The holidays are a time for joy, and what better way to start your day than with a stack of festive protein pancakes? These recipes not only bring the flavors of Christmas but also help you stay on track with your nutrition goals. Each plate is designed to look festive and comes with macros to fit your dietary needs. Let’s dive in!
1. Gingerbread Protein Pancakes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup oat flour
- 1 scoop vanilla or cinnamon protein powder
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 egg (or flaxseed substitute)
- 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tsp molasses
Festive Presentation:
Top with Greek yogurt "snow," crushed pecans, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Add a mini gingerbread man cookie on the side for extra charm.
Macros (per serving):
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 5g
2. Peppermint Mocha Protein Pancakes
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup buckwheat flour
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 tsp instant coffee granules
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
Festive Presentation:
Drizzle with dark chocolate sauce, add a swirl of coconut cream, and sprinkle with crushed candy canes. Garnish with a small peppermint stick.
Macros (per serving):
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 24g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fat: 8g
3. Eggnog Protein Pancakes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup oat flour
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup eggnog (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
Festive Presentation:
Top with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of nutmeg, and a cinnamon stick. Add a holly sprig (non-edible) for decoration.
Macros (per serving):
- Calories: 270
- Protein: 23g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fat: 6g
4. Cranberry Orange Protein Pancakes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole-wheat flour
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- Zest and juice of 1 orange
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh or dried cranberries (unsweetened)
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
Festive Presentation:
Drizzle with a light orange glaze (mix powdered sugar and orange juice), top with orange zest and fresh cranberries. Arrange orange slices on the side.
Macros (per serving):
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 21g
- Carbs: 36g
- Fat: 5g
5. Cinnamon Roll Protein Pancakes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup spelt flour
- 1 scoop cinnamon protein powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
Cinnamon Swirl:
Mix 1 tbsp almond butter, 1 tsp cinnamon, and 1 tsp maple syrup. Swirl onto the pancakes as they cook.
Festive Presentation:
Top with vanilla Greek yogurt "icing," a sprinkle of cinnamon, and crushed pecans. Add a cinnamon stick for garnish.
Macros (per serving):
- Calories: 270
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 7g
These Christmas-themed protein pancakes are the perfect way to infuse festive cheer into your mornings while staying aligned with your nutrition goals. Not only are they healthy, but they also look stunning on the breakfast table. Happy holidays and enjoy your pancakes!