Start Your Day With Pumpkin Protein Pancakes!

It's fall, an pumpkin spice is every where! Pumpkin lattes, pumpkin doughnuts... But what about something you can make at home, that the whole family will enjoy? That fresh baked pumpkin smell fills the house when you grill up these homemade pumpkin pancakes. And the bonus? They'll get your day off to a healthy start packed with the protein and carbs you need to be at your best.  

Here’s what you need for ingredients:

Wet: 

 -3/4 c. Pumpkin Purée (not pie filling)

 -1 Whole Egg

 -4 Egg Whites 

 -1/4 c. Unsweetened Cashew Milk (or milk of choice)

 -1 T. Pure Vanilla Extract

Dry ingredients: 

 -2/3 c. Oat Flour 

 -2 Scoops Vegan Vanilla Shakeology (or any vanilla protein powder)

 -1/2 tsp. Baking Powder

 -1 tsp. Cinnamon

 -1/2 tsp. Nutmeg

 -1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (optional)

These cakes are super simple to make. Preheat your stove or griddle to a little below medium (a 4 out of 10), and if you’re not using a non-stick surface, lightly spray your pan. Grab your nearest spoon, fork, or child and stir the dry ingredients together. Next, mix the wet ingredients, then combine the two. That's it! I told you these were simple! 

Instead of pouring this batter like you make a traditional pancake, this thicker mix can be spooned out into the pan. They will not rise and expand like traditional cakes, so smooth them into the exact shape you want to be eating. About 2 minutes per side, and you should be ready to enjoy! 

*Note* If you follow my recipe exactly, this recipe packs 10 grams of protein per pancake, as well as 4 grams of fiber and only 140 calories. Your nutritionals will vary if you alter the recipe. Also, I use vegan vanilla Shakeology in this recipe, my personal protein shake (and so much more) of choice. Message me to learn more, or get your own here!

You can doll these up as much as you want! My 7 year old Olivia had a few chocolate chips and walknuts on hers, and I went with 2 cakes, a tablespoon of chopped pecans and a tablespoon of pure maple syrup. Heaven on a plate, and the best part? No guilt!

My Countdown to Christmas challenge group is up and running, and we are ready to make forward progress towards 2018 instead of regretting our choices until then. If you’re looking for a great community for support, fun prizes, fitness, recipes, and more, jump in with us! I’d love to tell you more about it. 

I hope you all have an amazing Thanksgiving with your families today, and enjoy these pancakes on cold winter mornings to come. As always, live healthy, live happy! Love, Amanda