Flourless Cottage Cheese Pancakes

Category: Start Your Day Right

Start your morning with soft, golden pancakes blended from cottage cheese, eggs, oats, and a touch of honey. These gluten-free pancakes come together quickly—simply blend the batter, pour onto a hot skillet, and cook each until bubbles appear. Enjoy them with fresh fruit and a drizzle of syrup or honey. For variety, mix in blueberries, cocoa powder, or chopped nuts. Blending the ingredients ensures a smooth batter and fluffy texture. Adjust sweetness to your liking, and savor a wholesome, protein-rich start to the day, free from refined flour yet full of breakfast comfort.

Sweet by Emma official logo
Updated on Wed, 14 May 2025 11:32:57 GMT
A stack of pancakes on a plate. Save
A stack of pancakes on a plate. | sweetbyemma.com

Flourless cottage cheese pancakes deliver a fluffy gluten-free breakfast packed with protein and plenty of flavor These have become my go-to when I want something hearty but light on flour and my family devours them every weekend

The first time I tried these was on a lazy Sunday morning when groceries were running low It amazed me how a few ingredients came together into such a comforting treat now these pancakes are an essential in our home

Ingredients

  • Cottage cheese: use full-fat for richness and creaminess seek out fresh cottage cheese without lots of added gums
  • Eggs: provide structure and help the pancakes rise opt for pasture-raised for best flavor
  • Honey or maple syrup: adds subtle sweetness choose pure varieties for cleaner taste
  • Vanilla extract: brings warmth and depth look for real vanilla not artificial
  • Rolled oats: substitute for flour blending them smooth creates a tender batter go for old-fashioned oats for heartier texture
  • Baking powder: helps the pancakes become fluffy check that your baking powder is fresh for maximum lift
  • Pinch of salt: balances sweetness and sharpness use fine sea salt for even distribution
  • Butter or oil: keeps pancakes from sticking choose a neutral oil or pure butter for best results
  • Optional toppings like berries bananas syrup or honey: allow you to tailor each stack to your craving always use fresh or ripe fruit for brightness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Batter:
Blend cottage cheese eggs honey or syrup and vanilla thoroughly in a blender or food processor This step ensures the curds break down and the batter becomes silky
Add Dry Ingredients:
Once smooth add in rolled oats baking powder and salt Blend again until the mixture is completely integrated and resembles smooth batter Let it rest for a minute to thicken slightly
Heat and Grease the Skillet:
Preheat a non-stick skillet on medium heat Lightly coat with butter or cooking oil This layer prevents sticking and helps form a beautiful golden crust
Cook the Pancakes:
Pour roughly one quarter cup of batter for each pancake onto the pan Space them apart so they do not merge Watch for several small bubbles to appear on the surface before flipping Use a thin spatula to turn the pancakes and cook for an additional one to two minutes until deeply golden
Keep Warm and Finish:
Transfer finished pancakes to a warm plate and cover with a towel while repeating with remaining batter This keeps the stack soft and warm until serving
Serve:
Add fresh toppings like berries sliced bananas or a drizzle of syrup right before eating Enjoy immediately for best texture
A stack of pancakes on a plate. Save
A stack of pancakes on a plate. | sweetbyemma.com

My favorite ingredient here is definitely the cottage cheese Its tang adds so much character to the pancakes When I made these for my niece she claimed they were better than traditional pancakes and the whole table agreed

Storage Tips

Let pancakes cool completely before storing Stack with parchment between layers to prevent sticking then seal in an airtight container They keep in the fridge for up to three days To reheat place in a toaster or skillet over low heat for best results

Ingredient Substitutions

For dairy free swap cottage cheese with blended silken tofu Substitute maple syrup with agave if needed Rolled oats can be replaced with quick oats but texture will vary

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a sweet breakfast with berries and yogurt or go savory by topping with avocado and smoked salmon Try these alongside a fruit salad for a refreshing brunch spread

Pancake Origins

Flourless pancakes are rooted in creative breakfasts born out of necessity Many cultures have their versions using cottage cheese or similar dairy as a protein-rich base It is the perfect solution when flour is out of stock

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, quick oats will work, but rolled oats offer better texture and structure in the pancake batter.

→ How do I keep pancakes from sticking to the skillet?

Use a non-stick skillet or griddle and add butter or oil before pouring the batter for easy flipping and golden edges.

→ Are these suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Cool pancakes completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat when ready to eat.

→ Can I make these dairy-free?

You can try using dairy-free cottage cheese alternatives, but the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

→ What are the best toppings for these pancakes?

Fresh berries, sliced bananas, honey, and maple syrup all pair wonderfully. A sprinkle of nuts or cinnamon is delicious too.

→ Can I blend the batter ahead of time?

It's best to blend and cook the batter right away for the fluffiest texture, but blending a short time ahead works as well.

Flourless Cottage Cheese Pancakes

Soft, protein-rich pancakes made with cottage cheese and oats for a naturally gluten-free, easy breakfast.

Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
15 min
Total Time
20 min
By: Emma

Category: Breakfast & Brunch

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

What You'll Need

01 1 cup cottage cheese
02 4 eggs
03 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
04 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 ½ cup rolled oats
06 ½ teaspoon baking powder
07 Pinch of salt
08 Butter or oil for cooking
09 Optional toppings: fresh berries, sliced bananas, honey, or maple syrup

How to Make It

Step 01

In a blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese, eggs, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.

Step 02

Add rolled oats, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Blend again until fully combined and smooth.

Step 03

Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a bit of butter or oil to coat the surface.

Step 04

Pour about ¼ cup of batter per pancake onto the skillet. Cook until bubbles form on top, then flip and cook for 1–2 minutes more until golden brown.

Step 05

Transfer cooked pancakes to a plate and keep warm while cooking the rest of the batter. Serve with your favorite toppings like berries, bananas, honey, or syrup.

Additional Notes

  1. Blend thoroughly for a smooth batter and better texture.
  2. Use medium heat to avoid burning while ensuring the pancakes cook through.
  3. Wait for bubbles on the surface before flipping.
  4. Adjust sweetness to taste by adding more syrup or honey in the batter or as topping.

Tools Required

  • Blender or food processor
  • Non-stick skillet or griddle
  • Spatula

Allergen Information

Double-check each ingredient for allergens and reach out to a healthcare professional if you're unsure.
  • Dairy
  • Eggs
  • Gluten (if non-certified gluten-free oats are used)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

These nutrition details are provided as a guide and are not a substitute for professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 100
  • Fats: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Proteins: 8 g