Try these Cinnamon Roll Protein Pancakes for a new twist on a classic breakfast favorite that’s packed with protein and flavor!
When I was growing up, one of my favorite treats was my mom’s famous whole-wheat cinnamon rolls. She made these completely from scratch, starting with flour that she milled herself. But my favorite part of watching my mom prepare this dish was how she used dental floss to slice the dough into perfectly even rolls. A little ingenuity truly goes a long way in the kitchen! These days, I love to come up with recipes that capture the nostalgia of some of my mom’s specialties. I developed this recipe for cinnamon roll protein pancakes as an homage to her cooking, but with an added protein boost.
Each bite of these pancakes is rich with warm, familiar flavors. Cinnamon and vanilla swirl through each mouthful, complemented by naturally sweet monk fruit. Greek yogurt and protein powder give these pancakes a fluffy texture while contributing plenty of protein to this dish. A creamy topping of milk, monk fruit, and cream cheese adds an indulgent finish inspired by the smooth drizzle on the classic cinnamon roll.
From their comforting flavors to their airy texture, these pancakes make an excellent addition to any breakfast or brunch spread. You could whip up a batch for your next brunch with the girls or prepare them as a special weekday breakfast for the kiddos. However you choose to serve them, these cinnamon roll protein pancakes are the perfect choice for a meal that’s simultaneously familiar and protein-packed.
A deep dive into the cinnamon roll
Nowadays, the cinnamon roll is a popular treat that you can find anywhere from your local grocery store to a mall cafeteria kiosk. But did you know that it traces its origins back to Northern Europe? That’s right—the earliest reports of the cinnamon roll trace back to Sweden, where it was traditionally enjoyed over coffee or tea with friends. Over the years, this sweet treat spread across the rest of Europe and became a favorite in areas like Germany and the Netherlands. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Scandinavians who immigrated to North America brought the cinnamon roll with them. After being introduced to the United States, the cinnamon roll evolved from a simple breakfast pastry to the large and sweet bun many of us know today. This recipe for cinnamon roll protein pancakes captures the essence of the cinnamon roll in a modern, protein-rich breakfast dish.
How do I store leftovers?
For me and my friends at least, it’s a very rare occurrence when we do not gobble up a whole batch of these pancakes in one sitting! But if you happen to have any leftovers, you can absolutely store these to enjoy later. Just place your leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you’d like to store them longer, you can also keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months. If you choose to freeze your leftover pancakes, I recommend wrapping each pancake individually or separating a stack with layers of parchment paper. This will help keep the pancakes from sticking together during storage. When you’re ready to serve, simply defrost your pancakes in the fridge overnight or heat them in the microwave until warmed through. As for the creamy topping, I definitely recommend storing this in a separate airtight container. You can store this in the fridge for up to 1 week. If you prefer, you can also make a fresh batch of the topping when you’re ready to serve your leftovers.
Serving suggestions
In my opinion, these cinnamon roll protein pancakes make for an excellent breakfast on their own. But you can also serve these pancakes with a range of other dishes. If you’re serving them as part of a brunch spread, consider pairing them with a Fresh Fruit Bowl, Cheesy Scrambled Eggs, or this Sausage And Egg Breakfast Casserole. For a more dessert-inspired serving combo, I would recommend serving your pancakes with a side of Coconut Yogurt or this Cottage Cheese Ice Cream.
Ingredients
For The Filling:
- 4 tablespoons low-carb vanilla whey isolate protein powder
- 2 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 3/4 teaspoons monk fruit
- 2 1/2-3 tablespoons water
For The Pancakes:
- 1 tablespoon ghee melted (or butter), plus more for coating griddle
- 6 tablespoons low-carb vanilla whey isolate protein powder
- 2 tablespoons coconut flour packed
- 2 teaspoons monk fruit
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup plain 2% greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons milk of choice
For The Topping:
- 3 tablespoons full-fat cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 4 1/2 teaspoons monk fruit
- 2-3 teaspoons milk of choice
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the protein powder, cinnamon, and monk fruit for the filling. Stir in the water until smooth and combined. Scoop into a small Ziploc bag and cut a tip off one of the bottom corners. Set aside for later.
- Heat up a good, nonstick griddle to medium heat (about 300°F) and rub with ghee.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the protein powder, coconut flour, monk fruit, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, yogurt, milk, and ghee. Pour into the flour mixture and stir until well combined.
- Using a scant 1/4 cup, pour the batter onto the heated griddle and spread out slightly (pancakes should be around 3 inches wide).
- When the edges begin to set (about 30 second to 1 minute) pipe a spiral of the protein/cinnamon mixture on each pancake. Leave about 1/4-inch space on the edge of the pancake so that filling doesn't just slide out onto the griddle. Cook until golden brown on the bottom, about 3 minutes.
- Gently flip and cook until the other side is golden, another 3-4 minutes.
- While the pancakes cook, place the cream cheese in a medium, microwave-safe bowl and microwave until the cream cheese just begins to melt, only 5-10 seconds.
- Whisk in the monk fruit, followed by the milk, until smooth.
- Serve the pancakes covered with the cream cheese topping and enjoy!
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
Leave a Comment