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Start your day with these dairy-free, gluten-free protein pancakes made with chia seeds, flax seeds, and banana. Nutritious, filling, and delicious!
This recipe came to be after an email from my friend. She told me about these pancakes that she loved from The Skinny Confidential. The idea of using banana in the place of my usual almond flour or coconut flour was intriguing, so I tried it. Then I tweaked it, and I tweaked it a little more.
And the result are these cinnamon chia-flax protein pancakes. They are moist, flavorful, filling, and good for you. They are packed with protein, fiber, and omega-3s. They are also naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and Paleo.
Ground chia seeds and flax seeds are used instead of flour for a healthy twist on pancakes, which makes them a nourishing option for any day of the week. Try my Fluffy Greek Yogurt Pancakes, Healthy Zucchini Egg Muffin Cups or Banana Yogurt Smoothie for other healthy higher protein breakfast options.
Table of Contents
What makes this recipe great
- These no flour banana pancakes are a healthy pancake option.
- They are easy to make. You just throw everything into a blender or food processor.
- They are high in protein, omega-3s, fiber and antioxidants.
- It’s a great way to add chia seeds and flax seeds into your diet.
- They are great for those following a dairy-free, gluten-free, or Paleo diet.
Recipe ingredients
- Eggs– these bind the batter together and add protein.
- Banana– they add sweetness to the pancakes while also binding the batter together.
- Chia Seeds– make sure to use ground chia seeds. You can grind them yourself in a coffee grinder or buy them pre-ground.
- Flax seeds– make sure to use ground flax seeds or flaxseed meal.
- Cinnamon– this adds nice flavor to the pancakes.
- Lemon juice– this helps activate the baking powder in the recipe and balances the acidity in the recipe.
- Baking soda– this is what makes the pancakes rise!
- Honey– I love only using a little to add a hint of sweetness.
See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Make sure your flax seeds and chia seeds are ground. You can’t do this in a food processor. You need a coffee grinder or spice grinder.
Step 2: Put all of your ingredients into a food processor or blender.
Step 3: Put 2 Tablespoons worth of batter on the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes a side.
Step 4: Flip the pancakes.
Expert tips
- How to grind chia seeds or flax seeds at home– you can use a coffee grinder or spice grinder. I prefer to buy ground chia seeds and ground flaxseed meal but if I can’t find it, I do it at home.
- Make sure the pancake batter isn’t lumpy. The banana sometimes takes time to mix so make sure the banana isn’t lumpy. This results in thicker pancake batter.
- How to serve: Serve pancakes with maple syrup, berries or other fruit, butter, almond butter, maple butter, apple butter or whatever is your favorite pancake topping of choice.
Other pancake recipes you’ll love:
Did you try this recipe? Please leave me a ⭐ review below!
Cinnamon Chia-Flax Protein Pancakes
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 1 banana
- 2 Tablespoons ground chia seeds
- 2 Tablespoons ground flaxseeds
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon honey
Instructions
- Put all of the ingredients into a blender or food processor. Mix.
- Scrap the sides of the blender down with a spatula and then blend everything together one more time.
- Heat a large pan over medium heat. Grease with oil.
- Use 2 Tablespoons worth of batter to make each pancake. Lower heat to low medium.
- Wait until the batter starts bubbling a bit (2-3 minutes) before flipping. Cook for about another few minutes on the other side, or until golden brown.
- Note: Depending on your stove top or your pan, these may cook more or less quickly, so just keep an eye on them. Also, I noticed that my first few pancakes took more time to cook, and the other ones browned much more quickly.
- Yields 7- 8 mini pancakes total. Serves 1 or 2.
Notes
- How to grind chia seeds or flax seeds at home– you can use a coffee grinder or spice grinder. I prefer to buy ground chia seeds and ground flaxseed meal but if I can’t find it, I do it at home.
- Make sure the pancake batter isn’t lumpy. The banana sometimes takes time to mix so make sure the banana isn’t lumpy. This results in thicker pancake batter.
- How to serve: Serve pancakes with maple syrup, berries or other fruit, butter, almond butter, maple butter, apple butter or whatever is your favorite pancake topping of choice.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
My modifications: whole chia seeds (because I bought the wrong thing and don’t own a coffee grinder or spice grinder); lemon juice (because that’s what I had; and my Dash waffle maker.
They turned out GREAT!
Great to know that whole chia seeds work here. Thanks!
I make these at least once a week for me and my family. They are so delicious and I love how packed with nutrients they are! Also, so easy to throw together. I make them on a griddle and they always come out perfectly.
Thanks for sharing! An oldie but goodie in my house
Oh no!!! I’m out of bananas. Can I make them without the banana?
I don’t know, I haven’t tried! Let me know if you did.
I really enjoy this recipe! My goal is to get 2T of flax in the morning and this is a perfect way to do it! Needless to say, I’m glad you said that it may serve just one 😉 Also they are tasty and fluff up better than some other paleo pancake recipes.
This recipe did not work. It was such a gooey mess in the pan. Could not flip the pancake. It also basically had to be burned for it to cook through. We were not able to eat any of it. I have been cooking for many decades including making pancakes. So, it’s not like I don’t know how to cook.
same for me. I have tried different temperatures and types of pans but same experience each time I make them. I want to try baking them next time
I just made these and used Madein non stick pan.
Can we bake these pancakes in the oven? If so, at what temperature and how long?
I have never tried doing this so I am not sure.
Hi guys, I love this recipe, and I am really into exercising and healthy food. These pancakes explode with protein and the healthy nutrients.
This morning I made the batter and put it into a waffle machine and it came out so great. Just a recommendation; was very simple and tasted amazing (Also lots of fun) .