious and delicious you can feel good about eating!
Table of Contents
- Why We’re Crazy For These Cottage Cheese Protein Pancakes
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- Blend, Heat, and Eat
- What’s the Secret to Fluffy Pancakes?
- Optional Mix-Ins
- Serving Suggestions
- How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat
- Common Questions About This Cottage Cheese Protein Pancakes Recipe
- More Quick & Easy Pancake Recipes
- Cottage Cheese Protein Pancakes Recipe Recipe
Why We’re Crazy For These Cottage Cheese Protein Pancakes
There’s nothing better than starting your day with a piping hot plate of pancakes! While we love traditional recipes, we also like to make things a little healthier from time to time, and with cottage cheese having a moment in the spotlight we decided it was the perfect time to try out cottage cheese protein pancakes!
Unlike restaurant or box mix pancakes that are typically loaded with sugars and refined grains, this option uses just a handful of nutritious foods to create a soft, fluffy texture and a subtly sweet taste. Plus, unlike many other recipes, they don’t contain any protein powder at all!
Not to mention these pancakes:
- Combine in a blender for minimal prep time and easy cleanup.
- Have a cook time of just a few minutes and a total time of under 30 minutes.
- Are nut-free, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free.
- Can easily be customized with a variety of mix-ins and toppings.
- Store well so you can eat once, and enjoy them throughout the week!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of our favorite things about this cottage cheese protein pancakes recipe is that we almost always have everything we need to make it!
- Rolled Oats – These form the base of the pancakes, replacing flour in typical recipes. If needed, look for certified gluten-free varieties.
- Eggs – We use whole eggs to add a rich taste and give the pancakes structure. Then, we include egg whites for extra protein and a super fluffy texture! Whatever you use, small-curd cottage cheese is best as it is easier to prevent any clumps in the batter.
- Cottage Cheese – This is our secret weapon to creating ultra fluffy, super high protein pancakes. We recommend using full-fat varieties, but any kind of cottage cheese works great.
- Vanilla Extract – Use pure vanilla extract (not imitation varieties) to enhance the sweetness.
- Baking Powder – Make sure your baking powder is fresh! Without it, your pancakes won’t rise.
- Cinnamon – Just a pinch helps add a bit of warmth and sweetness.
Blend, Heat, and Eat
Thanks to the use of a blender, these cottage cheese protein pancakes are the easiest you’ll ever make. There’s no need for mixing in bowls or making a mess of your kitchen!
- Combine. Add all the ingredients to a blender, and pulse until smooth.
- Rest. Set the batter aside to rest and thicken at room temperature. Do not skip this step!
- Cook. Heat a large pan over medium heat and add about ½ cup of batter. Cook until the top begins to bubble, and the edges are set. Then, flip, and continue to cook until both sides are golden brown.
- Repeat. Transfer the pancakes to a cooling rack or plate, and repeat the process until all the batter has been used.
What’s the Secret to Fluffy Pancakes?
There are several factors that will give you light and fluffy pancakes, and they’re all equally important!
- Don’t overmix your batter. You want to blend the ingredients until they are just combined and smooth.
- You want a thick batter. If it is too runny, add more oats, and blend again until it is thick.
- Don’t forget to let the batter sit! This allows it to thicken even further and helps the grains absorb some of the liquid. This is especially true with gluten-containing pancakes!
Optional Mix-Ins
We think these blender cottage cheese protein pancakes are to-die-for on their own, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add mix-ins! Try switching up the flavors with extras like:
- Fresh Berries (Blueberries, Strawberries, Raspberries)
- Banana Coins
- Chocolate Chips
- Chopped Nuts
- Sprinkles
- Coconut Flakes
Serving Suggestions
Of course, you can’t have pancakes without maple syrup! However, if you’re feeling fancy try including additional toppings such as banana coins, sliced strawberries, blueberries, nut or seed butter (peanut butter, almond butter, sunflower butter, etc.), butter, chocolate syrup, Nutella, or whipped cream.
Then, go all out, and serve them as part of a complete breakfast spread with savory options like fruit and yogurt parfaits, scrambled eggs, or Italian baked eggs!
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat
Toss out those frozen pancakes, and make big batches of these cottage cheese protein pancakes to keep on hand instead!
- To Store: Transfer the cooked and cooled pancakes to an airtight container, and store them in the fridge for up to five days.
- To Freeze: Allow your pancakes to cool completely. Then, wrap each pancake in plastic wrap, and store them all in an airtight container or sealable bag in the freezer for up to one month.
- To Reheat: Warm them thawed or frozen in 30-second increments in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until your desired temperature it reached.
Common Questions About This Cottage Cheese Protein Pancakes Recipe
Of course, it depends on your definition of healthy. However, with lots of protein, no gluten, and no refined sugars, this recipe is healthy in our book!
We don’t recommend it. The longer the batter sets, the less like likely your pancakes are to become fluffy as the leavening agents become less effective.
If your pancakes aren’t fluffy, it’s most likely because you did not let the batter rest or the baking powder was not fresh.
We haven’t tested it, but it should work! Just be sure to adjust the temperature and cooking time as needed.
We haven’t tested it, but we do not think this recipe would work well with egg substitutes as they impact the texture of the pancakes.
More Quick & Easy Pancake Recipes
Can’t get enough pancakes in your life? We understand!
Take a look at a few more of our favorite pancake-inspired options to satisfy all your cravings. No matter what you choose, you can’t go wrong!
- A fun take on our favorite dessert, this Baklava skillet pancake takes storebought pancake mix to the next level with a walnut-pistachio mixture and a healthy drizzle of honey.
- Delicious and good for you, pumpkin protein pancakes are made with just 5 ingredients!
- More dessert than breakfast, this Oreo Dutch baby pancake is stuffed with Oreo cookies and an irresistible cream filling you’ll love.
Cottage Cheese Protein Pancakes Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats optional gluten free
- 2 cups egg whites
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon optional
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a blender. Pulse until smooth.2 cups rolled oats, 2 cups egg whites, 2 eggs, 2 cups cottage cheese, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Let the batter sit for 10 minutes to allow it to thicken slightly.
- In a pan over medium heat, add half cup batter. Cook each side for 2 minutes or until golden brown.
- Add toppings of choice, and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
The recipe calls for 2 CUPS of egg whites … should that be 2 egg whites?
2 cups! We use liquid egg whites for easy measuring. 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
This recipe is so good. Thanks for the recipe.
Yay! Glad you liked it!
What is the total protein amount? Not sure if it’s there but I missed it
Hi Alina,
Nutrition Facts are at the bottom of the recipe card! 🙂
Xo,
Alia & Radwa