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This easy pancake recipe makes a small batch of soft, fluffy pancakes perfect for one person. In just 15 minutes, you can cook up two to three delicious pancakes using simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Looking for more single serving pancake recipes? Try our Buttermilk Pancakes, Banana Pancakes, hands-off Small Batch Sheet Pan Pancakes, and Small Batch Pancake Mix. With so many options, you’re sure to find your perfect pancake!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Made with simple pantry staples, these pancakes come together in under 15 minutes.
- Perfectly Portioned: This small batch recipe makes two to three pancakes—just enough without extra batter.
- Minimal Cleanup: With only a few ingredients and one mixing bowl, cleanup is a breeze.
- Versatile & Customizable: Enjoy these pancakes as they are or add your favorite toppings. You can also mix in flavors like cinnamon, vanilla, or lemon zest for extra flavor.
I’ve been making pancakes for years, and this pancake recipe for one is a scaled-down version of the recipe I used to make for my family. It gives me just the right amount—no leftovers, no waste—and it’s quick and easy to make whenever I want a homemade stack.
These pancakes turn out soft, fluffy, and just the right size for a satisfying breakfast. Whether I’m keeping it classic with butter and syrup or adding fresh fruit, this recipe is my go-to when I want a homemade stack without the hassle of a full batch.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this small batch 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
This pancake recipe for one is a great base, but you can easily switch it up with different flavors. Here are a few simple ways to change things up:
- 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 pancakes. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg and add the other wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Repeat with the remaining batter.
- Remove the second pancake from the skillet.
- Enjoy with butter, syrup, whipped cream, or your favorite fruits.
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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: Top with sliced bananas, berries, or apple slices.
- Syrup and Butter: A classic, comforting choice.
- Nut Butter and Honey: Drizzle almond or peanut butter with honey for added protein.
- Yogurt and Granola: Add Greek yogurt and granola for crunch.
- Chocolate Chips and Whipped Cream: A sweet treat with chocolate chips and a dollop of whipped cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
Absolutely! Just double all the ingredients for more servings.
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.
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: 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!
Pancakes For One
Watch How To Make This
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
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.
This is not a recipe for one- this is a recipe for two or three. It is good for leftovers, though, if you don’t have a lot of time for cooking. I would suggest doubling the salt if you are out of salted butter. I added some nutmeg and doubled the vanilla extract.
Thank you for your feedback, Scarlet. This recipe as written yields 2-3 pancakes which is the number of pancakes typically found in a short stack of pancakes served in restaurants. Since everyone’s appetite is different, one pancake may be enough for some but an additional pancake or two might be the perfect amount for someone else.
This was a delicious recipe and an absolute keeper! I did switch out the regular milk for buttermilk, and added a half smashed banana, a sprinkle of cinnamon! I got 4 good sized pancakes! Bookmarking! Thank you!
Wonderful! I’m so happy you enjoyed the buttermilk pancakes. Thank you so much for your feedback.
I’ve made these at least three or four times in the last month or so. I make pretty small pancakes, so I usually get 6-8. They are great plain, or with fruit mixed in or on top. I’ve frozen the extras and reheated in my toaster. All great!
They are fluffy and tasty. I add a bit of cinnamon and nutmeg, plus extra vanilla. Otherwise, I make them according to the recipe. Definitely recommend!
This is my new favourite pancake recipe. My hubby and kids love it too. Thank you!! Printed and is part of my family cookbook now.
best pancakes ever super easy to make and very tasty
Amazing taste and texture! I added chocolate chips and they tasted even better. Definitely recommend this easy and tasty recipe 🙂
This is a great recipe and it’s easily adapted. I actually found it still to be too much pancake for one, so with some trial and error I found my sweet spot. I cut the flour in half (I sometimes use whole wheat and it works great) and cut everything else in half except the baking powder (I use the full teaspoon) and salt (to make up for the fact that I don’t use salted butter). I still use a whole egg because who is going to cut an egg in half?
I also prefer to use olive oil for the pan because butter burns.
Made them this morning and they burnt at first, lowered the temp pretty low. Will make again and not use butter in mix or to cook with.
Still good stuff
Found the recipe and it was extremely thick batter. Had to add an extra 1/2 cup liquid (almond milk).
Best pancakes I have ever made. I added a banana and OMG; it was delicious!
Made 2 large pancakes. Pancakes were light fluffy & totally delicious.
will definitely make again. Thanks for all your great recipes!