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    Home / Recipes / Breakfast

    Pancake in a Mug Single Serving Cake

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Oct 28, 2022 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    Jump to Recipe Pin This
    pancake in a mug with text description.
    pancake in a mug with text description.

    Do you love pancakes but hate the mess that comes with making them? If so, then this single serving pancake in a mug is the perfect recipe for you!

    pancake in a mug with butter and syrup square image.

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    There are few things as comforting as a warm, fluffy pancake covered in syrup. But let's face it, sometimes the process of making pancakes from scratch can be a bit of a hassle.

    That's where this recipe for a single-serving pancake made in a mug comes in handy. Not only is it quick and easy, but it's also delicious.

    So the next time you're craving pancakes but don't want to go through the trouble of making them, give this recipe a try.

    Ingredients

    This pancake in a mug is a delicious and easy breakfast treat that you can make in just a few minutes. All you need is a coffee cup (or ramekin) and some simple ingredients to make it!

    ingredients for pancake in mug recipe.

    Here's what you'll need to make the recipe.

    • All-purpose flour
    • Baking powder
    • Sugar
    • Milk
    • Butter
    • Vanilla extract

    Scroll down to view the recipe card with exact quantities.

    Instructions

    To make your pancake, simply combine all of the dry ingredients in a mug, then stir in the liquids until everything is well combined. Then microwave and enjoy. That's it!

    • Stir in the milk, butter, and vanilla extract just until combined.
    • Microwave on high power for 60 to 90 seconds until set in center of cake. The time will depend on your microwave so start checking it at 60 seconds.
    • Cool slightly before serving.
    dry pancake mix in cup.

    In an 8-ounce mug or ramekin, whisk together flour, baking powder, and sugar.

    wet ingredients added to dry mixture in cup.

    Add milk, butter, and vanilla extract.

    pancake mug cake batter in cup.

    Stir with a fork or small whisk until everything is just combined.

    microwaved pancake in mug.

    Microwave on high power for 60 to 90 seconds until set in center of cake.

    If you want add-ins like chocolate chips or blueberries, stir those into the batter before microwaving.

    Variations

    A single serving pancake in a mug is the perfect solution for when you're craving hotcakes, but don't want to make an entire batch. There are also many variations of the basic recipe so you can always mix it up and try something new.

    Here are a few of our favorite variations on the classic pancake in a mug:

    1. For a chocolate fix, try adding a handful of chocolate chips to the batter before microwave.
    2. Try a fruity twist by stir in some diced fresh fruit - berries work well.
    3. Change up the flour. You can use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour to change it up.
    4. For added protein, mix in a scoop of protein powder before microwaving.
    serving pancake in mug with butter and maple syrup.

    Tips

    • Use a mug that is big enough to fit an entire pancake. If you use a smaller mug, the pancake will be thinner and may not cook all the way through.
    • Make a small batch of your favorite batter. You'll need about ¼ cup of batter for one mug. You can add more or less depending on how big you want your pancake to be.
    • Adjust cooking time as needed. The time may vary depending on your microwave, so keep an eye on it while it's cooking.
    • Let the pancake cool for a few seconds before adding your toppings. Otherwise, they will melt and make a mess!

    Serving suggestions

    There are many ways to enjoy a single serve pancake mug cake. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries for a decadent breakfast treat. For a more savory option, top with grilled bacon and a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Or keep it simple with just a dusting of powdered sugar. No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this mug cake is sure to please.

    Storage

    When you have a little bit of pancake mug cake left over, there's no need to worry about it going to waste. This single serving cake can easily be stored in the fridge or freezer for later.

    To store your leftover pancake mug cake, simply place it in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It will last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. If you want to keep your cake fresh for even longer, you can store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    When you're ready to enjoy your leftover pancake mug cake again, simply defrost it overnight in the fridge or heat it up in the microwave for a few seconds. Enjoy!

    pancake in mug with fork bite taken out.

    FAQ

    Can a pancake mix be used?

    Since mixes vary greatly, you'll want to prepare the batter according to the package directions. Then, just spoon pancake mix batter into a mug (about ¼ cup) and cook in the microwave. It will be done in about 60 to 90 seconds, depending on the wattage of the microwave.

    What can be used in place of butter?

    Applesauce, yogurt, and mashed banana can be used in place of the butter in this mug pancake recipe. Although you get the best results replacing only half the butter, you can replace it all.

    Will oil work in place of butter?

    You can substitute the butter with oil or margarine if you want to make dairy-free mug pancakes.

    Related Recipes

    Want a couple more quick baked goods that serve only one? The following recipes are great too.

    • Single serve chocolate chip cookie
    • Hot chocolate mug cake

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    Recipe

    pancake in a mug with butter and syrup square image.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Review Recipe

    Pancake in a Mug Cake

    5 from 58 votes
    If you hate the mess that comes with making a batch of pancakes, this recipe is for you. Just mix everything in a mug and microwave for a delicious pancake for one.
    Prep Time4 minutes mins
    Cook Time1 minute min
    Total Time5 minutes mins
    Course: Breakfast
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Vegetarian
    Servings (Adjustable): 1
    Calories: 274kcal
    Share on Facebook Share on X
    [adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id="4iUQj1IF" upload-date="2024-10-18T00:08:16+00:00" name="LBR PancakeMugCake" description="If you hate the mess that comes with making a batch of pancakes, this recipe is for you. Just mix everything in a mug and microwave for a delicious pancake for one." player-type="default" override-embed="default"]
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
    • ½ teaspoon baking powder
    • 1 ½ teaspoon sugar
    • 3 tablespoons milk
    • 1 tablespoon butter melted
    • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

    Instructions

    • In an 8-ounce mug or ramekin, whisk together flour, baking powder, and sugar.
    • Stir in the milk, butter, and vanilla extract just until combined.
    • Microwave on high power for 60 to 90 seconds until set in center of cake.
    • Cool slightly before serving.

    Notes

    Use a mug that is big enough to fit an entire pancake. If you use a smaller mug, the pancake will be thinner and may not cook all the way through.
    Adjust cooking time as needed. The time may vary depending on your microwave, so keep an eye on it while it's cooking.
    Let the pancake cool for a few seconds before adding your toppings. Otherwise, they will melt and make a mess!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 274kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 320mg | Potassium: 106mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 423IU | Calcium: 181mg | Iron: 2mg

    Equipment

    Microwave
    Microwaveable cup

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    About Lisa MarcAurele

    Lisa MarcAurele is a blogger and cookbook author. She created Little Bit Recipes to help people save money by minimizing leftovers when cooking for one or two people. Lisa is also a co-founder of Daily Life Travels, where you can discover new places to visit and things to do. You can sign up for her recipe emails to see all her latest content.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 58 votes (52 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Katie

      October 28, 2022 at 11:26 am

      5 stars
      I love how easy this is as a quick breakfast or snack! Pancakes are one of my favorite things.

      Reply
    2. Taryn

      October 28, 2022 at 11:49 am

      5 stars
      Mug cakes are our favorite. I love this version. It really does taste like pancakes!

      Reply
    3. Journa Liz Ramirez

      October 29, 2022 at 5:46 am

      5 stars
      I love this idea! Pancake in a mug is so much fun. Highly recommended!

      Reply
    4. Wendy

      October 29, 2022 at 10:33 am

      5 stars
      This was such an easy and delicious recipe!

      Reply
    5. Allyssa

      October 31, 2022 at 10:39 am

      5 stars
      This is my new favorite pancake in a mug recipe! Turned out really delicious and super tasty! Perfect for breakfast! Will surely have this again! Thanks a bunch for sharing!

      Reply
    6. cami

      November 19, 2022 at 2:10 pm

      5 stars
      This was so delicious and easy to make!

      Reply
    7. Betty Bennett

      June 24, 2023 at 11:07 am

      Can I use almond flour?

      Reply
      • Lisa MarcAurele

        June 25, 2023 at 9:13 pm

        You can but you may need to tweak the amount of liquid used and the batter would likely work out better with a small amount of beaten egg.

        Reply
    8. Janet

      February 10, 2025 at 11:50 am

      sounds so good...and simple

      Reply

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