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If you’re craving pancakes but don’t need a big batch, this simple pancake recipe is just what you need. In about 15 minutes, enjoy a fluffy, delicious stack made just for you.

Three pancakes stacked on a plate and topped with melted butter and blueberries.

Looking for more tasty single serving pancake recipes? Check out our Pancake Recipes for One collection! You’ll find fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes, naturally sweet Banana Pancakes, hands-off Small Batch Sheet Pan Pancakes, and even a Small Batch Pancake Mix. With so many options, you’re sure to find your perfect pancake!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple and Fast: Using basic pantry ingredients, you’ll have pancakes ready in under 15 minutes—great for busy mornings or a quick craving.
  • Just Enough: This recipe makes two to three pancakes, so there’s no leftover batter or towering stack—just the right amount for one or two.
  • Easy Cleanup: With a few simple ingredients, cleanup is quick and easy.
  • Customizable: Top your pancakes however you like! Maple syrup, fresh fruit, chocolate chips, or whipped cream—the options are endless.
  • Perfect Base Recipe: This recipe is a great starting point if you want to try out different pancake flavors.
A piece cut out of three pancakes stacked on a plate and topped with melted butter and blueberries.

Ingredients

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

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

  • Flour: Use all-purpose flour in this recipe.
  • Baking Powder: Essential for light, fluffy pancakes.
  • Sugar: Granulated sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness.
  • Salt: 1/4 teaspoon balances the flavors perfectly.
  • Egg: One egg gives structure and helps make the pancakes fluffy
  • Milk: I usually use low-fat milk, but whole, skim, unsweetened almond, or oat milk work, too.
  • Vanilla: A splash adds a subtle sweetness and enhances the flavor.
  • Butter: Melted salted butter gives a richer taste; if using unsalted butter, you may want to add a bit more salt.

Recipe Variations

  • Banana Pancakes: Mash a ripe banana and add it to the batter for a naturally sweet twist.
  • Buttermilk Pancakes: Substitute buttermilk for the milk for a tangy and fluffy variation.
  • Blueberry Pancakes: Add a handful of fresh blueberries to the batter.
  • Chocolate Chip Pancakes: Stir in some chocolate chips for a sweet surprise.
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How To Make Pancakes For One

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

flour, baking powder, and sugar in a mixing bowl.
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients.
egg, milk, and melted butter in a mixing bowl.
  1. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and add the other wet ingredients, mixing until combined.

pancake batter in a bowl.
  1. 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.
one pancake cooking in a skillet.
  1. 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.

one pancake cooking in a skillet.
  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.
pancake batter being poured into a skillet.
  1. Repeat with the remaining batter.


a second pancake in a skillet.
  1. Remove the second pancake from the skillet.
two pancakes on a plate topped with blueberries, butter, and syrup.
  1. Enjoy with butter, syrup, whipped cream, or your favorite fruits.

RELATED: 20 Single Serving Breakfast Recipes To Wake Up To

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.

Serving Suggestions

Here are a few delicious ways to serve your pancakes:

  • Fresh Fruit: Add a healthy touch with sliced bananas, berries, or apple slices.
  • Homemade Syrup and Butter: Stick with the classic combo for that familiar, comforting flavor.
  • Nut Butter and Honey: Drizzle almond or peanut butter and a little honey for a protein boost.
  • Yogurt and Granola: Top with Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of granola for some extra crunch.
  • Chocolate Chips and Whipped Cream: For a sweeter treat, try chocolate chips and a dollop of whipped cream.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the 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’s 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 expired baking powder or overmixing the batter. Make sure your baking powder is fresh, and mix the batter until just combined.

How do I know when to flip the pancakes?

Flip them when you see bubbles forming on the surface and they start to pop. This is a good sign the pancakes are ready to turn.

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! Here’s how: 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: 15 Easy Single Serving Dessert Recipes

For more information on the cooking and baking dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit our FAQ page.

For examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit our Store page.

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!


Your Cooking For One Source
Because you’re worth it

Pancakes For One

4.82 from 313 votes
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

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.
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Get this recipe sent to your inbox, plus get weekly recipes from us – all for free.

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.

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Iโ€™m Joanie and Iโ€™m incredibly happy youโ€™re here! Our aim is to inspire individuals with access to single serving recipes, education, and a supportive community that will enable them to enjoy the preparation of a meal that will nourish both body and soul.

4.82 from 313 votes (165 ratings without comment)

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334 Comments

  1. Patricia @ Grab a Plate says:

    Super idea! The holidays are fabulous, but can be a bit of a bummer when everyone can’t be together…I know the feeling!

    1. Joanie says:

      Thanks, Patricia!

  2. Brandon @ Kitchen Konfidence says:

    Mmmm, I’d love a short stack like this with some warm maple syrup and mug of hot coffee. A perfect way to start the day!

    1. Joanie says:

      Thanks, Brandon!

  3. tanya says:

    I will be a wreck when my kids go off to college. I hope they stay in the same city because I will miss them so! I do love the idea of pancakes for one though and these are perfectly fluffy!

  4. Becky | The Cookie Rookie says:

    What a great idea! I’m always wanting pancakes but don’t want all the excess!! Love this post!

    1. Joanie says:

      Thanks, Becky. It’s perfect for just one.

  5. Katherine says:

    This is great, although now I won’t have any excuse to stuff myself with pancakes ๐Ÿ™‚

    1. Joanie says:

      Thanks, Katherine ๐Ÿ™‚

  6. Kacey @ The Cookie Writer says:

    First off, Joanie, I seriously thought you were in yours 20s; you look amazing! When you said 5 kids, and half them in collage, you threw me for a loop! I seriously love how you make recipes that are suitable for one person. Sometimes I do not want to make a huge meal!
    PS: laser eye surgery went fantastic, highly recommend it!

    1. Joanie says:

      Thanks so much, Kacey – you totally made my day! So glad to hear about your eye surgery, I may have to bite the bullet and go for it.

  7. Amy @ A Healthy Life For Me says:

    I love pancakes, there is something so perfect about them. Plus they go perfect with bacon ๐Ÿ™‚

    1. Joanie says:

      Thanks, Amy.

  8. Josie says:

    These look great! Perfect serving size! ๐Ÿ™‚

    1. Joanie says:

      Thank you, Josie!

  9. Kirsten says:

    Joanie,
    My kids have not yet launched, but I can empathize with you. Last summer my octogenarian parents planned yet another downsizing–this time from a 2 bedroom condo in a retirement community to an 800 square foot apartment in an Active Seniors building (apparently that means that they get meals in the dining room and a driver to take them places, but they get themselves dressed and stuff).
    My folks emailed us kids and asked us to find a 3-4 day window where we could all converge (we don’t all like in the same country much less time zone as our folks).
    What a treat! Hanging out with my brothers and our parents–even if we were packing up and shedding family heirlooms and lightening their load, it was still very special to hang out with my family of origin. I enjoy our holiday times, with spouses and kids and all, but it is very neat to be with just my first family too.

    Pancakes–too right they are easy to throw together if you’ve got the right stuff. Since I make muffins so often, I go through baking powder and baking soda frequently which means I know it’s fresh. These look smashing!
    Thanks!

    1. Joanie says:

      Thank you, Kirsten. I bet it was so nice getting to reconnect with your siblings and parents. Two of my kids are fresh out of college and two are still in college and it’s challenging to try to find a window of time where we can all get together. So far, we’ve all decided that the first week in June works for all of us so I’m excited to go on vacation with them all. I’m looking forward to making it a yearly event. I think we should be able to if we all schedule it a year ahead of time.

  10. Sharon @Plated with Style says:

    I already ate breakfast, but I’m going to make these for lunch. Pancakes for lunch is OK right? ๐Ÿ˜€

    1. Joanie says:

      Absolutely, Sharon. Pancakes for lunch (or dinner) is ok with me.

    2. lizzy says:

      they are gonna be for my lunch cuz we only have sandwichs for lunch

      1. Bri says:

        I never thought I’d feel so strongly about a pancake recipe, but these are exceptional.