Easy Single Serving Pancakes Recipe: Perfect for One

This easy pancake recipe is designed to make a small batch of soft, fluffy pancakes, ideal for a single person. In just about 15 minutes, you can whip up two to three delicious pancakes using simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry.

Stack of three fluffy pancakes topped with butter and fresh blueberries, inviting and delicious for a single serving breakfast.

Craving more single serving pancake options? Explore our Buttermilk Pancakes, Banana Pancakes, convenient Small Batch Sheet Pan Pancakes, and versatile Small Batch Pancake Mix. With our diverse selection, you’re guaranteed to discover your go-to pancake recipe!

Why This Single Serving Pancake Recipe is a Must-Try

Quick and Convenient: Utilizing basic pantry staples, these single serving pancakes come together in less than 15 minutes, perfect for a fast breakfast or brunch.
Perfectly Portioned for One: This recipe is specifically crafted to make two to three pancakes, ensuring you have just the right amount without any leftover batter going to waste. Say goodbye to excess!
Effortless Cleanup: With minimal ingredients and only one mixing bowl required, cleanup is incredibly easy, saving you time and hassle in the kitchen.
Highly Versatile and Customizable: Enjoy these delightful pancakes as they are, or elevate them with your favorite toppings. Get creative by adding flavor boosts like cinnamon, vanilla extract, or lemon zest to the batter for an extra layer of deliciousness.

For years, pancakes have been a breakfast staple in my kitchen, and this pancake recipe for one is a thoughtfully scaled-down version of my family-sized recipe. It’s perfectly tailored to provide a satisfying single serving—no leftovers, no food waste—and it’s incredibly quick and simple to prepare whenever the pancake craving hits.

These pancakes consistently turn out wonderfully soft, irresistibly fluffy, and perfectly sized for a fulfilling breakfast. Whether I’m opting for the classic combination of butter and maple syrup or adding a vibrant mix of fresh fruit, this recipe is my trusted choice when I desire a homemade stack of pancakes without the burden of making a full batch. It’s the ideal solution for a delicious and manageable breakfast for one.

Close-up shot of a slice being cut from a stack of three pancakes, highlighting their fluffy texture and delicious blueberry topping.

Ingredients for Your Single Pancake Serving

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

All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our pancakes. Use 1 cup of all-purpose flour to create the perfect texture.
Baking Powder: Absolutely crucial for achieving light and fluffy pancakes. 1 teaspoon of baking powder will give your pancakes the perfect lift.
Granulated Sugar: Adds just a touch of sweetness. ½ tablespoon of granulated sugar is all you need to enhance the flavor without being overly sweet.
Salt: A necessary component to balance the sweet flavors. ¼ teaspoon of salt is essential to bring out the best in your pancakes.
Large Egg: Provides structure and richness, contributing to the fluffy texture. One large egg is perfect for binding the ingredients together.
Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter. ¾ cup of milk is ideal. Feel free to use your preferred type—low-fat, whole milk, skim milk, or even plant-based alternatives like unsweetened almond milk or oat milk work wonderfully.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with a hint of warmth. ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract is a subtle but impactful addition.
Salted Butter: Melted salted butter adds a rich, delectable taste to the pancakes. You’ll need 1 tablespoon of melted butter for the batter, plus extra for greasing the pan. If using unsalted butter, consider adding a tiny pinch more salt to the dry ingredients.

Delicious Recipe Variations for Single Serve Pancakes

This single pancake serving recipe is fantastic as is, but it’s also a wonderful starting point for creative variations. Here are a few simple and tasty ideas to customize your pancakes:

Banana Pancakes: For naturally sweet and moist pancakes, mash a ripe banana and gently fold it into the batter. The banana adds a lovely flavor and extra moisture, making them even more delicious. Find our detailed Banana Pancakes recipe here.
Buttermilk Pancakes: For a tangy flavor and extra fluffiness, substitute milk with buttermilk. Buttermilk reacts with the baking powder to create incredibly light and airy pancakes. Explore our Buttermilk Pancakes recipe here.
Blueberry Pancakes: A classic favorite! Gently fold a handful of fresh blueberries into the batter just before cooking. As they cook, the blueberries become warm and burst with juicy sweetness.
Chocolate Chip Pancakes: Indulge your sweet tooth by stirring in a sprinkle of chocolate chips into the batter. Semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or even mini chocolate chips work great for adding a delightful chocolatey touch to every bite.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Pancakes for One

These photos and detailed instructions will guide you through each step of making your single serving pancakes. For exact ingredient measurements and complete recipe instructions, please refer to the recipe card below.

Image showing dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, and sugar – being whisked together in a stainless steel mixing bowl.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, and salt. Ensure these dry ingredients are well combined for an even pancake batter.
Mix 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 these wet ingredients together until they are fully combined and smooth.

Image of pancake batter in a mixing bowl, showing a smooth consistency with a few small lumps, indicating it's perfectly mixed.3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gently pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir with a whisk or spatula just until the dry ingredients are moistened and you no longer see any streaks of dry flour. It’s perfectly okay if the batter has a few small lumps – avoid overmixing, which can make the pancakes tough. If you find the batter is too thick, gradually add a tablespoon or two more milk until it reaches a pourable consistency.

Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter to grease the surface and let it melt evenly. The skillet is ready when a drop of water sizzles gently on the surface.

Image of a single pancake cooking on a hot skillet, with bubbles forming on the surface, indicating it's time to flip.5. Cook the First Pancake: Pour approximately ¾ cup of pancake batter onto the hot skillet for each pancake. Cook until bubbles start to form on the surface of the pancake and begin to pop. The bottom should be golden brown, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.

Flip and Finish Cooking: Carefully flip the pancake using a spatula. Cook for another minute on the other side, until it is also golden brown and cooked through.

Image of a second pancake being cooked in the skillet, showcasing the process of making a small batch.7. Repeat and Serve: Remove the cooked pancake from the skillet and place it on a plate. Repeat the process with any remaining batter to cook the second pancake.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve your freshly made single serving pancakes immediately with your favorite toppings.

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

Expert Tips for Perfect Single Serve Pancakes

Properly Measure Flour: For the most accurate measurement, and to avoid dense pancakes, fluff the flour in its container first. Then, use a spoon to gently scoop the flour into your dry measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge, like the back of a knife.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the pancake batter just until the dry ingredients are incorporated and you no longer see streaks of flour. A few small lumps in the batter are perfectly fine and will result in tender pancakes. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough pancakes.
Check Baking Powder Freshness: Ensure your baking powder is fresh and active. Expired baking powder won’t provide the necessary lift, resulting in flat, dense pancakes. If you’re unsure, test it by mixing a teaspoon of baking powder with hot water; it should bubble vigorously.
Know When to Flip: The best time to flip your pancakes is when you see bubbles forming on the surface that start to pop and the edges look set. This indicates that the underside is golden brown and ready to be flipped.

Serving Suggestions for Your Single Serving Pancakes

Here are some delicious and creative ways to serve your single serving pancakes, making your breakfast or brunch extra special:

Fresh Fruit Medley: Top your pancakes with a vibrant mix of fresh fruits such as sliced bananas, assorted berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), or apple slices. The natural sweetness and freshness of the fruit perfectly complement the warm pancakes.
Classic Syrup and Butter: Sometimes, simple is best. A pat of butter melting over a stack of warm pancakes, drizzled generously with your favorite pancake syrup like this homemade pancake syrup recipe, is a timeless and comforting choice.
Nut Butter and Honey Drizzle: For added protein and a touch of healthy sweetness, spread almond butter or peanut butter over your pancakes and drizzle with honey. This combination is both satisfying and nutritious.
Yogurt and Granola Crunch: Add a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of crunchy granola try this butter pecan granola recipe for a delightful textural contrast and added flavor.
Decadent Chocolate Chips and Whipped Cream: For a sweeter treat, top your pancakes with extra chocolate chips and a dollop of homemade whipped cream using this easy whipped cream recipe. It’s perfect for a special breakfast or dessert-like brunch.

Frequently Asked Questions About Single Serving Pancakes

Can I prepare pancake batter in advance?
While it’s always best to cook pancake batter fresh for the best results, you can prepare the batter a few hours ahead of time. Cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, give it a gentle stir. If it seems to have thickened too much, add a splash of milk to restore it to the desired consistency.

Why are my pancakes flat instead of fluffy?
Flat pancakes are often caused by either expired baking powder or overmixing the batter. Ensure your baking powder is still active. Remember to mix the batter only until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep them light and fluffy.

How do I know when my pancakes are ready to flip?
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 nicely golden brown and set, ready for flipping.

Can I easily double this recipe to make pancakes for two?
Absolutely! This recipe is easily scalable. Simply double all the ingredient quantities to make a batch of pancakes perfect for two servings.

What’s the best way to store leftover pancakes?
Allow any leftover pancakes to cool completely. Then, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave them briefly or warm them in a skillet or oven until heated through.

Is it possible to freeze pancakes for later?
Yes, pancakes freeze exceptionally well! To freeze, let the pancakes cool completely. Place 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, microwave a frozen pancake for approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute, or bake them in a 350°F (175°C) oven wrapped in foil for about 10 minutes.

RELATED: 40 Easy Recipes Perfect for College Students

If you’ve tried this single batch pancake recipe or any other recipe from One Dish Kitchen, please let us know how you enjoyed it by rating the recipe and sharing your experience in the comments section below.

Also, if you take a photo of your pancake creation, please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen)—we would love to see your culinary masterpiece!

Single Serving Cooking Made Simple

Because you deserve delicious meals, even when cooking for one.

Single Serving Pancakes 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 single serving pancakes with blueberries, optimized for recipe card display.

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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

Large Mixing Bowl
Small Mixing Bowl
Whisk
Spatula
Large Skillet or Griddle
Measuring Cups and Spoons

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ tablespoon granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
1 large egg
¾ cup milk
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon salted butter -melted, plus additional butter for greasing 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 such as 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 ensures 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.
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 Information

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 from an online calculator and should not replace advice from a professional nutritionist.

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