Cooking with a Lodge Cast Iron Griddle: Banana Protein Pancake Edition

Posted on June 10, 2025 by Jennifer Conlon

I love pancakes as much as the next person—but let’s be real, they never keep me full for very long. I’ll be satisfied for about 20 minutes and then I’m starving again before lunch. That’s why I was so excited when I discovered that there were protein pancake mixes. It’s a game-changer—especially when you cook them in a good cast iron skillet like this one from Lodge. It crisps the edges perfectly and gives that diner-style feel at home!

Ingredients:

  • Protein Pancake Mix
  • 1 ripe banana
  • Chocolate chips
  • Butter

Directions:

  1. In your mixing bowl, mash half of a ripe banana.
  2. Add your pancake mix and follow the box directions, and stir it up with the mashed banana.
  3. Preheat your griddle by heating your Lodge Cast Iron Round Griddle over medium-high heat for a couple minutes, then reduce to low heat before pouring on the batter.
  4. Grease the Lodge Cast Iron Round Griddle with butter.
  5. Add your batter to the pan and immediately sprinkle in your chocolate chips.
  6. Once bubbles start to form on the surface and the edges firm up, flip your pancakes and cook for another 1–2 minutes, until bottom side is also golden brown.
  7. Plate your pancakes and top with your favorite toppings!
  8. Serve & Enjoy!

You’ll end up with a stack of fluffy, sweet, protein-packed pancakes that satisfy your cravings and keep you fueled all morning. Whether it’s for a busy weekday or a slow weekend, these pancakes are always a hit.

Notes:

  • I like using Kodiak Power Cakes Flapjack & Waffle Mix, but you can use any brand you love!
  • I LOVE chocolate, so I obviously chose chocolate chips for this recipe, but you can get creative and add in any mix-ins you want…maybe blueberries or even some sprinkles?!?!
  • Did you know that the banana adds natural sweetness and a little something special to your pancakes? It’s my little recipe secret!
  • As a reminder, these skillets heat fast and hold their temp, so adjusting the heat is key!
  • I like to add a bit of butter to the skillet before adding the batter to the griddle, as it gives the pancakes a golden, crispy edge, and a slightly salty bite that pairs so well with the sweet pancakes. If you prefer olive oil or avocado oil, that would work also!
  • Pro tip: If you’re using a Lodge Cast Iron Round Griddle, you’ll get those perfect golden edges every time — I can’t recommend it enough!
  • For your toppings, I chose bananas & MORE chocolate chips, but you could use any fruits, sweet sauces, chocolate & more…it’s time to get creative!
  • Fun Fact: Cooking with cast iron can increase your iron intake by up to 16%!
  • Don’t forget to season your pan with Lodge Seasoning Spray Oil! Not sure how to care for your Lodge products? Then, make sure you check out the Lodge Cast Iron Cleaning & Care section of their site.

I swear by my Lodge Cast Iron Round Griddle, it was one of the first things my husband and I bought when we moved in together. It’s perfect for pancakes, grilled cheese, quesadillas, steaks…you name it! If you don’t have one yet, I highly recommend grabbing one — it makes such a difference! Make sure you check out the Lodge Cast Iron Round Griddle. Plus, if you’re in an apartment without a grill, it’s a great way to cook “grill food” indoors.

Shop This Recipe:
Lodge Cast Iron Round Griddle (my go-to pan!)
Lodge Red Silicone Hot Handle Holder
Lodge Seasoning Spray Oil
Glass Mixing Bowl
✅ Kodiak Power Cakes Flapjack & Waffle Mix – at your local Commissary

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