Give Your Breakfast a Protein Boost

Pancakes ring in as the 3rd most preferred breakfast food among Americans, followed by eggs and hash browns. But, a big traditional stack of pancakes drizzled with sticky syrup doesn’t boast a lot of nutritional benefits. In fact, this beloved breakfast food will give most people an energy spike, quickly followed by an energy crash. And, the sugar and refined carbs do the opposite of nourish your body.

These Chocolate Banana Oatmeal Pancakes got a nutrition upgrade, making them not only a fun treat but one that is good for you too! The refined flour has been replaced with oats that have been ground into flour. Banana adds a touch of sweetness and eggs boost the protein so that these flapjacks will keep you full longer.  These real food chocolate banana oatmeal pancakes feel a little bit decadent but have a great balance of fiber, protein, and fat.

Peruse your pantry and grab your griddle because this recipe will satisfy your hunger and your sweet tooth!

Chocolate Banana Oatmeal Pancakes

Ingredients

1 large very ripe banana
¼ cup old fashioned oats
2 large eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
½ tablespoon chia seeds
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips

Directions

In a blender or spice grinder, blend the chia seeds and oats until finely ground (*see recipe notes).

In a medium bowl, mash banana. Then add the rest of the ingredients and stir until combined.

Preheat pan or griddle to medium/medium-high heat. Using a 1/4 cup measure, pour pancake batter into the pan. Cook for about 3-5 minutes per side.  The pancakes are ready to flip when the edges begin to look cooked and small bubbles form.

Serve warm with butter or a drizzle of almond or peanut butter.

Serving Size: Makes 2 servings (3 pancakes each)

Recipe Notes

• Double, triple or even quadruple this recipe to make enough to refrigerate or freeze for a weekday morning breakfast.
• Purchase pre-ground oat flour if you are unable to grind yourself.
• Chia seeds can be added to the batter without blending up, but you may notice tiny seeds in the pancakes. Both are delicious!
• If desired, there are two ways to reduce added sugar although this recipe is pretty amazing as written! A) use dark chocolate or bittersweet chocolate chips; B) eliminate or reduce chocolate chips.

Nutrition

Calories 274; Fat 12g; Saturated Fat 4.8g; Sodium 73mg; Carbohydrate 36g; Fiber 6g; Added Sugar 8g; Natural Sugars 8g; Protein 10g