Cooking with Kimmi - Pumpin’ Pumpkin Protein Pancakes 

Ingredients (Serves 2–3):

• 1 cup oat flour (or finely blended oats)

• 1 scoop Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey – Vanilla or Cinnamon Bun flavour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• ½ tsp nutmeg

• Pinch of salt

• 1 cup milk of choice

• ½ cup pumpkin purée 

• 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey

• 1 egg 

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Coconut oil or butter for cooking

Optional toppings: Greek yogurt, nut butter, extra pumpkin spice, or sugar-free syrup.

Directions

You’ll need:

• 1 medium pumpkin (Crown, Butternut, or Buttercup are all great)

• A splash of olive oil (optional, for roasting)

• Pinch of salt (optional)

Step 1: Make the pumpkin purée

1. Preheat oven to 180 °C (fan 160 °C).

2. Cut the pumpkin in half, scoop out the seeds (save them for roasting if you like), and slice into large wedges. No need to peel yet.

3. Option 1 – Roast for extra sweetness: Place wedges on a lined baking tray, drizzle with olive oil, and roast for 45–60 minutes, or until soft and slightly caramelised.

4. Option 2 – Steam for speed: Peel and cube the pumpkin first, then steam for 15–20 minutes until tender.

5. Let the pumpkin cool slightly, then scoop the flesh from the skin (if roasted) and place into a food processor or blender. Blitz until smooth, adding 1–2 tablespoons of water if needed.

6. Use immediately, refrigerate for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Step 2: Make the pancakes

1. In a large bowl, whisk together oat flour, protein powder, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.

2. In another bowl, mix milk, pumpkin purée, maple syrup, egg, and vanilla until smooth.

3. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined—don’t overmix.

4. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat with a little coconut oil or butter.

5. Pour in batter to form small pancakes. Cook for 2–3 minutes, until bubbles form on top, then flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes.

6. Stack ‘em high and top with your favourites—think Greek yoghurt, berries, nut butter, or a drizzle of maple syrup.

💡 Kimmi’s Tip: These freeze well, so make a double batch and you’ve got a week’s worth of grab-and-go gains!