Pumpkin Protein Pancakes
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These pumpkin protein pancakes are light, fluffy and packed with fall flavor. With protein from cottage cheese and egg whites, they make a healthy breakfast that’s filling and delicious.
Few things are better than a cozy fall breakfast that actually keeps you full. These pumpkin protein pancakes have quickly become a staple in our house. They’re made with cottage cheese and egg whites for a boost of protein (no powder needed) and still turn out light, fluffy and full of pumpkin spice flavor. They’re actually inspired by my healthy apple pancakes , but I swapped the apples for pumpkin to create a cozy fall version with even more protein.
Why You Gotta Try This One
I make a lot of pancake recipes, but these pumpkin protein pancakes are extra special. Here’s why they’ve become a fall favorite in my kitchen:
- Meal-prep friendly: They reheat beautifully, so you can make a batch on the weekend and enjoy a healthy breakfast all week.
- Protein without the powder: These get their protein naturally from cottage cheese and egg whites, so you do not need a scoop of protein powder to get a filling breakfast.
- Fluffy and cozy: Made with pumpkin purée, oats and warm spices, these cook up light and fluffy with that perfect pumpkin pie flavor.
- Energizing, not heavy: Unlike traditional pancakes that can leave you feeling sluggish, these keep me full and satisfied for hours.
// ★★★★★ Review //
“I have made these twice and they were delicious both times! I made them for myself and baby and we both loved them! I love how the recipe is simple and easy to make and also how they don’t contain any sugar. The pancakes are very flavorful without sweetener!” – Heather
Ingredients Needed
- old fashioned oats – I love using rolled oats for the base of these pancakes. They blend up beautifully to create a hearty, flour-like texture that still feels wholesome.
- egg whites – these help bind the batter, keep the pancakes light and fluffy, and add a big boost of protein.
- cottage cheese – the secret ingredient that makes these pancakes moist, satisfying and packed with protein.
- pumpkin purée – real pumpkin gives the pancakes their cozy fall flavor and extra moisture. You can make homemade pumpkin puree or grab a can, just be sure the ingredient list says only “pumpkin.” Don’t accidentally pick up pumpkin pie filling since it already has sugar and spices added.
- pumpkin pie spice – a warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves that brings the classic pumpkin spice flavor. You can use store-bought or make your own pumpkin pie spice.
- cinnamon – pairs perfectly with pumpkin and gives the pancakes even more fall flavor.
- maple syrup – the natural way to add a little sweetness when serving.
How to Make Pumpkin Protein Pancakes
These pumpkin pancakes are one of the easiest healthy pancake recipes because everything goes straight into the blender. The batter comes together in seconds and clean up is a breeze.
Step 1: Add oats, egg whites, cottage cheese, pumpkin purée, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon to a blender. Blend until the mixture is mostly smooth.
Step 2: Heat a greased skillet over medium-low heat. Pour about ¼ cup of batter per pancake. Cook until bubbles form and the edges look set, 4–6 minutes. Flip and cook another 1–2 minutes until golden.
Tips for the Best Pancakes
- Keep the heat low and slow: Since these pancakes are thicker and packed with protein, they need a lower cooking temperature so the insides cook through before the outsides brown too much.
- Use a nonstick skillet or griddle: The batter is moist and can stick more easily, so a nonstick surface (plus cooking spray or a little oil) makes flipping stress-free.
- Flip gently and only once: Wait until you see bubbles across the top and the edges look set before flipping. This keeps the pancakes fluffy and prevents them from breaking apart.
More Healthy Pancake Recipes
- Blueberry Protein Pancakes
- Coconut Flour Pancakes
- Butternut Squash Protein Pancakes
- Protein Pancakes
- Banana Pancakes for Babies
- Protein Pancake Bowl
If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below.
Pumpkin Protein Pancakes
Ingredients
- 1 cup old fashioned oats
- ½ cup egg whites
- ½ cup cottage cheese
- ¼ cup pumpkin
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- nonstick cooking spray
- maple syrup, for topping
Instructions
- Add oats, egg whites, cottage cheese, pumpkin, baking powder pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon into a blender and process until the batter is relatively smooth.
- Heat pan or griddle to low-medium heat and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- Once hot, scoop out about a quarter cup of batter at a time and pour onto pan. (You should be able to make about 8 small pancakes.)
- Cook until little bubbles form and the edges of the pancakes are solid enough to put a spatula underneath, about 4-6 minutes. Flip the pancakes and cook for one to two additional minutes.
- For serving, place four pancakes on each plate and drizzle with maple syrup and/or nut butter.
Video
Notes
- Use old fashioned oats: Quick oats can work, but steel-cut oats won’t blend smoothly. I like using Bob’s Red Mill gluten-free rolled oats for the best texture.
- Keep the heat low: These pancakes are thick and protein-packed, so low and slow cooking helps them cook through without burning on the outside.
- Make ahead: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to a month. Just reheat in the toaster or microwave.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Like This Recipe? Rate & Comment Below!
good for how healthy they are. my gf friend loved them
YAY! I am so glad thee were a hit, Bree. Thank you for sharing your review + star rating, I appreciate it!
good for how healthy they are
I would love to try these. I’m wondering what syrup do you have drizzled on your pancakes. it doesn’t look like maple syrup but all I found on this post was maple…
Hi Silvia – In the photos I have served these with maple syrup and drippy peanut butter. My favorite! Hope you love this recipe. 🙂
I look forward to making these every Autumn! Today I added hemp seeds and they turned out wonderfully. Thank you for this recipe!!
Ah! What a great addition, Hillary. I am excited to hear that this recipe is a hit! Thank you for sharing your review & star rating, I so appreciate it.
Great recipe! Love that it leaves you feeling full!
Woo! Love to hear that, Joleen. Thanks for making them and coming back to leave a review, I really appreciate it 🙂
Can I use this recipe to make waffles?
I don’t see why not! Let me know if you try it and how they turn out. 🙂
These pancakes were fabulous. I hesitated to make them because I just like pumpkin… I don’t love pumpkin like others do. I did not have cottage cheese but used regular vanilla yogurt, not Greek and they were delicious. Thank you for the recipe.
Woo!! So glad you enjoyed this recipe, Paula! Thanks for giving it a try and for the review. I so appreciate it!
Can you taste the cottage cheese in the pancakes? (I dislike cottage cheese).
Could I substitute the cottage cheese for ricotta cheese?
I don’t think you can, but I also love cottage cheese. 🙂 Ricotta cheese might change the flavor, the closest sub I would say would be Greek yogurt. 🙂
I was craving pumpkin pancakes and decided to give these a try. Seriously just as delicious as my favorite brunch hangout’s version but so much healthier.
Yay! I love hearing this, Ava. So pumped these pumpkin pancakes were a hit. Thanks so much for trying them out and coming back to leave a review. I really appreciate it!
Can I substitute cottage cheese with whole milk kefir? Would it be a 1 to 1 substitution?
Hey Jennifer, I haven’t tried it so I’m not 100% sure but I bet that would be fine to sub the cottage cheese with the kefier 1:1 ratio. Let me know how it turns out if you try it!