High Protein Banana Protein Pancake Cake
If banana pancakes and protein cake had a very productive, gym-going child… this would be it.
High Protein Banana Protein Pancake Cake is exactly what it sounds like: fluffy banana protein pancakes stacked tall, layered like a cake, and finished with creamy topping and optional nutty drizzle. It’s breakfast. It’s dessert. It’s meal prep. It’s post-workout fuel disguised as comfort food.
And the best part? No oven required.
You’re building a stackable, sliceable, banana-scented tower of protein.
Let’s do it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- High in protein (20–35g per serving depending on portion size)
- Naturally sweetened with ripe bananas
- No refined flour required (if using oat flour)
- Perfect for brunch or weekly meal prep
- Kid-friendly, macro-friendly, and freezer-friendly
This isn’t a dry protein experiment. The banana keeps everything moist, while Greek yogurt and protein powder boost structure without making it rubbery.
It slices like cake.
It tastes like banana bread.
It fuels like breakfast.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
For the Banana Protein Pancakes:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
- ½ cup milk (dairy or unsweetened almond)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup oat flour (or all-purpose flour)
- ½ cup vanilla or unflavored whey protein powder
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
For the Protein Frosting:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- Splash of milk (to thin, if needed)
Optional Toppings:
- Sliced bananas
- Chopped walnuts or pecans
- Peanut butter drizzle
- Dark chocolate chips
- Cinnamon dusting
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Batter
In a large bowl, mash the bananas until mostly smooth (a few small lumps are fine).
Whisk in:
- Eggs
- Greek yogurt
- Milk
- Vanilla
In a separate bowl, combine:
- Oat flour
- Protein powder
- Baking powder
- Cinnamon
- Salt
Add dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined.
The batter should be thick but pourable. If it feels too thick (protein powder can vary), add 1–2 tablespoons milk.
Do not overmix. Overmixing + protein powder = dense pancakes.
2. Cook the Pancakes
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Lightly grease.
Pour about ⅓ cup batter per pancake.
Cook until bubbles form on the surface (2–3 minutes). Flip and cook another 1–2 minutes.
You want them slightly thicker than regular pancakes — thicker layers stack better.
Repeat until you have 6–8 pancakes.
Place cooked pancakes on a plate and let cool slightly before stacking.
3. Prepare the Protein Frosting
In a bowl, whisk together:
- Greek yogurt
- Protein powder
- Maple syrup
If needed, add a splash of milk until smooth and spreadable.
Texture goal: thick, creamy, but easy to spread.
Taste and adjust sweetness if desired.
4. Assemble the Pancake Cake
Place one pancake on a plate or cake stand.
Spread a thin layer of protein frosting on top.
Add the next pancake.
Repeat until all pancakes are stacked.
Spread a final layer on top and lightly down the sides for that “cake” look.
Optional: decorate with banana slices, nuts, drizzle, or chocolate.
5. Slice and Serve
Use a sharp knife to slice like a cake.
It holds surprisingly well thanks to the thickness and protein structure.
Serve immediately or refrigerate 30 minutes for cleaner slices.
Texture & Flavor Profile
- Soft and fluffy interior
- Moist from banana
- Light cinnamon warmth
- Slight tang from Greek yogurt
- Balanced sweetness
- Creamy protein frosting finish
It tastes like banana bread and pancakes had a brunch wedding.
Protein Breakdown (Approximate)
Depending on protein brand:
Whole cake: 90–120g protein
Per slice (6 slices): 15–20g protein
That’s a serious upgrade from standard pancakes.
Tips for Perfect Results
1. Use Very Ripe Bananas
Dark spots = natural sweetness and moisture.
2. Cook on Medium-Low
Protein pancakes brown faster. Lower heat prevents burnt outsides and raw centers.
3. Don’t Make Pancakes Too Thin
Thicker pancakes = better stacking stability.
4. Let Them Cool Before Stacking
Warm pancakes can melt frosting too quickly.
5. Adjust Liquid if Needed
Protein powders vary. If batter feels stiff, add milk gradually.
Customization Ideas
Peanut Butter Banana Version
Add 2 tablespoons peanut butter to batter or drizzle between layers.
Chocolate Chip Banana
Fold ¼ cup dark chocolate chips into batter.
Blueberry Banana
Add fresh blueberries to each pancake after pouring batter into pan.
Almond Butter Frosting
Swap maple syrup for almond butter in the frosting for a nutty twist.
Extra High Protein
Replace ¼ cup oat flour with additional protein powder and increase milk slightly.
Dairy-Free Version
Use plant-based yogurt and protein powder.
Meal Prep & Storage
Refrigerate assembled cake for up to 4 days.
To store slices:
- Wrap individually
- Store in airtight container
Freezer-friendly:
- Freeze unfrosted pancakes between parchment layers
- Thaw and assemble when ready
To reheat:
Microwave slice for 15–25 seconds. Frosting softens slightly — delicious.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overmixing the batter
→ Leads to dense texture.
Using too much protein powder
→ Dry, rubbery pancakes.
Cooking on high heat
→ Burnt exterior, undercooked center.
Overloading frosting between layers
→ Sliding stack situation.
Under-ripe bananas
→ Less sweetness and moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake this instead of cooking pancakes?
Yes — pour batter into an 8-inch pan and bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes for a banana protein cake.
Can I use plant protein instead of whey?
Yes, but texture may be slightly denser. Add 1–2 tablespoons milk.
Is this gluten-free?
If using oat flour (certified GF), yes.
Can I reduce sugar?
Yes — bananas provide natural sweetness.
Does it taste like protein powder?
Not if you use a quality vanilla whey and don’t overload it.
When to Serve This
- Weekend brunch centerpiece
- Post-workout recovery meal
- High-protein breakfast prep
- Healthy-ish birthday alternative
- Midweek comfort food moment
It feels indulgent without being heavy.
Final Thoughts
High Protein Banana Protein Pancake Cake is what happens when comfort food meets intention.
It’s warm.
It’s fluffy.
It smells like cinnamon and banana heaven.
But it also fuels you, satisfies you, and keeps you full longer than standard pancakes ever could.
Stack it high.
Slice it proudly.
Drizzle something dramatic on top.
Breakfast just got stronger.


