Pumpkin Pie Protein Pancakes

The holidays may be over, but I'm having a hard time walking away from all the delicious treats I've been indulging in. I spent a total of 17 hours baking treats and goodies to share with loved ones over the holidays (during which time I used a total of four pounds of butter, licked every bowl and every spoon, and got diabetes). I am not ashamed. Everything was delicious.

Unfortunately, the time has come to move forward with my resolutions and get back into my healthy eating habits. However, I refuse to forfeit flavour.

I am also unwilling to give up pumpkin pie. I can never have enough pumpkin pie. Pumpkin pie. Pumpkin pie. Pumpkin pie.
If you grew up with a family member who made pumpkin pie for every holiday occasion, you might understand my enthusiasm. Pumpkin pie.
Ok, I think I'm done.

Unlike my beloved 4 Ingredient Banana Pancakes, my Pumpkin Pie Protein Pancakes are made with pumpkin from a can - which means you do not have to wait for it to ripen. Bonus!

These pancakes are light but filling, healthy, and filled with that great pumpkin-pie flavour. This recipe serves one person, with a whopping 30g of protein. Pumpkin is also an incredible source of nutrients: low in calories, rich in vitamin C, vitamin A for your eyesight, carotenoids for skin health, and plenty of potassium to support muscle function.
Do I have your attention?

Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup pumpkin (canned, not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 scoop vanilla protein
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp flax meal
- 1 tsp honey (may add more if desired)
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp ginger *optional*
- 1/8 tsp pumpkin spice

Directions:
1. Heat coconut oil (or oil of choice) in a pan on medium-low.
2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
3. Spoon mixture into the pan, making 4-5 pancakes. Spread the mixture with the back of the spoon.
4. Cook for 5-6 minutes - just until the outer edges start to stiffen. Flip and cook for an additional 3 minutes on low.
* Important tip: be patient before flipping the pancakes as they are very delicate when they are undercooked.

I eat my pancakes as-is, but these bites of holiday love would be beautiful topped with extra honey, natural peanut butter, a smear of nutella, or a dab of whipped cream!