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Small batch buttermilk pancakes are light, fluffy, and made from scratch for one in about 15 minutes. Simple pantry ingredients cook up a stack of three tender pancakes with a subtle buttermilk tang.
Featured Comment
“I love pancakes and I have tried so many recipes. These are the best pancakes ever. They brown nicely, they are so fluffy and they cook through evenly…”
– Doris
Quick Look
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Equipment: 10-inch skillet
- Cook Method: Stovetop
- Servings: 3 pancakes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Flavor Profile: These pancakes taste buttery and only lightly sweet, with a mild tang from the buttermilk and a little vanilla in the background.
This single serving buttermilk pancake recipe is made from scratch with everyday ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Single Serve Buttermilk Pancake Recipe
I’ve been making buttermilk pancakes since long before I scaled them down for one, and this small batch gives me that same tall, tangy stack in a size that’s right for a single person. It comes together from scratch and cooks in one skillet.
The buttermilk does most of the work in this recipe. When it mixes with the baking soda, the batter fills with tiny air bubbles and rises thick and soft, and the buttermilk gives the pancakes a mild tang and a little extra richness that regular milk doesn’t. Cooking for one is what we do, so we tested this recipe until the pancakes rose as tall and fluffy as they would from a full-size batch.
You can keep them plain or fold in blueberries or a handful of chocolate chips. I eat them hot off the skillet, with butter melting down the sides and a pour of homemade pancake syrup on top.
Pancakes are one of my favorite things to make when I’m cooking for one. Here are a few more of my small batch pancake recipes to try: fluffy pancakes for one, small batch banana pancakes, chocolate chip pancakes for one, and small batch pumpkin pancakes.
Table of Contents
Ingredient Notes
Here’s what goes into this buttermilk pancake recipe and why each ingredient matters. If you have left over ingredients, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk is the key ingredient here. It keeps the pancakes tender and carries their flavor. If you don’t have any, stir 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar into enough milk to make 1 cup, then let it sit for 10 minutes before using. Got buttermilk left over? Use it in small batch hush puppies, buttermilk quick bread, or mini red velvet cake.
Baking powder and baking soda: You need both for these pancakes to rise well, and both work best when fresh. To test baking powder, stir ½ teaspoon into ¼ cup of hot water and look for bubbles. To test baking soda, stir ¼ teaspoon of vinegar into ½ cup of hot water, then add ¼ teaspoon of baking soda; it should fizz right away.
Flour: All-purpose flour gives the pancakes their structure. Spoon it into your measuring cup and level off the top, since packing the cup adds too much flour.
Egg: One large egg binds the batter so the pancakes hold together.
Sugar: Just ½ tablespoon. It adds a little sweetness and helps the pancakes brown.
Butter: Salted butter melted into the batter adds flavor, and you’ll use a little more in the pan to cook the pancakes.
Vanilla: A quarter teaspoon of vanilla adds a gentle, warm flavor.
Recipe Variations
These swaps all work with the same small batch buttermilk pancake recipe.
Blueberry buttermilk pancakes: Fold ⅓ cup of fresh blueberries into the batter, or scatter a few over each pancake right after you pour it into the skillet.
Chocolate chip buttermilk pancakes: Fold a handful of chocolate chips into the batter.
Cinnamon sugar buttermilk pancakes: Stir ½ tablespoon of sugar with ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, then sprinkle it over each pancake right after you pour the batter into the skillet. Flip as usual, and the cinnamon sugar cooks into the top.
How To Make Buttermilk Pancakes
These step-by-step photos walk you through single serve buttermilk pancakes, from batter to skillet. For the full ingredient amounts, see the recipe card below.
- Melt the butter: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter and set it aside to cool for a minute.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the egg and buttermilk until smooth, then whisk in the cooled butter and vanilla.
- Make the batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. A few lumps are fine.
- Heat the skillet: Set a 10-inch skillet over medium heat and brush it lightly with oil or a little butter.
- Cook the pancakes: Pour in ½ to ¾ cup of batter for each pancake. Cook until the edges look dry and bubbles form and pop across the top, about 2 to 3 minutes. Lift an edge to check that the bottom is golden, then flip and cook 1 to 2 minutes more.
- Cook the rest: Add a little more oil or butter and repeat with the remaining batter.
- Serve: Serve warm with butter and syrup.
Expert Tips
Don’t overmix the batter: Stop stirring the moment the dry flour disappears. Overmixing works the gluten in the flour and makes buttermilk pancakes dense and flat.
Let the first pancake set your heat: Cook one pancake first, then look at it. If it browned too fast or too slowly, adjust the heat before you cook the rest. Medium heat usually gives an evenly golden pancake.
Use a 10-inch skillet: The batter makes large pancakes, about ½ to ¾ cup each, so cook them one at a time in a 10-inch skillet to give each one room to spread.
Flip each pancake only once: Once you flip, leave it alone. Flipping again or pressing it with the spatula pushes out the air and flattens it.
Keep the finished pancakes warm: Since you cook them one at a time, hold the finished pancakes on a plate in a 200°F oven so all three are warm when you sit down.
Troubleshooting
If your buttermilk pancakes aren’t turning out quite right, here’s how to fix common problems like thick batter, flat pancakes, or a raw center.
Why is my buttermilk pancake batter too thick?
Your flour is probably over-measured, or your buttermilk is on the thick side. Both make the batter stiff. Stir in a little more buttermilk, a tablespoon at a time, until the batter pours slowly off the spoon.
Why are my buttermilk pancakes flat instead of fluffy?
Your baking powder or baking soda has most likely lost its strength. Both weaken with age, so replace them if they’re past date. Overmixing flattens pancakes too, so stir the batter just until the flour disappears.
Why are my buttermilk pancakes raw in the middle?
Your pan is running too hot. The outside browns before the inside can cook. Lower the heat to medium and give each side a little longer so the center cooks through.
Why are my buttermilk pancakes sticking to the pan?
Your pan needs more fat or more heat. Brush it with a little butter or oil before each pancake, and let the pan warm up before the batter goes in.
Buttermilk Pancake Toppings
Take your small batch of pancakes to the next level with these delicious topping ideas:
- A pour of small batch pancake syrup or butter pecan syrup
- A spoonful of homemade whipped cream
- Fresh berries or sliced banana
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Stir 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar into enough milk to make 1 cup, let it sit for 10 minutes, then use it in place of the buttermilk.
Yes. Cool the pancakes, freeze them flat on a baking sheet, then move them to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Warm them in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds, or in a 325°F oven until heated through.
Yes. Double all of the ingredients to make about six pancakes, enough for two.
Yes. Pour it into an ice cube tray, about 1 tablespoon per cube, freeze until solid, then move the cubes to a freezer bag and thaw what you need later.
It’s best made fresh. Baking soda starts working the moment it hits the buttermilk, so batter that sits loses some lift and the pancakes rise less.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve tried this small batch buttermilk pancake recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!
Small Batch Buttermilk Pancakes
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon salted butter – melted, plus more for the pan
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- ½ tablespoon sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional toppings: butter, syrup, or berries
Instructions
- Melt the butter and set it aside to cool for a minute.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and buttermilk until smooth, then whisk in the melted butter and vanilla.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. A few lumps are fine.
- Set a 10-inch skillet over medium heat and brush it lightly with ½ tablespoon of butter or oil.
- Pour ½ to ¾ cup of batter into the skillet. Cook until the edges look dry and bubbles form and pop on top, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Flip and cook until the second side is golden, about 1 to 2 minutes more.
- Repeat with the remaining batter, adding a little more butter or oil to the skillet as needed.
- Serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
I just noticed you modified the recipe today. Is there a reason you removed the idea of adding a smashed banana. I’m planning on making it soon, but I don’t want to waste my time if it doesn’t work. I realize you have a banana pancakes already, but specifically want to use buttermilk. Thanks in advance for your help.
Thanks for reaching out with your question about the buttermilk pancake recipe. It’s wonderful to hear that you’re planning to try it out! I did update the recipe recently, and I appreciate your keen eye for noticing the changes.
Let’s talk about the smashed banana. The idea behind removing it from the recipe was to focus on the classic buttermilk pancake flavor. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t add a banana if you’d like! Including a smashed banana in your pancake batter can bring a delightful sweetness and moisture to the pancakes.
If you decide to add a smashed banana to the buttermilk pancake recipe, here’s a little tip: Since bananas can make the batter thicker, feel free to add a bit more buttermilk to reach your desired consistency. Start with a tablespoon or two and adjust as needed. This way, you’ll maintain that lovely, pourable pancake batter consistency.
And don’t worry about wasting your time – the combination of buttermilk and banana actually works really well! It creates a rich, flavorful pancake with a hint of natural sweetness from the banana. It’s like getting the best of both worlds.
I hope this helps clarify things! Enjoy making your buttermilk banana pancakes, and feel free to share how they turn out
Joanie thanks for your timely response. I am in the kitchen about to start my pancakes now. Your tips are appreciated. I’ll be sure to let you know how they turn out 🥞😊
Joanie, as I ate my hot plate of banana pancakes just moments ago, “top tier” were the only words repeating in my mind. They came out light and fluffy; way more cloud-like than I would’ve imagined with the addition of banana. These were the best banana pancakes I’ve ever had. No need to drive to a pancake house. I am in my pancake house!
I followed your tips for adding the smashed banana, but found that I didn’t need more liquid. The batter consistency was perfect. My only deviation from your recipe was to add a splash of natural banana extract (Olive Nation) for enhanced flavor. The next time I will wait until the flour and buttermilk mixtures are combined before adding the melted butter. As written, my cold buttermilk and egg caused the butter to quickly solidify. Nothing some superfast stirring couldn’t resolve on this first attempt. Also, I might add a pinch of salt with the addition of fruit. This salted butter on top, along with some maple sausage links made up for the missing salt. YUM!
Another fabulous ODK recipe Joanie. You and the fine work you do are appreciated.
Thank you! I’m so happy you enjoyed the pancakes.
Somewhere is a sentence that says “Best pancakes ever!” and I agree. I printed the recipe just so I could have it handy when I want some buttermilk pancakes. I have made other recipes for buttermilk pancakes but this one is perfect in flavor, especially if you add blueberries, and texture. Thank you Joanie once again for a great recipe.
I followed the recipe exactly. Batter seemed quite thick to me but I did not dilute. They cooked up well and were delicious. However I only had enough for 2 pancakes, from 2 3/4 cup measures. Maybe I should dilute a bit with more buttermilk?
I’m glad to hear your pancakes turned out delicious! It’s not uncommon for buttermilk pancake batter to be thicker than regular batter, so no worries there. If you prefer a slightly thinner consistency or want to stretch the batter for more pancakes, feel free to gently incorporate a bit more buttermilk. It’s all about tweaking the recipe to your liking.
First time I’m made buttermilk pancakes and delighted with the results!! I live alone so next time I’ll cut the recipe in half !!!! It made two skillet size pancakes .. just a little too much for this old girl !!
I tried several of your recipes. They are all delicious. I have also given your recipes to friends and family. Thank you!! This makes my life easy!! I look forward to your emails.
I’ve never tried buttermilk pancakes at home because there’s always so much buttermilk left over, even when I just buy a quart. I appreciated the tips to freeze the buttermilk in 1 tablespoon cubes. I also appreciated the tips to make sure my baking soda and baking powder are still active. So on top of a terrific recipe (and the leftovers freeze so well!) I got some great kitchen tips. Thanks Joanie!
Hi Dina–you can also make your own buttermilk. In a one cup measuring cup add 1 tbsp white vinegar and then add milk to equal one cup. Let rest 5 minutes before using in the recipe and no leftovers….yay
Teresa P
Followed recipe EXACTLY as written, including the accompanying notes (e.g. how to measure flour; greasing of pan; bursting of bubbles before turning and “new” containers of baking powder and baking soda). Result: fluffiest, delicious and most picture perfect pancakes ever! My husband thanked me profusely for such wonderful pancakes but I enjoyed them, too (and I have not been a pancake fan until this recipe)! Well written and easy to follow—just follow it!
I’m so happy you both enjoyed the pancakes, thank you so much for taking the time to let me know.
I’ll second Ms. S Sobolewski comments. I’ve made homemade pancakes, both regular and buttermilk before but these were so tasty and delicious that I’ll never need to use any other recipe. Love the tips especially the part about bubbles but because I like well done pancakes they got flipped right before burnt, 😄.
Yummy!
To make just one 4-inch pancake: 1 teaspoon salted butter, melted: 1/3 cup flour; 1/6 teaspoon sugar (fill a 1/3 teaspoon 1/2 full); 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/6 teaspoon baking soda (see note behind sugar); 1/12 teaspoon salt (fill 1/3 teaspoon 1/4 full);1 tablespoon egg (mix egg together and measure 1 tablespoon); 1/3 cup buttermilk; and 1/12 teaspoon vanilla (see note behind salt). Not everyone can eat 3 pancakes.
Great recipe.