These Cottage Cheese Banana Oat Protein Pancake Bites are a wholesome, protein-packed snack or breakfast option that's as delicious as it is nutritious. Combining the creamy texture of cottage cheese with the natural sweetness of banana, oats, and protein powder, these mini bites are perfect for a quick meal or snack. Whether you're on the go, in need of a post-workout fuel, or just looking for a filling and energizing breakfast, these pancake bites are sure to hit the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to boost their protein intake in a delicious and easy way. The combination of cottage cheese, banana, oats, and protein powder provides a balanced blend of carbs, protein, and healthy fats, giving you the energy you need to power through your day. The bites are soft and slightly sweet, with a delightful texture that makes them enjoyable for both kids and adults. Plus, they are customizable with optional add-ins like chia seeds or flax seeds, which add even more nutrition!
Ingredients
- ½ cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup vanilla protein powder (or your preferred flavor)
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds or ground flax seeds (optional, for added nutrition)
- A pinch of salt
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a mini muffin tin with paper liners.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
In a large bowl, mash the banana until smooth. Add the cottage cheese, rolled oats, protein powder, baking powder, vanilla extract, and cinnamon (if using). Crack in the egg and mix everything together until fully combined. For a smoother batter, you can blend the ingredients in a blender or food processor. If desired, stir in the chia seeds or ground flax seeds for added fiber and omega-3s. Add the honey or maple syrup if you'd like a bit more sweetness.
Step 3: Fill the Muffin Tin
Spoon the batter into the mini muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full. This recipe yields about 12-14 pancake bites, depending on the size of your tin.
Step 4: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The pancake bites should be slightly golden on top and firm to the touch.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Allow the pancake bites to cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature as a quick breakfast or snack.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12-14 bites
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Sweeteners: For added sweetness, try using maple syrup, honey, or stevia, depending on your preference.
- Add-ins: Feel free to add a handful of chocolate chips, berries, or nuts to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
- Protein powder: You can use any flavor of protein powder that you like, such as chocolate or strawberry, for a unique twist.
- Flour-free option: For a flour-free alternative, stick with the oats and use more ground flax or chia seeds for additional structure.
Storage/Reheating
Store the pancake bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. To reheat, simply microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or heat them in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until warm.
FAQs
1. Can I use dairy-free cottage cheese for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute dairy-free cottage cheese, such as almond-based cottage cheese, for a dairy-free option.
2. Can I use a regular muffin tin instead of a mini muffin tin?
Yes, you can use a regular muffin tin, but you will need to adjust the baking time. Larger muffin tins may require an additional 5-7 minutes of baking time.
3. Can I make these pancake bites without protein powder?
Absolutely! You can leave out the protein powder if you prefer, though the texture and nutritional content may vary slightly.
4. How can I make these pancake bites sweeter?
You can add extra honey, maple syrup, or your preferred sweetener. You can also use a sweeter protein powder to naturally boost the sweetness.
5. Can I substitute the banana for something else?
If you're not a fan of bananas, you can use applesauce or pumpkin puree as a substitute, though the flavor and texture will change slightly.
6. How can I make these pancake bites more flavorful?
Try adding a pinch of nutmeg, a splash of almond extract, or a handful of dark chocolate chips for extra flavor.
7. Can I make these in advance for meal prep?
Yes! These pancake bites store well in the fridge for several days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just heat them up when you're ready to eat.
8. Can I use egg whites instead of a whole egg?
Yes, you can use egg whites instead of a whole egg. The texture may be slightly different, but the bites will still hold together.
9. How can I make these pancake bites gluten-free?
The recipe is already gluten-free since it uses oats. Just be sure to use certified gluten-free oats to avoid cross-contamination.
10. Can I add some veggies to this recipe?
Yes, you can add finely grated carrots or zucchini to the batter for extra nutrients. Just make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture if using zucchini.
Conclusion
These Cottage Cheese Banana Oat Protein Pancake Bites are the ultimate quick, healthy breakfast or snack. Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, they are both filling and satisfying. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as part of your meal prep for the week, these pancake bites are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Try them today for a delicious and energizing start to your day!
Cottage Cheese Banana Oat Protein Pancake Bites
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12-14 bites
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Cottage Cheese Banana Oat Protein Pancake Bites are a quick, nutritious snack or breakfast packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Perfect for a post-workout fuel or a busy morning, this easy-to-make recipe combines cottage cheese, banana, oats, and protein powder into mini bites that are as tasty as they are satisfying. Customizable with add-ins like chia or flax seeds, these protein-packed bites will help keep you energized all day long.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- ½ cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup vanilla protein powder (or your preferred flavor)
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds or ground flax seeds (optional, for added nutrition)
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a mini muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, mash the banana until smooth. Add cottage cheese, oats, protein powder, baking powder, vanilla extract, and cinnamon (if using). Crack in the egg and mix until fully combined. Optionally blend in a blender for a smoother batter. Stir in chia or flax seeds, and honey/maple syrup if desired.
- Spoon batter into mini muffin tin, filling each cup ¾ full (yields 12-14 bites).
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and bites are slightly golden.
- Cool for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Sweeteners: For extra sweetness, try maple syrup, honey, or stevia.
- Add-ins: Customize with chocolate chips, berries, or nuts.
- Protein Powder: Use any flavor of protein powder, like chocolate or strawberry.
- Flour-Free Option: Skip the oats and use more flax or chia seeds for structure.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge, or freeze for longer storage. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
