Best Protein Pancakes

Add liquid ingredients to blender first: almond milk, eggs, banana, vanilla extract. Pulse until smooth and banana is completely incorporated. Add dry ingredients: oats, protein powder, baking powder, cinnamon, salt. Blend on low speed just until combined. Don't overmix - protein powder develops tough texture when overworked. Stop as soon as everything's incorporated.

Let batter sit 5-10 minutes after blending. Protein powder absorbs liquid slowly - skip this and you get thin, crepe-like failures. Batter should be thick but pourable, like regular pancake batter. Add a splash more milk if too thick after resting.

Heat non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Protein burns easily at medium-high. Lightly grease with coconut oil or cooking spray. Pour 1/4 cup batter per pancake. Don't spread it - let it settle naturally. Cook 2-3 minutes until edges set and bubbles form.

Flip gently when bubbles pop and stay open on the surface. Cook another 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Don't press down with spatula - that deflates the fluffy texture. Keep finished pancakes warm in 200°F oven while cooking remaining batches.