This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

This easy pancake recipe is perfect when you’re craving pancakes for one. It’s an easy way to make a small batch of soft, fluffy pancakes using simple ingredients you probably already have. In just 15 minutes, you can make two to three delicious pancakes.

a short stack of pancakes on a plate topped with blueberries.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & Easy: Made with pantry staples and ready in under 15 minutes.
  • Perfectly Portioned: Yields two to three pancakes.
  • Versatile: Enjoy as is or add mix-ins like cinnamon, vanilla, or lemon zest.

I’ve been making pancakes for years, and this single serving pancake recipe is a scaled-down version of the one I used to make for my family. These soft, fluffy pancakes are the perfect way to start the day and is the perfect amount – just for me!

Looking for more pancake recipes? Try:

joanie's signature.

Ingredients

Ingredient shown for pancake recipe includes milk, baking powder, flour, vanilla, sugar, an egg, and salt.

See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

If you have any ingredients leftover from this small batch pancake recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.

Save This Recipe!
Get this sent to your inbox, plus get weekly recipes from us – all for free.

Pancake Recipe Variations

This pancake recipe for one is a great base, but you can easily switch it up with different flavors. Here are a few options:

  • Banana Pancakes: Mash a ripe banana and mix it into the batter for natural sweetness.
  • Buttermilk Pancakes: Swap the milk for buttermilk to add a slight tang and extra fluffiness.
  • Blueberry Pancakes: Add a handful of fresh blueberries to the batter.
  • Chocolate Chip Pancakes: Stir in some chocolate chips for a touch of sweetness in every bite.

How To Make Pancakes For One

These photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this quick and easy pancake recipe. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients.
  2. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and add the other wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
  3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until you don’t see any dry flour. It’s okay if there are a few small lumps. If the batter seems too thick, add a little more milk gradually.
  4. Heat a bit of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Pour about 3/4 cup of batter into the skillet. Cook the pancake until bubbles form on the surface and the bottom is golden brown, about 3 minutes.
four steps showing how to make a small batch of pancake batter.
  1. Flip the pancake with a spatula and cook for another minute on the other side. Remove the pancake from the skillet and place it on a plate.
  2. Repeat with the remaining batter.
  3. Remove the second pancake from the skillet.
  4. Enjoy with butter, homemade pancake syrup, homemade whipped cream, or your favorite fruits.
four photos showing how to make pancakes for one person.

Expert Tips

  • 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make pancake batter ahead of time?

It’s best to make the batter fresh, but you can prepare it a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Just give it a gentle stir before cooking, and if it has thickened, add a splash of milk to reach the right consistency.

Why are my pancakes flat instead of fluffy?

Flat pancakes can be due to your baking powder not being fresh or overmixing the batter.

Can I make pancakes for two?

Absolutely! Just double all the ingredients for more servings.

How should I store leftover pancakes?

Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on a pan until warmed through.

Can I freeze pancakes?

Yes, you can! Let the pancakes cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 30-45 minutes until solid. Transfer the frozen pancakes to a freezer bag, placing wax or parchment paper between them to prevent sticking. To reheat, microwave a pancake for about 20 seconds or warm them in a 350°F oven wrapped in foil for about 10 minutes.

RELATED: 40 Easy Recipes For Busy College Students

If you’ve tried this small batch 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!


Cooking For One Made Easy
Because you’re worth it

Pancakes For One

4.82 from 340 votes
By: Joanie Zisk
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 15 minutes
Servings: 2 pancakes
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

Save this Recipe!
Get this recipe sent to your inbox, plus get FREE weekly recipes.

Equipment

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.

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: 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

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.

Promotional cover of 2 Week Meal Plan for One eBook.

FREE eBook: 2-Week Meal Plan for One!

Welcome!

Iโ€™m Joanie, chef, author of The Ultimate Cooking for One Cookbook, and creator of One Dish Kitchen. With 10+ years of experience developing single serving and small batch recipes, Iโ€™m passionate about making cooking for one simple and enjoyable. So glad youโ€™re here!

red square baking dish with promotional sleeve around it.

Make 100+ Recipes With This Dish!

Clean Living

Check out our Clean Living page, where I share my journey to a cleaner, toxin-free lifestyle and products I use everyday.

4.82 from 340 votes (165 ratings without comment)

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




375 Comments

  1. Ashleigh says:

    What am I doing wrong that this recipe makes 10-12 pancakes?!
    Theyโ€™re delicious, but help?

    1. Joanie Zisk says:

      Iโ€™m so glad you enjoyed the pancakes! This recipe makes about 2 to 3 pancakes total. If youโ€™re getting 10 to 12, it sounds like the pancakes youโ€™re making are much smaller than the ones shown here, or there may be a mix-up with the way the ingredients were measured. For reference, I scoop about ยพ cup of batter for each pancake. You might also find it helpful to take a look at the step-by-step photos and video in the post, they show exactly how much batter I use.

  2. Evelyn Braun says:

    Thanks! Looking forward to fresh pancakes for one!

  3. Frank says:

    Sure, I know how to make pancakesโ€ฆ for my family of six! Your single and double serving recipes are perfect for us empty-nesters! Thanks for doing the work so we donโ€™t have to, Joanie!