Fluffy Single Serving Pancakes: The Perfect Breakfast for One

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This easy pancake recipe is your answer to delicious, fluffy pancakes when you’re cooking for just yourself. Say goodbye to leftover batter and hello to a perfectly portioned breakfast! In just about 15 minutes, you can whip up two to three soft and satisfying pancakes using simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

Three golden pancakes stacked on a white plate, melting butter dripping down the side, topped with fresh blueberries.

Craving more single serving pancake inspiration? Explore our Buttermilk Pancakes, Banana Pancakes, the incredibly easy Small Batch Sheet Pan Pancakes, and even a handy Small Batch Pancake Mix. With this variety, you’re guaranteed to discover your go-to pancake for one!

Why This Single Serving Pancake Recipe is a Winner

Quick and Convenient: From bowl to plate in under 15 minutes, these pancakes are perfect for busy mornings.
Ideal Portion Size: This recipe makes two to three pancakes, the perfect amount for a single serving with no waste.
Effortless Cleanup: Minimal ingredients and just one mixing bowl mean cleanup is quick and easy.
Deliciously Versatile: Enjoy them plain or customize with your favorite toppings and flavors like cinnamon or lemon zest.

I’ve been making pancakes for years, and this single serving pancake recipe is a carefully scaled-down version of my family favorite. It’s designed to give you just the right amount—no leftovers, no wasted ingredients—and it’s so simple to make whenever a pancake craving strikes.

These pancakes are consistently soft, fluffy, and the ideal size for a fulfilling breakfast. Whether I keep it classic with butter and syrup or add a burst of fresh fruit, this recipe is my trusted choice when I want a homemade pancake stack without the fuss of making a large batch.

A slice being cut from a stack of three fluffy pancakes topped with melting butter and juicy blueberries, showcasing their soft texture.

Simple Ingredients for Your Single Pancake

If you find yourself with leftover ingredients from this single serving pancake recipe, be sure to check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder for more single serving meal ideas!

All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our pancakes, providing structure.
Baking Powder: The secret to light and airy, fluffy pancakes.
Granulated Sugar: Adds just a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors.
Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors.
Egg: One large egg binds the batter and contributes to the pancakes’ fluffy texture.
Milk: I typically use low-fat milk, but feel free to use whole milk, skim milk, or plant-based alternatives like unsweetened almond milk or oat milk.
Vanilla Extract: A hint of vanilla elevates the flavor profile, adding subtle warmth.
Melted Butter: Salted melted butter adds richness and flavor to the batter. If using unsalted butter, consider adding a tiny pinch more salt.

Delicious Recipe Variations for Single Serving Pancakes

This pancake recipe for one is a fantastic starting point, easily adaptable to your favorite flavors. Here are a few simple and tasty variations to try:

Banana Pancakes: For naturally sweet and moist pancakes, mash half of a ripe banana and gently fold it into the batter. Find the full recipe here: Banana Pancakes.
Buttermilk Pancakes: For a tangy flavor and extra tenderness, substitute buttermilk for milk. Discover the recipe here: Buttermilk Pancakes.
Blueberry Pancakes: Add a handful of fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter for bursts of fruity sweetness in every bite.
Chocolate Chip Pancakes: Indulge your sweet tooth by stirring in a tablespoon or two of chocolate chips – semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate all work wonderfully.

Step-by-Step Guide: Making Pancakes for One

These photos and clear instructions will guide you through each step of making your Single Serving Pancakes. Find the precise ingredient measurements and complete recipe instructions in the recipe card below.

Dry pancake ingredients – flour, baking powder, and sugar – being whisked together in a stainless steel mixing bowl.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until well combined.
Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the egg lightly. Then, add the milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter to the egg. Whisk until all wet ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Close-up of pancake batter in a glass bowl, showing a slightly thick, pourable consistency with a few small lumps.3. Combine Wet and Dry: Gently pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula or whisk just until the dry ingredients are moistened and no large streaks of flour remain. It’s okay if the batter has a few small lumps – don’t overmix! If the batter appears too thick, gradually add a tablespoon or two more milk until it reaches a pourable consistency.

Heat Skillet: Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a pat of butter and let it melt and coat the surface of the pan.

A single pancake cooking on a hot skillet, bubbles forming on the surface indicating it's ready to be flipped.5. Cook First Pancake: Pour about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of batter onto the hot skillet for each pancake (this recipe makes about 2-3 pancakes). Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes, or until bubbles begin to form on the surface of the pancake and the edges look set. The bottom should be golden brown.

Flip and Cook Second Side: Carefully flip the pancake with a spatula. Cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side, until it’s also golden brown and cooked through.

A second pancake cooking in the skillet, golden brown and almost ready to be served, skillet marks visible.7. Repeat and Serve: Remove the cooked pancake from the skillet and place it on a plate. Repeat steps 5-6 with any remaining batter.

RELATED: 20 Single Serving Breakfast Recipes To Start Your Day Right

Expert Tips for Perfect Single Serving Pancakes

Measure Flour Accurately: For the best results, fluff the flour in your container, then spoon it into your dry measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge. This ensures you don’t use too much flour, which can make pancakes dry.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough pancakes. Mix just until the ingredients are combined and a few lumps are still visible.
Fresh Baking Powder is Key: Expired baking powder won’t provide the lift needed for fluffy pancakes. Make sure yours is fresh for the best texture.
Know When to Flip: Flip your pancakes when you see bubbles forming on the surface and starting to pop. This is the signal that the bottom is cooked and it’s time to flip.

Delicious Serving Suggestions for Your Pancakes

Here are some delightful ways to serve your freshly made pancakes:

Classic Fresh Fruit: Top with your favorite sliced fresh fruits like ripe bananas, juicy berries, sliced strawberries, or apples.
Butter and Syrup: The timeless and comforting combination. Try our homemade Pancake Syrup Recipe for an extra special treat.
Nut Butter and Honey Drizzle: Add a boost of protein and healthy fats with a spread of almond butter or peanut butter, drizzled with honey.
Yogurt and Granola Crunch: For added texture and a bit of tang, top your pancakes with Greek yogurt and crunchy Butter Pecan Granola.
Sweet Indulgence: For a dessert-like breakfast, add chocolate chips and a dollop of homemade Whipped Cream.

Frequently Asked Questions About Single Serving 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 and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, give it a gentle stir. If it seems too thick after chilling, add a splash of milk to restore the desired consistency.

Why are my pancakes flat and not fluffy?

Flat pancakes are often caused by either using expired baking powder or overmixing the batter. Double-check that your baking powder is still active, and remember to mix the batter just until combined, avoiding overmixing.

How do I know when it’s time to flip my pancakes?

The perfect time to flip pancakes is when you see bubbles forming on the surface and starting to pop. This indicates that the underside is set and golden brown.

Can I easily double this recipe to make pancakes for two?

Yes, absolutely! Simply double all the ingredient quantities in the recipe to make a batch for two servings.

How should I store leftover cooked pancakes?

Let any leftover pancakes 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 over low heat until warmed through.

Can I freeze pancakes for later?

Yes, pancakes freeze beautifully! Here’s how to freeze them: Allow the pancakes to cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 30-45 minutes, or until 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, microwave a pancake for about 20-30 seconds or warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven, wrapped in foil, for approximately 10 minutes.

RELATED: 40 Easy Recipes For College Students on a Budget

If you try this single serving pancake recipe or any other recipe on One Dish Kitchen, please let us know how you liked it! Rate the recipe and share your experience in the comments section below.

And if you take a photo of your delicious pancakes, please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) – we’d love to see your creations!

Cooking For One Made Easy – Because You’re Worth It!

Pancakes For One

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4.82 from 322 votes

By: Joanie Zisk

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Cook: 10 minutes mins

Total: 15 minutes mins

Servings: 2 pancakes

Square image of a stack of single serving pancakes topped with blueberries, perfect for pinning to Pinterest.

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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

Mixing Bowls
Whisk
Spatula
Large Skillet or Griddle
Measuring Cups and Spoons

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 for cooking

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 1/4 to 1/3 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the bottom is golden brown, about 2-3 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 immediately with your favorite toppings like butter, syrup, or fresh fruit and enjoy!

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 for accurate measurement.
Batter Consistency: Mix just until you don’t see streaks of flour. It’s okay if the batter is a bit lumpy; avoid overmixing for tender pancakes.
Check Your Baking Powder: Ensure your baking powder is fresh for light, fluffy pancakes.
Flipping Pancakes: Flip the pancakes when bubbles appear on the surface and start to pop.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pancake, 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 estimated value from an online nutrition calculator and should not replace advice from a professional nutritionist.

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