Heart-Shaped Protein Pancakes

Who says healthy eating can't be fun? These adorable heart-shaped protein pancakes are perfect for Valentine's Day breakfast or any morning you want to feel special. Plus, they pack 30g of protein to fuel your day!

Ingredients

For the Pancakes:

• 📍 1 cup whole wheat flour (or oat flour)
• 📍 2 scoops vanilla protein powder
• 📍 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 📍 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 📍 Pinch of salt
• 📍 1 large egg
• 📍 1 cup milk (dairy or unsweetened almond)
• 📍 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
• 📍 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Topping:

• 📍 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
• 📍 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 📍 Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

1. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, protein powder, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then add milk, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
3. Combine: Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Stir until just combined - a few small lumps are okay! Over-mixing makes pancakes tough.
4. Heat your pan: Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium-low heat. Lightly grease with cooking spray or butter.
5. Create heart shapes: Pour batter into a squeeze bottle or use a spoon to carefully draw heart shapes on the pan. Start with the point at the bottom, make two bumps at the top.
6. Cook: Cook until bubbles form on the surface and edges look set (about 2-3 minutes). Carefully flip and cook another 1-2 minutes until golden.
7. Serve: Stack pancakes, top with fresh strawberries, drizzle with maple syrup, and dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Why Protein at Breakfast Matters

Research shows that starting your day with 25-30g of protein provides several benefits:

• Sustained energy: Protein takes longer to digest than carbs alone, providing steady fuel
• Reduced cravings: High-protein breakfasts reduce hunger and snacking throughout the day
• Muscle preservation: Morning protein helps maintain muscle mass, especially important after 40
• Better mood: Protein contains amino acids that support neurotransmitter production
• Stable blood sugar: Protein prevents the spike-and-crash cycle that comes with carb-heavy breakfasts

These heart-shaped pancakes deliver 30g of protein - hitting that sweet spot for morning nutrition while being fun to make and delicious to eat.

Variations to Try

• Chocolate lover: Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to the batter
• Berry blast: Fold fresh blueberries into the batter
• Banana boost: Mash 1 ripe banana into the wet ingredients
• Nut butter drizzle: Top with melted almond or peanut butter instead of syrup