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You will never believe that these chocolate protein pancakes are made with…Spinach! Spinach Pancakes are soft, fluffy and so easy to make. They are perfect for a healthy breakfast that is filling and satisfying.
Spinach pancakes
Spinach pancakes what?! If you have never tried spinach pancakes before, this is your sign. I promise, these chocolate spinach pancakes will soon become your new favorite breakfast. They are healthy, low in carbs, high protein, gluten-free and have no oil or butter.
What is more, you will love that this recipe doesn’t use banana! They are similar to my protein pancakes recipe, but with veggies inside. Did anyone say chocolate spinach pancakes?
Ingredients & Substitutes
This recipe for protein pancakes with spinach uses a bunch of simple ingredients. I bet that you already have everything at home. But if you don’t, make sure to read further for all substitutes. Here’s all you need to make spinach protein pancakes.
- Fresh spinach. You’ll need a handful of fresh spinach leaves, such as baby spinach. They add plenty of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and a bright green color. This recipe does not work with frozen spinach.
- Rolled oats. For gluten-free spinach pancakes, make sure that you use certified gluten-free oats. Replace with oat flour, almond flour or flour of choice.
- Protein powder. You can make spinach pancakes with whey protein or vegan protein powder – unflavored, vanilla or chocolate flavor. If you don’t have protein powder, swap it out for more oats.
- Maple syrup. I like sweetening my spinach pancakes with pure maple syrup, it is a healthy alternative to refined sugar. As an alternative you can use honey, agave, coconut sugar or brown sugar.
- Cocoa powder. Use natural cocoa powder, free from added sugars.
- Egg and egg whites. This chocolate spinach protein pancakes recipe uses one whole egg and 2 additional egg whites for more protein. Feel free to use 2 whole eggs, or 2 flaxseed eggs for vegan spinach pancakes.
- Milk of choice. The quantity of milk in this recipe depends on the protein powder that you are using (if any). As a rule of thumb, vegan protein powders require more milk than whey or casein.
Protein chocolate cream
The best part of these pancakes is the topping! They come with a healthy and delicious chocolate cream that is also high protein. Here’s all you need for the Greek yogurt topping.
- Greek yogurt. I used low fat plain Greek yogurt. Swap it out for your favorite yogurt, dairy-free if necessary.
- Cocoa powder. Unsweetened cocoa powder is my first choice.
- Maple syrup. Replace with honey or agave if you want.
How to make spinach pancakes
- Blend. Add to a blender chopped spinach, rolled oats, protein powder, cocoa powder, egg, egg whites (or one whole egg more) and maple syrup. Blend on high until smooth, pouring in some additional milk if it is necessary.
- Cook. Pour some of the batter into a hot and greased pan. Cook pancakes over medium heat until the underside is golden and bubbles begin to appear on the surface, then flip with a spatula and cook until golden on the other side.
- Make the cream. In a small mixing bowl, stir together Greek yogurt with cocoa powder and maple syrup. Thin the mixture with little milk until it reach a creamy consistency.
- Serve. Top your spinach pancakes with the yogurt cream and serve.
Low carb spinach pancakes
If you follow a keto diet or if you are cutting your carbs, I have very good news for you. Making these spinach pancakes keto is possible…and it is so simple! All you need to do is swapping out rolled oats for almond flour and there you go. A stack of low carb protein pancakes with spinach is waiting for you! What are you waiting for?
Storage directions
Chocolate green protein pancakes are perfect for meal prep. Before storing, make sure to let them cool completely to room temperature. Once they have cooled, place them in an airtight food container or in zipper bags. I recommend storing them in individual layers, separating each pancake with parchment paper so that they won’t stick together.
Store spinach pancakes in the fridge for up to 3 days, then reheat in a skillet or in the microwave. For a longer storage, pack in zipper bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Allow them to thaw overnight before eating, then rewarm in a pan or in the microwave.
More healthy recipes with spinach
Protein Spinach Pancakes
Equipment
Ingredients
- a handful of fresh spinach, chopped
- 30 g (⅓ cup) rolled oats
- 2 tbsp protein powder, or more oats
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 egg
- 2 egg whites, or one whole egg more
- 1 to ½ tbsp maple syrup, or honey, to taste
- 1 to 4 tbsp milk of choice, if necessary, see notes*
Protein Chocolate Cream
- 60 g (¼ cup) Greek yogurt, or preferred yogurt
- 1 ½ tsp cocoa powder
- ½ to 1 tsp maple syrup, to taste
- milk of choice, to thin
Instructions
- Wash and dry spinach.
- Add to a blender chopped spinach, rolled oats, protein powder, cocoa powder, egg, egg whites (or one whole egg more) and maple syrup. Blend on high until smooth, pouring in up to 4 tbsp milk if necessary (see notes*).
- Pour some of the batter into a hot and greased pan. Cook pancakes over medium heat until the underside is golden and bubbles begin to appear on the surface, then flip with a spatula and cook until golden on the other side.
Protein Chocolate Cream
- In a small mixing bowl, stir together Greek yogurt with cocoa powder and maple syrup. Thin the cream with milk to reach a creamy consistency.
- Top spinach pancakes with the yogurt cream and serve.
Notes
- This chocolate protein pancakes recipe can be prepared with whey protein powder, vegan protein powder, casein or more rolled oats. If you make this recipe with plant based protein powder, you will likely need more milk to get a smooth batter.
- Nutritional values are calculated for complete recipe with chocolate cream topping.
This recipe protein spinach pancake looks delicious and healthy!!! ? is a good idea for the spinach lovers like me.
Hey dear Liza,
thank you so so much for your lovely comment!!! So glad you liked 😉
Same here, I’m a huge spinach fan and these pancakes are so delicious for breakfast!
Have a fantastic day,
Matteo