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Macro Friendly 3 Ingredient Protein Pancakes With Diet Soda

published: May 13, 2023

updated: October 25, 2023

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It’s time to up your protein game with these delicious macro-friendly 3-ingredient protein pancakes! This simple and tasty recipe only requires cake mix, diet soda, and protein powder, making it the perfect option for those who are short on time but still want to start their day with a delicious and nutritious meal.

Now, you might be wondering how pancakes made with cake mix, diet soda, and protein powder can possibly taste good. But trust me, these pancakes are nothing short of amazing. Not only are they super easy to whip up, but they also have a light and fluffy texture that will make you forget all about regular pancakes.

One of the best things about these pancakes is that they're incredibly versatile. You can customize them to your liking by adding different toppings or mixing up the flavors of the cake mix and protein powder. Plus, they're a great way to get in some extra protein without having to chug down a protein shake or eat a plain bowl of oatmeal. So, whether you're a fitness enthusiast or just looking for a healthy breakfast option, these pancakes are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.


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3 Reasons Why You Will Love This Macro Friendly 3 Ingredient Protein Pancakes Recipe

taking a bite of healthy pancakes
  1. Quick and easy: This recipe only requires three simple ingredients, making it a breeze to whip up even on busy mornings. Plus, you can customize the recipe with your favorite toppings or mix-ins for a breakfast that's both tasty and convenient.
  2. Protein-packed: With the addition of protein powder, these pancakes are an excellent source of protein that will keep you feeling full and satisfied all morning long. This makes them a great breakfast option for anyone looking to build muscle, lose weight, or simply add more protein to their diet.
  3. Delicious and versatile: Just because these pancakes are made with protein powder doesn't mean they sacrifice taste. In fact, they're fluffy, flavorful, and can be customized with your favorite toppings and mix-ins to suit your taste preferences. Plus, they're a great way to switch up your breakfast routine and try something new.

You may also love our macro-friendly protein pancakes without banana recipe!

3 Featured Ingredients

  1. Cake mix: I used classic yellow cake mix. You can use any flavor cake mix that you like. 
  2. Protein powder: Choose a protein powder in a flavor that compliments the cake mix you are using. Vanilla or chocolate flavors work well. I used 1st Phorm Level-1, but you can also use Clean Simple Eats (code TAMI) and a budget-friendly option – Gold Standard Whey.
  3. Diet soda: The carbonation in diet soda helps to give the pancakes a light and fluffy texture. You can use any flavor of diet soda that you like, or substitute with sparkling water if you prefer.
the three ingredients

Kitchen Tools Required

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk 
  • Large skillet 
  • Spatula

How to Make 3 Ingredient Pancakes

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix and protein powder until evenly blended.
  2. Add the diet soda to the dry mixture and stir until well combined. The mixture will be bubbly and frothy.
  3. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat.
  4. Use a 1/4 cup measuring cup to scoop the pancake batter onto the pan.
  5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until bubbles form on the surface of the pancake.
  6. Flip the pancake and cook for another 1-2 minutes or until golden brown.
  7. Repeat with the remaining batter until all pancakes are cooked.
  8. Serve hot with your favorite toppings such as fresh berries, maple syrup, or whipped cream.
mixing ingredients in bowl
ingredients in bowl mixing
pancake recipe with three ingredients

Swaps or Alternatives

Here are a few swaps and alternatives for this recipe that can cater to different dietary preferences:

  • Gluten-free option: If you have a gluten intolerance or simply prefer to avoid gluten, you can substitute the cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. There are plenty of gluten-free cake mixes available at most grocery stores. 
  • Vegan option: For a vegan version of this recipe, you can use a plant-based protein powder instead of whey protein powder. You can also use a vegan cake mix and a vegan soda such as sparkling water or a flavored soda sweetened with natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit.
  • Flavor options: You can add a variety of flavorings to the pancake batter such as vanilla extract, cinnamon, or cocoa powder. Additionally, you can mix in toppings like fresh berries, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips.

Quick Tip(s)

Here are some quick tips to help you make the best possible protein pancakes:

  • Mix the batter well: Make sure to thoroughly mix the cake mix, protein powder, and diet soda together until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. This will ensure that your pancakes cook evenly and have a consistent texture.
  • Don't overmix the batter: While it's important to mix the batter well, be careful not to overmix it. Overmixing can cause the pancakes to become flat, tough and chewy.
  • Use a non-stick pan: To prevent the pancakes from sticking to the pan, use a non-stick pan or griddle. If you don't have a non-stick pan, you can lightly grease the pan with cooking spray or butter.
  • Cook on low to medium heat: Cook the pancakes on low to medium heat to prevent them from burning or cooking too quickly. This will give them time to cook through and develop a golden-brown crust.

FAQ’s

Here are some frequently asked questions about this recipe for 3-ingredient protein pancakes:

Can I use any type of cake mix for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any flavor of cake mix for this recipe. Just be sure to choose a flavor that you enjoy and that complements the protein powder you're using.

Can I use regular soda instead of diet soda?

Yes, you can use regular soda instead of diet soda. However, keep in mind that this will increase the calorie and sugar content of the pancakes.

Can I make this recipe without protein powder?

Yes, you can make this recipe without protein powder. However, the protein powder adds extra protein to the pancakes, which can make them more filling and satisfying.

Can I freeze these pancakes?

Yes, you can freeze these pancakes for later. Simply wrap them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in the freezer. To reheat, simply microwave them or warm them in the oven.

Can I use this recipe for waffles instead of pancakes?

Yes, you can use this recipe to make waffles instead of pancakes. Simply follow the instructions for your waffle maker and cook the batter until golden-brown and crispy.

Macros & Nutrition Information

Serving Size: 1 pancake

MacrosNutrition
Calories84
Protein6g
Carbs14.8g
Fat4.4g

Macro Friendly 3 Ingredient Pancakes (Featuring Diet Soda)

Jessie Hulsey
With just cake mix, protein powder, and diet soda, you can whip up a batch of fluffy and delicious pancakes in no time. Perfect for busy mornings or post-workout refueling, these pancakes are sure to become a new favorite.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 84 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup cake mix
  • 1 scoop protein powder (~30g)
  • â…” cup diet soda

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix and protein powder until evenly blended.
  • Add the diet soda to the dry mixture and stir until well combined. The mixture will be bubbly and frothy.
  • Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat.
  • Use a 1/4 cup measuring cup to scoop the pancake batter onto the pan.
  • Cook for 2-3 minutes or until bubbles form on the surface of the pancake.
  • Flip the pancake and cook for another 1-2 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Repeat with the remaining batter until all pancakes are cooked.
  • Serve hot with your favorite toppings such as fresh berries, maple syrup, or whipped cream.

Notes

Make sure to mix thoroughly but do not overmix. If you overmix your batter, your pancakes will turn out flat and tough.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pancakeCalories: 84kcalCarbohydrates: 14.8gProtein: 6gFat: 4.4g
Keyword easy recipe, macro friendly
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About the author, Jessie Hulsey

Jessie is a recipe creator and registered dietitian consultant, specializing in weight management, healthy aging, and behavioral nutrition in Atlanta, GA. To lean into her creative side, she loves all aspects of recipe development and food photography. When not working, you can find Jessie at the dog park with her husband and pup, playing in her garden, and scoping out new restaurants!

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