I’m a certified running coach and my go-to breakfast is high in protein and takes minutes to make

Woman pressing button on a microwave.

I’m the get-up-and-go type and if you’re anything like me you’ll know how easy it is not to leave yourself enough time for breakfast. Whether you’re heading out for a workout, just finishing one, or need something quick for your family, this handy pancake in a bowl recipe is a lifesaver.

I used to travel a lot to compete in athletic events, and while I knew my performance would be affected if I didn’t fuel with a balance of carbs, fats, and protein on race morning, that was tricky to achieve when I stayed in a hotel or didn’t have time to go grocery shopping.

So I started packing protein pancake mix (such as from Kodiak or Trader Joe’s) in a zip lock bag, along with untapped maple gels (which doubled as running fuel) and individual packs of almond butter.

I also discovered that you don’t even need a bowl if you find yourself in a pinch (although I now travel with a collapsible camping bowl and it works great for this recipe).

I’ve used coffee mugs, food storage containers and to-go coffee cups. Using a disposable serving vessel is great because you truly can eat it on the go—in a car or even while you walk to your destination.

Microwave protein pancake recipe

@ambermae_33 ♬ suga suga - grace ✭

This recipe makes a single serving. When made with water, and excluding the optional mix-ins and toppings, it’s about 220 calories and has about 15g of protein and less than 3g of fat. That comfortably clears the bar for being high in protein, although it’s still a long way off these breakfasts with 30g of protein.

If you swap the water with milk you can add additional protein. I’ve discovered you don’t have to carefully measure the ingredients either. I just slowly add and mix the liquid until I get the desired consistency.

The topping and mix-in options are never-ending. I like to top it with almond butter and real maple syrup, but you could also try whipped cream and berries for something light and fresh, or peanut butter and chocolate chips for more of a dessert feel.

You can also mix frozen berries, PBfit, or chocolate chips directly into the batter prior to cooking.

Ingredients

• ½ cup protein pancake mix
• 3oz (approximately ⅓ cup) of water, or milk of choice
• Optional toppings: Nut butter, maple syrup, honey, fresh berries, shredded coconut
• Optional mix-ins: Frozen berries, PBfit peanut butter powder, chocolate chips, cinnamon

Method

1. Add the dry pancake mix and your liquid of choice to a microwave-safe bowl or other suitable vessel.
2. Stir until the batter is smooth
3. Add mix-ins if desired.
4. Microwave for 1 minute initially, continue microwaving in 30-second increments until no more wet spots are visible.
5. Remove from the microwave and let cool for 1 minute.
6. Add desired toppings and enjoy!