Pancakes in a mug are the perfect single serving breakfast for when you want something simple, easy, and delicious. Fluffy pancakes cooked to perfection with very little effort.

This pancake mix mug cake is a great recipe for single serving meals at home or on the go in a hotel or dorm room, but I love it because of my younger child.
My son is 4 and LOVES pancakes to the point where it's what he wants for breakfast every day if I'd let him. I, on the other hand, dislike eating the same thing repeatedly, so I'm always trying to find new ways to make them.
Whipping up this mug pancake recipe is a simple solution that keeps him and me both happy because I can whip up a double batch of dry mix on Sunday, and he's got fresh microwave pancakes all week long.
When I do feel like making a larger batch of pancakes, I usually opt for my (Copycat) Denny's Pancake Recipe, Easy Sheet Pan Pancakes, or Eggless Pancakes.
Why This Recipe Works
- You can prepare the dry mix in advance. I like to mix it up at the beginning of the week and portion out what I need as I need it.
- The pancakes are fluffy and flavorful. With very few ingredients and steps, we get fluffy, flavorful pancakes in minutes.
- Perfectly portioned. Kids don't usually eat much, so a stack of pancakes often goes to waste. I find that a mug of pancakes is enough to fill their tummies, and when it isn't, I usually add fruit like apple or banana as a side dish.
Jump to:
🥘 Ingredients
All-Purpose Flour- This is necessary for the gluten structure of the pancakes.
Granulated Sugar- Use granulated sugar to make the pancakes sweeter and softer.
Baking Powder- This will make the pancakes puff up and bubble as they cook.
Milk- You'll need milk to get the batter to the correct consistency.
Vanilla Extract- This is an added flavor enhancer.
For specific quantities, see the recipe card below.
🍽 Equipment Needed
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🔪 Instructions
Check out how to make pancakes in a mug with these simple step-by-step instructions:
Pancake Mix
In a mason jar mix, add dry ingredients.
Add lid and shake well to combine.
Keep stored in a cool location for up to 6 months.
How to Make Mug Pancakes
Scoop out ¼ cup of the mix and add it to a microwave-safe coffee mug.
Stir in milk and vanilla. Stir with a fork to combine. Make sure to get around that bottom rim so that everything is well mixed.
Cook in the microwave for 1 minute.
📖 Variations
Fun variations for this recipe can include adding in up to 2 tablespoons of add-ins such as:
- Sprinkles
- Chocolate chips
- Small diced strawberries
- Fresh blueberries
- Maple flavored sugar pearls (makes them take like Mcgriddles)
You could also top your pancake in a mug recipe with some peanut butter and sliced bananas after it's been cooked if desired.
There are so many different ways to make and enjoy your pancake in microwave recipe that every day can be a new and flavorful experience!
🍴 Recipe Tips
I recommend keeping the dry pancake mix in an airtight container like a mason jar because it just makes it easier to store safely without worrying about bugs or spoilage.
👩🏻🍳 Serving Size
The recipe below is for a standard sized mug cake which comfortably fits within a cappuccino sized coffee mug (6-8 ounces). For a standard sized 8-12 ounce coffee mug you can comfortably double this recipe. The cooking time should be about the same.
💭 FAQs
This pancake mix in a mug dry mixture is good for up to a few months if kept in a cool dark place in the pantry. Keep it stored in a rodent proof airtight container and it's good for a while. I wouldn't let it sit for more than 6 months though as it will cause the leavening agents to lose some potency.
You will know that your pancake has finished cooking when the top is fully set and dry around the edges and the center just looks barely wet. You don't want the top to look dry as that means it has overcooked. Barely wet will dry within a few seconds of removing from the microwave. The pancakes will fully set and shrink a little as it cools. This is normal.
As a single serving recipe there isn't much to serve alongside it without having a lot leftover. I serve our mug pancakes up with syrup and a small pad of butter after they've cooked and offer a glass of fresh orange juice and some fresh fruits like grapes or berries on the side.
More great breakfast recipes to check out soon
- Muffin Mix Pancakes
- The BEST Sweet Cream Pancakes
- Birthday Cake Pancakes
- Carrot Cake Pancakes with Cream Cheese Syrup
📖 Recipe
Pancakes in a Mug
Ingredients
Bulk dry mix (makes 4 pancakes)
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour ($0.08)
- 2 Tablespoon Granulated Sugar ($0.02)
- 2 teaspoon Baking Powder ($0.04)
Needed for Mug Pancake
- ¼ cup Prepared Mix
- 3 Tablespoon Milk ($0.01)
- ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract ($0.01)
Instructions
Pancake Mix
- In a mason jar mix, add dry ingredients.
- Add lid and shake well to combine. Keep stored in a cool location for up to 6 months.
How to Make Mug Pancakes
- Scoop out ¼ cup of the mix and add it to a microwave-safe coffee mug.
- Stir in milk and vanilla. Stir with a fork to combine. Make sure to get around that bottom rim so that everything is well mixed.
- Cook in the microwave for 1 minute.
Notes
- Sprinkles
- Chocolate chips
- Small diced strawberries
- Fresh blueberries
- Maple flavored sugar pearls
- Keep dry mix stored in a cool dark place in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
- Double the pancake recipe if wanting to fill a larger coffee mug.
- You'll know that your microwave pancake is ready to eat when it comes out of the microwave with the edges set and the top middle just barely wet.
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