Craving pancakes but cooking just for yourself? This one serve pancake recipe is your answer! Forget about leftover batter and wasted ingredients. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up two to three soft, fluffy pancakes using simple pantry staples you likely already have. This recipe is perfectly portioned for one, delivering a satisfying breakfast or brunch without any fuss.
Three pancakes stacked on a plate, glistening with melted butter and topped with fresh blueberries.
If you love the idea of perfectly sized pancake portions, you’re in for a treat! Beyond this classic recipe, explore our other single serving pancake delights. Indulge in the rich tang of Buttermilk Pancakes, the natural sweetness of Banana Pancakes, the effortless ease of Small Batch Sheet Pan Pancakes, or keep it super convenient with our Small Batch Pancake Mix. With such a variety, finding your ultimate pancake match is guaranteed!
Why This One Serve Pancake Recipe is a Game Changer
- Speedy & Simple: From start to finish, these pancakes are ready in under 15 minutes, using ingredients you probably have in your kitchen right now.
- Ideal for Solo Cooks: This recipe makes just two to three pancakes – the perfect amount for one person, eliminating leftovers and waste.
- Cleanup is a Breeze: Minimal ingredients and just one mixing bowl mean less time cleaning and more time enjoying your delicious pancakes.
- Endlessly Adaptable: Enjoy these pancakes as they are, or personalize them with your favorite toppings and flavor additions like cinnamon, vanilla, or lemon zest.
For years, pancakes have been a breakfast staple in my kitchen. This pancake recipe for one is a thoughtfully scaled-down version of my family’s favorite recipe. It’s precisely what I need when a pancake craving strikes – a satisfying homemade stack, perfectly portioned with no excess batter.
These pancakes are consistently soft, wonderfully fluffy, and just the right size for a fulfilling single serving breakfast. Whether I’m keeping it traditional with butter and syrup or adding a burst of fresh fruit, this recipe is my go-to for homemade pancakes without the commitment of a large batch.
Close-up shot of a fork cutting into a stack of three pancakes topped with butter and blueberries, showing the fluffy texture inside.
Ingredients for Your Single Serving Pancakes
If you find yourself with leftover ingredients after making these single serving pancakes, don’t worry! Our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder is here to help you discover more delicious single dish recipes.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our pancakes. Use 1 cup of all-purpose flour to achieve the perfect texture.
- Baking Powder: A teaspoon of baking powder is crucial for creating light and airy pancakes that rise beautifully.
- Granulated Sugar: Just half a tablespoon of sugar adds a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors.
- Salt: A quarter of a teaspoon of salt enhances all the other flavors, creating a well-rounded pancake.
- Large Egg: One large egg provides structure and richness, contributing to the fluffy texture.
- Milk: Three-quarters of a cup of milk brings the batter together. Low-fat milk works perfectly, but feel free to use whole milk, skim milk, or plant-based alternatives like unsweetened almond milk or oat milk.
- Vanilla Extract: A quarter of a teaspoon of vanilla extract adds a hint of warm sweetness and elevates the overall flavor profile.
- Salted Butter: One tablespoon of melted salted butter adds a rich, buttery flavor to the pancakes. You’ll also need a little extra butter to grease the pan. If using unsalted butter, consider adding a pinch more salt to the batter.
Delicious Variations to Elevate Your One Serve Pancakes
This recipe is fantastic as is, but it also serves as a wonderful base for your culinary creativity. Here are a few simple and tasty variations to try:
- Banana Pancakes: For naturally sweet and moist pancakes, mash a ripe banana and gently fold it into the batter. The banana adds flavor and extra moisture, resulting in incredibly tender pancakes. Find a detailed recipe for Banana Pancakes here.
- Buttermilk Pancakes: For a slightly tangy flavor and extra fluffy texture, substitute the milk with buttermilk. Buttermilk reacts with the baking powder to create incredibly light and airy pancakes. Explore our recipe for Buttermilk Pancakes.
- Blueberry Pancakes: Add a burst of fruity sweetness by gently folding in a handful of fresh blueberries into the batter just before cooking. The blueberries will become warm and juicy as the pancakes cook.
- Chocolate Chip Pancakes: Indulge your sweet tooth by stirring in a generous handful of chocolate chips into the batter. Use milk chocolate, semi-sweet, or dark chocolate chips, depending on your preference.
Step-by-Step Guide: Making Pancakes for One
These photos and detailed instructions will guide you through each step of making your perfect One Serve Pancakes. For precise ingredient measurements and the complete recipe, please refer to the recipe card below.
A mixing bowl with flour, baking powder, and sugar, ready to be whisked together.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, and salt until well combined. This ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
A separate bowl with a beaten egg and other wet ingredients being mixed together with a whisk.2. Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the large egg lightly. Then, add the milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter to the beaten egg. Whisk all the wet ingredients together until they are well combined and smooth.
Pancake batter in a mixing bowl, showing a slightly thick and lumpy consistency.3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir with a spatula or whisk until just combined. Mix until you no longer see any streaks of dry flour. It’s perfectly fine if the batter has a few small lumps – avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough pancakes. If the batter appears too thick, gradually add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a pourable consistency.
A pancake cooking in a skillet on a stovetop, with bubbles forming on the surface.4. Cook the First Pancake: Heat a small amount of butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat until melted and hot. Once the skillet is hot, pour approximately ¾ cup of pancake batter onto the hot skillet. Cook the pancake for about 3 minutes, or until bubbles begin to form on the surface and the bottom turns golden brown.
Flipping a pancake in a skillet with a spatula.5. Flip and Cook the Other Side: Carefully flip the pancake using a spatula. Cook for another minute on the other side, or until it is golden brown and cooked through.
A second pancake cooking in a skillet, next to the first cooked pancake on a plate.6. Cook Remaining Pancakes: Remove the cooked pancake from the skillet and place it on a plate. Repeat the cooking process with any remaining batter to make a second or third pancake.
RELATED: 20 Single Serving Breakfast Recipes To Start Your Day Right
Expert Tips for Perfect One Serve Pancakes
- Measure Flour Accurately: For the best results, fluff the flour in its container first. Then, spoon it gently into your dry measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge. This ensures you’re using the correct amount of flour, which is key to pancake texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until they are combined and you no longer see streaks of flour. A few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine and will result in tender pancakes. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tougher pancakes.
- Fresh Baking Powder is Key: Ensure your baking powder is fresh and active for light, fluffy pancakes. If your baking powder is old, it may have lost its leavening power, resulting in flat pancakes.
- Know When to Flip: The best time to flip your pancakes is when you see bubbles forming on the surface and starting to pop. This indicates that the underside is cooked and ready to be flipped.
Serving Suggestions for Your Delicious Pancakes
Here are some delightful ways to serve your freshly made one serve pancakes:
- Classic Syrup and Butter: The timeless combination! Top your pancakes with a pat of butter and a generous drizzle of your favorite pancake syrup or maple syrup. For a homemade touch, try our Pancake Syrup Recipe.
- Fresh Fruit: Add a healthy and vibrant touch with sliced fresh fruit. Berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, sliced bananas, peaches, or apple slices are all excellent choices.
- Nut Butter and Honey: For a protein boost and added flavor, drizzle your pancakes with almond butter or peanut butter and a touch of honey.
- Yogurt and Granola: Create a pancake parfait by topping your pancakes with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of crunchy granola. Our Butter Pecan Granola Recipe is a fantastic option.
- Chocolate Chips and Whipped Cream: For a truly decadent treat, add extra chocolate chips on top of your pancakes as they cook in the skillet, and finish with a dollop of homemade Whipped Cream once they are plated.
Frequently Asked Questions About One Serve Pancakes
Can I prepare pancake batter in advance?
While it’s best to cook pancake batter fresh for the fluffiest results, you can prepare it a few hours ahead of time. Cover the batter tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, give it a gentle stir. If the batter has thickened in the fridge, add a splash of milk to restore it to the desired consistency.
Why are my pancakes flat instead of fluffy?
Flat pancakes can be caused by a few factors. Expired baking powder is a common culprit – make sure yours is still active. Overmixing the batter can also lead to flat pancakes, as it develops the gluten. Remember to mix just until combined.
How do I know when to flip my pancakes?
The perfect time to flip pancakes is when you see bubbles forming on the surface and beginning to pop. This indicates that the underside is set and golden brown.
Can I easily double this recipe to make pancakes for two?
Absolutely! This recipe is easily adaptable. Simply double all the ingredient quantities to make a batch of pancakes for two people.
How should I store leftover cooked pancakes?
Although this recipe is designed for single servings, if you happen to have leftover cooked pancakes, let them cool completely. Then, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or in a skillet until warmed through.
Can I freeze pancakes for later?
Yes, pancakes freeze beautifully! To freeze pancakes, first let them cool completely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 30-45 minutes, or until they are solid. Once frozen, transfer the pancakes to a freezer-safe bag or container, placing a piece of wax paper or parchment paper between each pancake to prevent sticking. To reheat frozen pancakes, microwave them for about 20 seconds per pancake or warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven wrapped in foil for approximately 10 minutes.
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We hope you love this one serve pancake recipe! If you try it or any other recipe on One Dish Kitchen, please let us know how you liked it by rating the recipe and leaving a comment below. We appreciate your feedback!
And if you take a photo of your pancake creation, please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) – we’d love to see your single serving pancake masterpieces!
Cooking For One Made Deliciously Easy
Because treating yourself is always worth it.
Pancakes For One Recipe
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4.82 from 322 votes
By: Joanie Zisk
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 2 pancakes
Square image of a stack of pancakes for one, topped with blueberries, perfect for Pinterest.
Make fluffy pancakes for one with this easy recipe! Perfectly portioned, ready in 15 minutes, and made with pantry staples for a quick, delicious breakfast.
Watch How To Make This
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Equipment
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Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ tablespoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon salted butter -melted, plus an additional tablespoon of butter to grease the pan.
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then add the milk, vanilla, and melted butter, whisking until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. If the batter is too thick, add a little more milk gradually.
- Heat a small amount of butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Pour about 3/4 cup of batter onto the skillet. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the bottom is golden brown, about 3 minutes.
- Flip the pancake and cook for another minute on the other side, until golden.
- Transfer the cooked pancake to a plate and repeat with the remaining batter.
- Serve the pancakes with your favorite toppings like butter, syrup, or fresh fruit.
Recipe Notes
- Measuring Flour: Fluff the flour in its container, spoon it into your dry measuring cup, and level it off with a straight edge—this gives you an accurate amount.
- Batter Consistency: Mix just until you don’t see streaks of flour. It’s okay if the batter is a bit lumpy; avoid overmixing.
- Check Your Baking Powder: Make sure your baking powder is fresh for light, fluffy pancakes.
- Flipping Pancakes: Flip the pancakes when you see bubbles on the surface starting to pop.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 pancake, Calories: 228kcal, Carbohydrates: 38g, Protein: 9g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 82mg, Sodium: 472mg, Potassium: 301mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 344IU, Calcium: 149mg, Iron: 2mg
Nutritional information is an estimate and should not be considered professional advice.
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