Pancake in a Mug

Learning how to make a pancake in a mug opens up so many possibilities that regular pancakes don’t allow. Instead of standing at the stove to flip pancakes over a hot skillet, you can save time by cooking them up quickly in the microwave. A traditional pancake recipe makes several servings, but this recipe is the perfect way to make a treat just for one. You can microwave a pancake in a mug on a weekday morning when you want a sweet breakfast or even in the afternoon for a sweet snack.

Plus, you won’t need to worry about running to the store since this recipe for a pancake in a mug without pancake mix uses pantry ingredients like flour, sugar and baking powder. You don’t even need any eggs! Just add your favorite toppings, grab a fork or spoon, and dig in!

Pancake in a Mug Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: Reach for this versatile type of flour to make this microwave pancake in a mug recipe.
• Milk: Use whole or 2% to bring the pancake ingredients together into a batter. This recipe is just one of many delicious ways to use up a gallon of milk so that nothing goes to waste.
• Sugar: Just a little granulated sugar is all you need to make a lightly sweet batter.
• Butter: You can use salted or unsalted butter here. Either way, the fat helps create a tender pancake.
• Baking powder: Did you know that baking powder is a blend of baking soda and cream of tartar? Regardless, it lifts and lightens the pancake as it cooks in the microwave.
• Vanilla extract: Choose a quality store-bought vanilla extract brand or use homemade vanilla extract to flavor the batter.
• Cinnamon: I add a small amount of cinnamon—when combined with the vanilla and butter, it creates a really delicious pancake.
• Salt: Just a pinch of salt in the batter accentuates the other ingredients for the best flavor.
• Toppings: Once the pancake is cooked, add optional toppings such as maple syrup, butter, whipped cream or fresh berries.

Directions

Step 1: Make the batter

Place the butter in a microwave-safe coffee mug, and microwave for 30 to 60 seconds or until it’s melted. Stir the granulated sugar and vanilla into the melted butter. Then, add the flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt to the mug. Pour in the milk and use a fork to whisk the ingredients together to form a mostly smooth batter. (A few tiny lumps are okay.)

Editor’s Tip: For this recipe, use a large coffee cup—one that holds 9 ounces or more. A heavy diner-style mug is ideal since the cup gets very hot as the pancake cooks.

Step 2: Cook the pancake

Microwave the batter in the mug for 2-1/2 to 3 minutes or until the pancake is fully cooked. A knife inserted into the center and around the edges of the pancake should come out clean.

Editor’s Tip: Have a pot holder or dishcloth handy since the mug will get hot. The handle may be warm too.

Step 3: Serve

Add your favorite toppings to the pancake in the mug, then enjoy it while it’s hot.

Nancy Mock For Taste Of Home

Pancake in a Mug Variations

• Make a protein pancake: Stir 1 tablespoon of flavored or unflavored protein powder into the pancake ingredients.
• Add peanut butter: Just 2 teaspoons of creamy peanut butter whisked in with the other ingredients gives the pancake a light, nutty flavor. These peanut butter brands are our top picks.
• Throw in some chocolate chips: Add a tablespoon of regular or mini chocolate chips to the batter ingredients to create gooey pockets of chocolate in the finished pancake.
• Try freeze-dried fruit: Coarsely crush a few freeze-dried berries and stir them into the batter ingredients. Since they’re dehydrated, there’s no excess moisture to affect the pancake texture as it cooks.
• Create a confetti version: Stir rainbow sprinkles into the pancake ingredients for a colorful pancake in a mug!

How to Store Pancakes in a Mug

If you can’t enjoy your pancake in a mug right away, let it cool and then cover it with food wrap. Or, use a fork to transfer the pancake to a tightly-covered food storage container. Store the pancakes in the fridge.

How long does a pancake in a mug last?

A pancake in a mug tastes best when it’s enjoyed right after microwaving. If you have to store your pancake in the fridge, it should be eaten within one to two days. Since the recipe is so easy to whip together, though, we recommend making it right before you plan to eat.

Pancake in a Mug Tips

Nancy Mock For Taste Of Home

Can you make a pancakes in a mug with pancake mix?

Yes, you can make a pancake in a mug with pancake mix instead of from scratch. Since pancake mixes contain flour, sugar and baking powder, omit these from the recipe and use about 7 tablespoons of pancake mix instead. Add the other ingredients as directed, then microwave the pancake in a mug until cooked through.

What kind of mug should you use to make a pancake?

The coffee mug you use to make a pancake in a mug should be large enough to hold 9 to 15 ounces of liquid—this is to be sure there’s enough room for the pancake to rise as it cooks. Plus, it’s important that the mug is microwave-safe. A diner-style thick, sturdy mug is ideal since the cup does get hot as the pancake cooks. Next, use that mug to make dessert—like a chocolate mug cake!

How should you serve a pancake in a mug?

The appeal of a pancake in a mug is that you make it, cook it and enjoy it all in one mug! And since it’s almost unheard of to eat a plain pancake, add some toppings into the mug. Some of my favorites are a handful of fresh raspberries or blueberries and a swirl of whipped cream on top. Sliced bananas are a good choice, especially if you make a peanut butter pancake in a mug. And, of course, you must have some syrup! Make your own pancake syrup with brown sugar and maple flavoring, or indulge yourself with the best pure maple syrup you can find.