December 17 is a day dedicated to the sticky, sweet gold that makes breakfast special: it’s Maple Syrup Day! While tradition calls for a towering stack of pancakes, French toast or waffles drowning in syrup, you don’t have to sacrifice your health and fitness goals to celebrate.
We’ve put together the perfect recipe for high-protein pancakes that are keto-friendly, delicious, and ready for a generous drizzle of real or sugar-free maple syrup. This recipe uses the simplicity of a pancake mix and supercharges the nutrition with the Maple Brown Sugar Plant-Based IsaLean Protein Shake.
Why December 17 Should be THE Day for High-Protein Pancakes
Maple Syrup Day is the unofficial holiday that gives everyone permission to enjoy a comforting, hearty breakfast. However, standard pancakes can be high in simple carbs and low in beneficial protein and fiber.
By boosting your breakfast with quality protein, you can enjoy your syrup tradition while supporting lean muscle, maintaining satiety, and kicking off your day with sustained energy — the true definition of a healthy celebration.
And really, any day is a good day for high-protein pancakes!
The Secret Weapon: Plant-Based IsaLean Protein
The key to turning a regular pancake stack into a high-powered, balanced meal is the Maple Brown Sugar Protein Shake. This is more than just a protein powder; it’s a complete, convenient meal replacement.
Key Features for Your Breakfast:
- Plant-Based Protein: Featuring a blend of whole-grain brown rice and pea protein, this ensures your pancakes are packed with amino acids to help build and maintain muscle.
- Convenient Nutrition: Designed as a balanced meal, adding this shake powder boosts your stack’s nutritional profile with healthy fats, carbohydrates, and fiber.
- Vegan-Friendly: For those following a vegan or dairy-free lifestyle, this shake keeps your Maple Syrup Day celebration inclusive and delicious.
By simply mixing a scoop or two into your batter, you transform simple carbs into a genuinely nutritious high-protein breakfast.
The Keto-Friendly Foundation
To keep the celebration mindful of carbs and sugar, we use the incredibly convenient Birch Benders Keto Pancake & Waffle Mix. However, you can use any pancake mix for this fast, easy recipe.
This mix is the perfect canvas for our high-protein pancakes because it is:
- Keto-Compliant: With only 5g net carbs per serving, it helps keep your macros in check.
- “Just Add Water” Simple: The ease of preparation makes this recipe quick, allowing you to get to the maple syrup sooner! However, we recommend some additional ingredients for the best-tasting protein pancakes.
Recipe: High-Protein Maple Syrup Day Stacks
This recipe combines Birch Benders Keto Mix with Plant-Based IsaLean Shake for a delicious, muscle-supporting meal that’s perfect for celebrating December 17 (or any day!).
Yields: 2-3 servings (Approx. 4-6 medium pancakes)
Ingredients
- 2/3 cups pancake mix (e.g., Birch Benders Keto Mix)
- 2 full scoops of Plant-Based IsaLean Protein Shake (approximately 1/3 cup. Maple Brown Sugar flavor works best!)
- 1 cup cold water or milk (e.g., unsweetened almond milk. May need slightly more liquid; adjust for consistency.)
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon (optional)
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 tbsp. syrup (sugar-free preferred, optional)
- Pinch of salt (optional)
- Oil or butter (for cooking)
- Optional Toppings: real maple syrup (it is Maple Syrup Day, after all!), berries, or chopped nuts.
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the pancake mix and the IsaLean Protein Shake powder until fully combined. Add the cinnamon and salt if using.
- Add Water/Milk/Liquid and Optional Ingredients: Gradually add the cold water (or liquid of choice), vanilla (if using), and syrup (if using) to the dry mix, stirring until just combined. The batter should be slightly thick but pourable and not too runny. Tip: Do not overmix! Lumps are okay.
- Let the Batter Sit: Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking to let the protein powder fully hydrate. Check the consistency again. Add liquid if too thick or more pancake mix if too runny.
- Heat Skillet: Heat a lightly oiled non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Protein pancakes might need a bit lower heat than regular pancakes.
- Cook: Pour batter onto the hot surface, creating pancakes of your desired size. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until bubbles form on the surface and the edges are set. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Flip only once. Too much flipping can make them dense and chewy. Don’t press down on them.
- Serve: Stack them high and top with your favorite additions. A small amount of pure maple syrup is the traditional choice for Maple Syrup Day! However, use sugar-free products to keep calories down.
Pro Tips:
- You can also add a beaten egg or egg whites to the batter to add more protein. Egg whites will keep the batter lighter and add more protein. Start out with 2/3 cups of the other liquid and adjust until consistency is thick but pourable.
- Mix in a small amount of Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for moisture and extra protein. Again, start out with less liquid and adjust batter until it’s pourable and not too runny.
- If your pancake mix (like Kodiak Cakes) is already high in protein, start with less added protein powder. Adjust the amount slowly to avoid overloading the batter, finding the right balance for taste and nutrition.
- Pancake batter is very forgiving, so feel free to experiment creatively with substitutions and additions without worrying about ruining the final product. You can always cook one small pancake as a “taste test” and adjust if necessary.
Storage & Reheating Tips
To Store Cooked Pancakes:
- Cool First: Allow pancakes to cool completely before storing.
- Container: Place in an airtight container or resealable bag.
- Refrigerate or freeze: Keep refrigerated up to 5 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- To Reheat:
- Thaw (if frozen): Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Heat: Reheat using a microwave, toaster, or oven until thoroughly warmed.
Happy Maple Syrup Day!
This December 17, you can have your pancake stack and feel great, too. By opting for a high-protein, keto-friendly breakfast powered by the Plant-Based IsaLean Protein Shake and Birch Benders Keto Mix, you’re celebrating this sweet holiday the healthy way. Enjoy every bite!
* Birch Benders and Kodiak Cakes trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
