Best High-Protein Low-Carb Pancakes!

I could not have imagined that high-protein, low-carb pancakes would turn out so delicious, but after trying this pancake recipe, I actually prefer them. They cook up golden and fluffy, and they hold their shape… perfect for a nutritious high-protein breakfast.

Watch my high-protein low-carb pancakes recipe video below and make them with me. If you like this kind of low-carb breakfast, hit like and subscribe for more pancake recipes and other low-carb breakfast recipes.


Why you’ll love these low-carb pancakes

high-protein low-carb pancakes

These are made with just a few simple ingredients, no flour, and no sugar in the batter. And the texture is shockingly close to “real” pancakes… how can you not?! 🙂

They are also super satisfying, especially if you want protein pancakes that feel like comfort food.

Top Tip: The fluffy texture comes from fully whipping the egg whites with gelatin. If the whites are not thick enough, the pancakes can cook up a bit flatter.

Texture + flavor

collagen pancakes taste and texture

These cook up soft and fluffy, with a light, bouncy pancake texture. In my opinion, the collagen pancakes vibe is what makes them feel extra “bread-like” without any flour.

Flavor-wise, they are mild and not overly eggy, especially once you add butter, stevia, and low-carb maple syrup.

Gelatin and collagen are both animal-based proteins, and they help create structure in recipes like this when there is no flour, so these pabcakes are great if you are on a keto or carnivore diet or want something that is gluten-free.

High-protein low-carb pancakes ingredients

high-protein low-carb pancakes ingredients

For about 5 to 6 pancakes

Optional toppings

Note: Gram amounts are estimates because brands vary a little. If your collagen scoop size is different, use the tablespoon measure as your main guide.

Equipment

  • mixing bowls, 2
  • electric hand mixer
  • spatula
  • measuring spoons
  • 1 fourth cup measuring cup, for scooping
  • non-stick pan, stainless steel, or cast-iron skillet
  • lid for the pan

Instructions for these low-carb pancakes

3 ingredient low carb pancakes

Step 1: Separate and whip the whites
Separate the egg yolks from the egg whites and put them in two different bowls. Beat the egg whites until they look bright white and foamy, then keep going until they get thicker.

Slowly sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of gelatin while you keep mixing the egg whites. Add it a little at a time so it mixes in smoothly, and you do not end up with little clumps. Keep mixing until the egg whites look thick and fluffy.

You will know the egg whites are ready when you can turn the bowl upside down, and the egg whites stay put instead of sliding.

egg whites being whipped in a glass bowl next to egg yolks, preparing low carb pancakes

Step 2: Mix the yolks + collagen
Beat the egg yolks just enough to make them smooth and creamy.

Add 5 tablespoons of collagen powder to the egg yolks. Mix until the collagen is fully worked in and the mixture turns thick, like a paste.

Step 3: Fold the batter
Mix the egg whites into the egg yolks a little at a time. Start by adding a big spoonful of egg whites and gently folding them in to loosen up the thick yolk mixture. Then keep adding more egg whites and folding slowly until they are mostly mixed together, but not too much.

Egg whites being gently folded into egg yolk batter with a spatula while making protein pancakes.

Top Tip: Folding too hard can knock the air out. If your batter looks thinner than expected, slow down and fold gently.

Step 4: Cook
Grease your pan with tallow, beef fat, or lard, then keep the heat low to medium.

Scoop the batter into the pan, one scoop for each pancake. Drop it right into the middle, then gently nudge it into a circle. Put the lid on.

Batter being poured into a greased skillet to cook a gluten-free pancake on the stovetop.

After about 3 minutes, flip the pancake over and cook another 3 minutes. When you are ready to flip, the edges should look set, not wet, and the pancake should feel like it can hold together when you slide your spatula under it. If it is still sticking, give it another 30 seconds, then try again.

Flip it gently, then let it cook on the second side until it feels set and the pancake holds its shape when you lift it. The second side usually cooks a little faster, so keep an eye on it and adjust the heat down if it starts browning too quickly.

Serving ideas

how to serve high-protein low-carb pancakes

I like to serve these pancakes with a generous dollop of butter on top, then I sprinkle a little stevia over the pancakes. The stevia keeps it low carb, adds a touch of sweetness, and makes them look really nice. Then I finish with a drizzle of low-carb maple syrup.

If you want something extra, whipped cream is so good here, too.

Related Recipe: If you liked these high-protein low-carb pancakes, try my almond flour pancakes next here.

High-Protein Low-Carb Pancakes

Recipe by Jen Evansy
0.0 from 0 votes
Course: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

10

minutes
Calories

101

kcal

20

minutes

If you want gluten-free pancakes that are high in protein and low in carbs, and made without flour, try these. They cook up fluffy, hold their shape, and taste amazing with butter and low-carb maple syrup.

Cook Mode

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Ingredients

Directions

  • Separate the egg yolks from the egg whites, placing them in two different bowls.
  • Use an electric mixer to beat the egg whites until they are bright white, foamy, and hold soft peaks.
  • Slowly sprinkle in gelatin while continuing to mix the egg whites until they look thick and fluffy.
  • Beat the egg yolks just enough to make them smooth and creamy.
  • Add collagen powder to the egg yolks and mix until the mixture thickens.
  • Fold the egg whites into the egg yolks, a spoonful at a time, until mostly mixed but still light and fluffy.
  • Heat a frying pan with ghee or butter until shimmery, then add a scoop of batter for each pancake.
  • Cook on low to medium heat for about 3 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes.
  • Serve with butter, stevia powder, and low-carb maple syrup if desired.

Recipe Video

Notes

  • Ingredient swaps that work: If you want dairy-free cooking fat, grease the pan with tallow, beef fat, or lard instead of ghee or butter. You can also use 2 packets of collagen powder in place of 5 tablespoons of collagen powder if your brand sells travel packs.
  • What to buy for best results: Use plain, unflavored gelatin powder, not flavored gelatin. Use unflavored collagen peptides so the pancakes stay neutral-tasting. If your collagen comes in packets, use the packet amount that equals 5 tablespoons of collagen powder on your label.
  • Best flip timing cue: Do not flip on a timer alone. Flip when the edges look set, and you can slide the spatula under the pancake without it grabbing the pan. Check my best pancake flipping tips here.
  • Keep pancakes fluffy: Cook on low to medium heat and keep the lid on while they cook. Higher heat can brown the outside too fast, and the pancake can lose its puff.
  • Even pancake sizes: Use a 1 fourth cup scoop for each pancake and gently shape it into a circle. Keeping them the same size helps them cook evenly, so you do not end up with one undercooked pancake and one overcooked pancake.

Nutrition Facts

  • Total number of serves: 6
  • Calories: 101kcal
  • Fat: 4.8g
  • Carbohydrates: 0.4g
  • Protein: 13.3g
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Storage + reheating

Let the pancakes cool completely before you put them away, so they do not get damp or soggy from trapped steam. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating keto pancakes in a covered skillet on low heat to warm through evenly.

For reheating, a skillet on low heat works best. Cover with a lid and flip once so they warm through without drying out. The microwave is fine too, just heat in short bursts, about 15 to 20 seconds at a time, so they stay soft and do not turn rubbery.

Macros per pancake

For 1 pancake out of 6, not including cooking fat or toppings

Single collagen pancakes on a plate, showing one finished pancake serving.
  • Calories: 101
  • Carbs: 0.4 g
  • Protein: 13.3 g
  • Fat: 4.8 g

More healthy pancake recipes

If you make these high-protein low-carb pancakes, leave a comment and tell me how they turned out. I also want to know what you topped them with, like butter, stevia, low-carb maple syrup, or whipped cream.

If you’re looking for more easy and healthy pancake ideas, here are a few of my other favorite pancake recipes you might enjoy:

Fluffy Pancakes With Sweet Potato
  • Fluffy Pancakes With Sweet Potato – No Flour, Much Healthier! – These pancakes are naturally sweet, soft, and fluffy, made with sweet potato instead of flour. They’re a great option if you want a filling pancake that’s gluten-free and more nutrient-dense.
  • Fluffy Greek Yogurt Pancakes – Made with Greek yogurt, these pancakes are high in protein, tender, and lightly tangy. They’re perfect for a satisfying breakfast that keeps you full longer.
  • Healthy and Nutritious Red Lentil Pancakes – These savory pancakes are packed with plant-based protein and fiber, using blended red lentils as the base. They’re great for a hearty breakfast, lunch, or light dinner.

If you have any questions about these high-protein low-carb pancakes, ask in the comments here or in the YouTube comments, and I will reply.

And if you want more healthy pancake recipes, check out my other pancake recipes on the blog and on my channel, like almond flour pancakes and other low-carb pancake recipes.

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About Jen Evansy

Nutritionist, researcher, avid home cook, and writer interested in everything nutrition and food-related. Striving to inform, encourage, and inspire all the readers to make healthy and informed choices when it comes to cooking, food, diet, and nutrition.