Name: Banana Oat Protein Pancake Bites
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ripe banana; 1/2 cup cottage cheese; 2 large eggs; 3/4 cup rolled oats; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; Coconut oil or butter for greasing

These mini protein-packed pancake bites combine the goodness of oats, banana, and cottage cheese for a nutritious breakfast or snack option that’s perfect for busy mornings, meal prep, or kid-friendly meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cottage cheese banana oat protein pancake bites offer the perfect balance of nutrition and flavor in a convenient bite-sized package. They’re naturally sweetened with banana, packed with protein from cottage cheese and eggs, and provide sustained energy from rolled oats. The recipe comes together quickly in a blender, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, feeding hungry kids, or looking for a post-workout snack, these pancake bites deliver satisfaction without the guilt.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ripe banana provides natural sweetness and moisture while adding potassium and fiber to these pancake bites. The riper your banana, the sweeter your pancakes will be, so those spotty brown bananas are perfect for this recipe.

Cottage cheese might sound unusual in pancakes, but it adds incredible protein content and creates a tender texture. It disappears into the batter once blended, so even cottage cheese skeptics won’t detect it.

Eggs act as a binding agent while contributing additional protein and helping the pancake bites rise and stay together. They’re essential for creating the proper structure.

Rolled oats deliver complex carbohydrates and fiber, making these pancakes hearty and satisfying. They get blended into a flour-like consistency, creating a gluten-free base (just be sure to use certified gluten-free oats if needed).

Baking powder helps the pancake bites rise and become fluffy rather than dense. Make sure yours is fresh for the best results.

Cinnamon adds a warm, comforting flavor that pairs perfectly with banana. Feel free to adjust the amount to your taste preference.

Vanilla extract enhances the sweetness of the banana and adds depth of flavor without additional sugar.

Salt might seem like a small addition, but it’s crucial for balancing the flavors and enhancing the natural sweetness of the banana.

Coconut oil or butter for greasing prevents sticking and adds a subtle flavor to the exterior of the pancake bites. You could also use cooking spray if preferred.

Directions

In a blender, combine banana, cottage cheese, eggs, oats, baking powder, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt.
Blend until smooth and let the batter rest for 3–5 minutes. This rest time allows the oats to absorb some moisture and the baking powder to activate.
Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with coconut oil or butter.
Drop tablespoons of batter onto the skillet to form small pancake bites. Don’t overcrowd the pan to make flipping easier.
Cook for 1–2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know they’re ready to flip when small bubbles form on the surface.
Serve warm with Greek yogurt, nut butter, or a drizzle of maple syrup if desired.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 16 pancake bites, serving about 4 people (4 bites per serving). The entire process takes just 15 minutes — 5 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time. Each serving of 2 bites contains approximately 60 calories, making them a perfect portion-controlled option for breakfast or snacks.

Variations

Berry Addition: Fold in 1/4 cup of fresh blueberries, raspberries, or diced strawberries after blending for fruity bursts of flavor.

Chocolate Chip: Add 2 tablespoons of mini dark chocolate chips to the batter for a kid-friendly treat.

Nutty Version: Stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and healthy fats.

Pumpkin Spice: Replace half the banana with pumpkin puree and add 1/4 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice for a fall-inspired variation.

Savory Option: Omit the vanilla and cinnamon, add a pinch more salt, and fold in 2 tablespoons of chopped chives or green onions for a savory breakfast bite.

Apple Cinnamon: Replace the banana with 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce and double the cinnamon for an apple pie-inspired flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store cooled pancake bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing: These pancake bites freeze exceptionally well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating from Refrigerated: Microwave for 20-30 seconds, or until warm. Alternatively, toast them briefly to restore some crispness on the outside.

Reheating from Frozen: Microwave for 45-60 seconds or reheat in a toaster oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

Make-Ahead Tip: Double the recipe during weekend meal prep and freeze in individual portions for quick weekday breakfasts.

FAQs

Can I make these pancake bites without a blender?

While a blender creates the smoothest batter, you can use a food processor instead. If you don’t have either appliance, try using quick oats and mash the banana very well with a fork, then vigorously whisk all ingredients together. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Are these pancake bites gluten-free?

They can be! The recipe naturally contains no wheat flour, but you’ll need to ensure you’re using certified gluten-free oats, as regular oats may have cross-contamination.

How much protein is in each serving?

Each serving of 4 pancake bites contains approximately 10-12g of protein, making these an excellent high-protein breakfast or snack option.

Can I substitute the cottage cheese?

Yes, Greek yogurt makes a good substitute for cottage cheese in this recipe, though the protein content may vary slightly. For a dairy-free version, try using silken tofu.

My batter seems too thin. What should I do?

If your batter appears too thin (perhaps due to a very ripe banana), add an additional 1-2 tablespoons of oats and blend again. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes to thicken before cooking.

Can I make these as regular-sized pancakes instead of bites?

Absolutely! Use 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake and increase the cooking time to about 2-3 minutes per side. You may need to lower the heat slightly to ensure they cook through.

Why do my pancake bites fall apart when flipping?

This could happen if you flip them too early. Wait until you see small bubbles forming on the surface and the edges looking set before attempting to flip. Also, ensure your pan is properly preheated and greased.

Can I add protein powder to boost the protein content?

Yes, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of unflavored or vanilla protein powder to the batter. You may need to add a splash of milk if the batter becomes too thick.

Are these suitable for toddlers and children?

These pancake bites are perfect for kids of all ages, including toddlers. Their small size makes them easy for little hands to manage, and they’re packed with nutritious ingredients. Just be cautious about potential allergens like eggs.

How can I make these dairy-free?

Replace the cottage cheese with dairy-free yogurt or silken tofu for a completely dairy-free version. Be sure to use coconut oil rather than butter for greasing the pan.

Conclusion

These Banana Oat Protein Pancake Bites offer an innovative way to enjoy a nutritious, protein-packed breakfast without spending hours in the kitchen. Their bite-sized format makes them perfect for portion control, meal prep, or on-the-go eating. The natural sweetness from banana means no added sugar is necessary, while the protein from cottage cheese and eggs will keep you satisfied throughout the morning. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week ahead, or looking for healthier breakfast options, these versatile pancake bites deliver on both nutrition and flavor. Try making a batch this weekend and discover your new favorite breakfast staple!