12 Must-Try Healthy Pancake Hacks

Make your typical carb-loaded stack a high-protein meal by adding protein powder to the batter.

Slice fresh apples — any variety will work — and dip them in oatmeal pancake batter to make these apple ring pancakes. We're talking more fruit, more fiber, and fewer calories. They're so sweet that no syrup is needed!

Take the milk and eggs out of the basic pancake recipe, and make these vegan pancakes made with whole-wheat flour. They're lower in fat and cholesterol but high on fluffy texture.

If you're into throwing greens into your fruit smoothie, then you'll love this recipe that adds spinach to your pancakes. Although the greens add a slightly teal earthy hue, they also add fiber, calcium, iron, vitamin A, vitamin K, and folate.

These grain-free pancakes made with eggs and banana offer a nice dose of protein and fiber, and the carbs come from fruit rather than a refined grain.

This basic five-ingredient mix works for omnivores, vegans, or anyone following a dairy-free diet. Store your mix in a mason jar, and a healthier stack of flapjacks will be ready in minutes the next time pancake cravings strike. All that's needed is to add the wet ingredients!

Increase the fiber and healthy fats in your stack by using a flax egg instead of a real egg. This gingerbread pancake recipe also uses vegan buttermilk to save on fat and calories.

If you're not sure what to do with leftover quinoa, whip up a batch of fluffy pancakes this weekend. This creative twist on the breakfast classic offers more folate, protein, and fiber than traditional recipes.

Save on calories and sugar by making your own creamy fruit sauce to pour on your pancakes — just puree fruit with yogurt.

Adding pumpkin puree to pancakes increases the fiber and vitamin A and makes your stack super moist.

Increase fiber by adding fruit like berries, sliced banana, or chopped apple to the batter.

If gluten is off limits for you, whip up a batch of these wheat-free pancakes made with almond flour and flaxseed. They're high in protein and fiber but low in sugar.