Quick, warm, and buttery with just a kiss of vanilla and a hint of sweetness, this cozy pancake in a mug whips up with just flour, milk, butter, and sugar.
There’s something deeply satisfying about a dessert (or breakfast?) you can make while wearing fuzzy socks and a grin. This pancake in a mug gives you that fresh-off-the-griddle warmth without, well, a griddle. It’s soft and fluffy, rich from melted butter, and carries that sweet vanilla hug that makes kitchens feel like the coziest place on earth. It’s just one mug, a handful of ingredients, and exactly one minute between “I need something sweet” and “Mmmm.”
Lovely for a quick morning treat or an end-of-day comfort bite, especially when dishes just feel like a tomorrow problem.
Table of Contents
Don’t let this one slip away — pin it now and thank yourself later!
Don’t let this one slip away — pin it now and thank yourself later!
Why You’ll Love this Pancake in a Mug
This is one of those sneaky little recipes that makes you feel like a wizard in your own kitchen.
- Ridiculously simple to make: You melt, stir, microwave, and voilà—fluffy pancake magic in a mug.
- No dishes to scrub: Everything happens in one mug, which makes cleanup laughably easy (and oddly satisfying).
- Fast enough for weekday mornings: From “ugh I’m tired” to “oh look, breakfast” in under five minutes.
- Endlessly customizable: Go classic or top it with peanut butter drizzle, jam, fresh fruit, or even crispy bacon bits.
- Comfy and cozy AF: It smells like Sunday morning, tastes like a hug, and doesn’t require pants. Win-win.
Ingredient Notes
Nothing fancy happening here—just regular pantry friends getting together for a soft, buttery party.
- Butter: Adds richness and that nostalgic pancake flavor. Microwave it gently so it doesn’t bubble over and scream at you.
- Granulated sugar: Just enough to hint sweet but not go dessert-dessert. Want it sweeter? Add an extra half scoop.
- Milk: Whole milk gives you a soft crumb, but honestly, whatever’s in the fridge usually works fine.
- Vanilla extract: Optional… but only if you enjoy a sad, unfinished vibe (kidding, but really—don’t skip it).
- All-purpose flour: The muffin structure glue. Scoop gently and swipe the excess off with a knife for a fluffy, not dense, result.
- Baking powder: Gives your mug pancake its puff. Old baking powder? Chuck it. Flat pancake = flat mood.
- Salt: Just a pinch sharpens the flavors and keeps things balanced.
How To Make This Pancake in a Mug
You’re five minutes from warm and fluffy goodness. Let’s roll up sleeves, then immediately realize this is a zero-mess recipe, and roll them back down.
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Melt the butter: Pop one tablespoon of butter in your mug and microwave in 15-second bits. Stop when it’s gloopy and golden, not bubbling aggressively (your microwave has drama, respect her boundaries).
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Add the wet ingredients: Stir in your sugar, milk, and vanilla. Mix until it’s smooth-ish. It’ll smell vaguely like someone is baking something lovely nearby (spoiler: it’s you).
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Mix in the dry bits: Toss in the flour, baking powder, and that pinch of salt. You don’t need a mixer. A fork gets you delightfully imperfect, soft batter. A few lumps? Totally normal. This isn’t a soufflé.
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Microwave to life: Set it for 60 seconds. Resist opening that door early. If your pancake still looks a little under after the minute, add 10 more seconds. Think: gently puffed and set on top.
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Cool and top: Carefully remove (it’s hot, wear your responsible human oven mitts). Let it cool for a couple minutes unless you enjoy burning off taste buds. Add your toppings—syrup, fruit, chocolate chips, emotional support whipped cream—you do you.
Storage Options
Alright so… confession: I rarely have leftover pancake in a mug. I mean, it’s one serving. But if you do manage self-control (teach me your ways), here’s how to keep it happy.
You can cover the top of the mug with foil or beeswax wrap and stash it in the fridge for up to a day. Microwave it with a splash of milk (like, a teaspoon) for about 10 to 15 seconds before eating again. It won’t be quite as fluffy, but still satisfying.
But let’s talk freezing. Technically, yes, you could pop the mug (if it’s freezer-safe) or just the pancake part out and freeze it. But I’ll be honest—this little treat is made for now, not later. So if you’re craving something prepped ahead, I’d steer you toward something more batchable like these white chocolate raspberry cookies instead. Just saying.
Variations and Substitutions
Once you’ve made your first pancake in a mug, you’ll probably start wondering, “What else can I throw in there?” Spoiler alert: almost anything.
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Different flour: Go whole wheat for extra nuttiness, or try a 1-to-1 gluten-free blend (though texture may be slightly more dense).
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Vegan swap: Use plant-based butter and oat or almond milk. Just watch the microwave time—they can overcook fast.
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Add-ins and mix-ins: Stir in a tablespoon of chocolate chips, rainbow sprinkles, blueberries, cocoa powder, or even mashed banana.
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Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to warm things up, or a little lemon zest for brightness.
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Savory twist: Skip the sugar and vanilla, then add shredded cheese and chopped herbs. Breakfast-for-dinner gets very real.
What to Serve with Pancake in a Mug
Yes, it’s a single-serving, low-effort wonder. But that doesn’t mean it just floats out there in a vacuum. Let’s find it some nice companions.
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If it’s breakfast or brunch, pair it with a soft-boiled egg and your favorite hot drink. The warm pancake with that rich yolk is shockingly luxe for a Tuesday.
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Want dessert vibes? Heat up some frozen berries with a touch of sugar until syrupy and spoon over top. It gets very cobbler-adjacent. A little scoop of vanilla ice cream? Not mad at it.
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For a brunch spread, serve this alongside a slice of coconut bread or something eggy, like a baked casserole. I love teaming it with this easy oven chile relleno casserole when I’m feeling ambitious.
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More of a snacking event? Grab a spoonful of peanut butter, a drizzle of honey, and go full snack attack mode. Especially good mid-movie-night.
Don’t let this one slip away — pin it now and thank yourself later!
Don’t let this one slip away — pin it now and thank yourself later!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I double this recipe for two servings?
Technically yes, but not in the same mug. You’ll end up with an overflowing, microwave-y mess (ask me how I know). Instead, just grab a second mug and split the batter. Microwave them one at a time so they cook evenly. Trust me—doubling the joy is worth doubling the dish.
What size mug should I use?
A standard 8 to 12 ounce mug works best. Anything smaller and your batter might rise up like an unsupervised science experiment. If using an oversized mug, the pancake might look a little short, but it’ll still taste dreamy.
How do I know it’s fully cooked?
Peek after 60 seconds. It should look firm and slightly puffed in the middle. If it still jiggles or looks wet, microwave in 10-second bursts. Overcooking can lead to a chewy texture, so stop once it’s just set and lightly springy to the touch.
Can I prep the batter ahead of time?
You can mix the dry ingredients ahead and store them in a jar. When ready, just add the wet stuff to your mug, stir, and zap. Perfect for early mornings when full sentences are hard and decisions are harder.
Pancake in a Mug
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp (14 g) butter unsalted, or salted if you like
- 1 tbsp (12 g) granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) milk whole milk preferred, or any milk
- 1/4 tsp (1 ml) vanilla extract optional, but recommended
- 1/4 cup (32 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp (2 g) baking powder
- pinch salt
Toppings (optional)
- maple syrup, fruit, chocolate chips, whipped cream, or nut butter to serve, optional
Equipment
- Microwave
- Microwave-safe mug (8-12 oz)
- Fork or spoon
Instructions
- Place butter in a microwave-safe mug (8-12 oz size). Microwave in 15-second increments until just melted and warm, not bubbling.
- Add the sugar, milk, and vanilla (if using). Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
- Add flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently with a fork until just combined. A few lumps are fine—don’t overmix.
- Microwave the mug on high for 60 seconds. If the center still looks wet, microwave for 10-second increments until gently puffed and just set in the middle. Don’t overcook.
- Let cool for a couple of minutes (the mug will be hot!). Add desired toppings and enjoy straight from the mug.
