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Banana protein pancakes (flourless)

These banana protein pancakes are the direct descendent of my (as yet unpublished) gluten free protein mug cake. After having trouble getting the texture right in the microwave, I figured I would try a pancake version. Et viola! Turns out that pancakes are much more forgiving. So, today we’re making protein pancakes. Tomorrow, we’ll perfect the mug cake.

A quick note, before we progress: these are not thick and fluffy pancakes. They’re on the thinner side, which isn’t a surprise given that they are protein powder based and totally flourless. These are quick, protein packed and sugar free pancakes – not a fluffy dream. If a fluffy, protein-powder-less dream is what you’re looking for, try these cassava flour pancakes.

An aerial view of a plate of banana protein pancakes on a white speckled ceramic plate against a white marble table. The pancakes are smothered in coconut yoghurt and blueberry compote which mingle together to create a bright pink colour

Banana protein pancakes that are grain free and SIBO friendly

This recipe for banana protein pancakes serves one. The batter can be made as one giant pancake or in 3-4 smaller ones. It might not look like a lot of batter but the pancakes puff up as they cook. Do keep in mind, though, that these are thinner than a traditional pancake. They are entirely flourless and made with protein powder, which needs considerable moisture.

These pancakes are made with whey protein isolate (or WPI) nut butter, half a banana, an egg and some oil. They don’t use any sweetener, for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it’s assumed that your WPI will contain some sort of sweetening. Secondly, these pancakes are SIBO friendly, so I didn’t want to include a sweetener. If you like things a little sweeter, drizzle the pancakes with some maple syrup at the end.

An aerial close up view of a white speckled ceramic plate topped with banana protein pancakes, which are topped with blueberries

What is whey protein isolate?

Whey protein isolate is protein powder derived from milk. Unlike it’s cousin whey protein concentrate, WPI goes through additional filtration. This removes most of the lactose, carbohydrate and fat content that remains in WPC. This means that WPI is a lower lactose protein and thus better for people with lactose issues.

I use WPI because I tolerate it really well. A lot of brands out there have different additives such as xanthan gum, guar gum, fibres, psyllium husk and fats like MCT oil. In my mug cake testing, I found that these types of protein powders work really differently in cooking than a pure, lean WPI. I use a pure WPI because a lot of the former ingredients don’t work for me. All this to say: this recipe has only been tested with a pure, lean whey without any additives (aside from stevia and vanilla bean).

An aerial sunlit view of the ingredients for banana protein pancakes on a white marble table.

Can I use a different variety of protein powder?

Maybe! I haven’t tried this yet. Because I am currently on the SIBO diet, there are only so many pancakes I can try in a day (I can only try one!).

I do have separate recipes for protein pancakes without banana and for gluten free vegan protein pancakes.

An aerial close up view of some sliced up banana protein pancakes topped with a messy combination of blueberry compote and coconut yoghurt. The pancake has been cut across the middle on an angle, revealing the ceramic speckled plate underneath.

SIBO bi-phasic notes

If you’re on the SIBO diet, make sure the protein you are using has no added sugar, cocoa, fibres or gums.

You can use almond butter, coconut butter (not oil) or macadamia butter.

These pancakes are suited to stage 1 adapted (to include the 1/2 banana) or stage 2.

Sadly, you can’t use maple syrup to finish the pancakes. If you are on stage 2, you could use a little drizzle of honey.

For stage 2, you can also top the pancakes with 1/2 cup of berries, if you want to go all out and use up your fruit serves for the day.

Technically speaking, baking powder contains rice flour and isn’t on the SIBO approved list. I would have pulled my hair out without some sweet treats, so I include a little bit. Whether you do is up to you. You can also try using 1/4 teaspoon baking soda and 1 teaspoon vinegar instead.

An aerial view of a bright blue ceramic plate topped with banana protein pancakes smothered in peanut butter and topped with chocolate chips and banana coins. The plate sits on a white marble table in cool sunlight

Recipe notes for your banana protein pancakes

Although I haven’t tried it, sunflower butter might be a good nut free alternative to nut butter in these banana protein pancakes.

While I currently don’t have a substitute for banana here, I will be testing pumpkin puree at some point. I do have a recipe for gluten free protein pancakes without banana, if you’d prefer that.

To ensure these pancakes are low FODMAP, use a just ripe banana or a ripe sugar (mini or Ladyfinger) banana. Ripe ladyfinger bananas are low FODMAP 112g serves.

As of May 2024, peanut butter is low FODMAP in 50g (2 tablespoon) serves, while almond is low FODMAP in 20g (1 tablespoon) serves. Macadamias are low FODMAP in 30g and up to 328g serves. I find macadamia butter hard to make and hard to buy, but it’s worth persevering if you can.

I generally use vegetable oil, but you can use whatever sort you like. Coconut, avocado, olive – they will all work (although some will add more flavour than others).

As discussed, I have only tested this recipe with a pure WPI – no fillers, gums, fibres or coconut sugars. If you do, you’ll be experimenting.

If you’d like a vegan version, see this recipe here.

An aerial close up view of banana protein pancakes on a white speckled ceramic plate atop a white marble table. The pancakes are in bright sunlight and water glasses in the top of the image cast light across the plate. The pancakes are scattered with some blueberries.

Tips for your banana protein pancakes

The batter for these pancakes should be on the runny side. It should be more like a thin yoghurt than a thick batter. WPI can be quite thirsty, so it’s better to have a borderline runny batter than a dry pancake. If your batter looks particularly dry, add a tablespoon of water.

On that note: if you’re trying a protein other than WPI, expect to adjust the liquid content to suit. Not all proteins are equal (in fact, they are all crazy different). Pea protein works a lot differently to whey and powders with psyllium husk will absorb more liquid. For best results, I recommend a WPI with minimal added ingredients here.

That said, I’d love to hear if you used a different protein and it worked for you!

If your pancakes keep splitting in two as you flip them, they’re not cooked enough on the bottom yet. Make sure you allow the bottom to thoroughly cook before flipping to avoid this.

An aerial view of a bright blue ceramic plate topped with banana protein pancakes smothered in peanut butter and finished with choc chips, banana coins and maple syrup. The plate sits atop a mid blue steel backdrop.

Topping ideas for your banana protein pancakes

  • For a SIBO friendly option, mix some lemon juice (preferably Meyer as they are sweeter) with a bit of stevia to taste, then drizzle over the pancakes. Finish with some ghee or (if you are on stage 2) some 24 hour yoghurt).
  • If not, go wild! Maple syrup, yoghurt, berries, seeds – whatever you like.
An aerial close up view of banana protein pancakes smothered in coconut yoghurt and blueberry compote. The compote mixes with the yoghurt to create a pink and purple marbled effect

More nut butter recipes

An aerial view of a bright blue ceramic plate topped with gluten free protein pancakes smothered in peanut butter and topped with banana coins, choc chips and maple syrup. The plate sits on a white marble table that is in filtered sunlight.

Banana protein pancakes

Gluten free, grain free, SIBO bi-phasic friendly, low FODMAP option
*Recipe uses Australian cups and measures. Use gram weights and ml for international accuracy
Be the first to rate this recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Course Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine Food Intolerance Friendly
Servings 1 person

Ingredients
  

For the pancakes

  • 75g (1/2 medium – large) banana (see notes)
  • 20g whey protein isolate (see notes)
  • 1.5g (1/4 teaspoon) baking soda
  • 25g (1 tablespoon)* (25g) peanut butter, almond butter or coconut butter (not coconut oil)
  • 20ml (1 tablespoon)* oil of choice
  • 1 extra large egg (45-55g, weighed out of shell)
  • 5ml (1 teaspoon)* white vinegar or lemon juice

To finish (optional)

  • maple syrup, for drizzling
  • blueberries, to top
  • yoghurt, to finish

Instructions
 

  • Combine all the ingredients except the vinegar in a small mixing bowl. Whisk until a batter forms. If the batter is very thick, add a tablespoon (20ml) of water or milk. The batter should be on the thin side, easily pourable but still a batter – like a thin custard.
  • Thoroughly heat a pan over a low-medium heat, then add the oil or butter. I make 4 medium pancakes from this volume of batter.
  • Cook each pancake for 1 or so minutes until the top has a few little bubbles. If you slip a spatula under the edge, the surface of the pancake should appear to have a skin. Flip the pancake and cook on the other side until cooked through, noting that you will probably need to adjust the heat. If your pancake splits as you flip it, cook it a little longer on the first side next time.
  • Repeat with the remaining pancakes and serve with the toppings of your choice. These pancakes are best eaten straight away as they tend to become dry as they cool.

Notes

  • To make these pancakes low FODMAP, use an unripe banana or a ripe sugar banana. Use gram measurements to ensure best results.
  • For a low FODMAP option, use peanut butter instead of almond butter. For a SIBO bi-phasic option, use almond, coconut or macadamia butter. 
  • For best results, use a pure WPI with no fillers, fibres or gums. I haven’t tried this recipe with a vegan protein powder yet, but stay tuned. 
Keyword gluten free protein pancakes, whey protein pancakes
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