Pin It Last winter I stumbled home at 2 AM after a disastrous holiday party absolutely starving but too tired to even think about turning on the stove.
My roommate walked in to find me eating what looked like a weird cake out of a coffee mug and demanded the recipe which is how we all started making these for late night studying sessions.
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour: This makes enough batter for one decent sized mug pancake without overflowing
- 1/4 tsp baking powder: Dont skip this or youll end up with a dense hockey puck instead of something fluffy
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar: Just enough to make it taste like a treat without being dessert sweet
- Pinch of salt: Literally a tiny pinch brings out all the other flavors
- 3 tbsp milk: Any milk works even non dairy options though whole milk makes it richer
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter melted: Butter tastes way better than oil here but make sure its melted before mixing
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract: Makes it taste like real pancakes instead of sweet bread
- 1–2 tbsp maple syrup: For drizzling over the top after it cooks
- Optional toppings: Fresh berries chocolate chips or powdered sugar make it feel fancy
Instructions
- Prepare your mug:
- Rub a little butter around the inside of a large microwave safe mug so nothing sticks
- Mix the dry ingredients:
- Dump in the flour baking powder sugar and salt and stir them together with a spoon
- Add the wet stuff:
- Pour in the milk melted butter and vanilla then mix just until combined stop as soon as it looks smooth
- Mike it:
- Pop it in the microwave on high for 90 seconds or until it puffs up and looks set check after 70 seconds because microwaves vary wildly
- Let it rest then eat:
- Wait one full minute so it sets slightly then drizzle with syrup and whatever toppings you grabbed
Pin It Now these little mug pancakes have become my go to for everything from midnight cravings to quick breakfasts before running out the door.
Mix Ins That Work
Ive learned that chocolate chips should be folded into the batter before microwaving while fresh berries taste better sprinkled on top afterward so they dont get mushy.
Making It Ahead
The batter can be mixed the night before and stored in the fridge but honestly it takes two minutes to mix so I only do this when Im meal prepping for the week.
Sizing Up Or Down
Double the recipe for two servings but use separate mugs because cooking them together never works out evenly.
- A 12 ounce mug is minimum capacity
- Ceramic mugs work better than glass
- Let it cool slightly or you will burn your tongue
Pin It These saved me so many times during college and they still hit the spot whenever I need something warm and sweet in under five minutes.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use plant-based milk for these pancakes?
Yes, substituting dairy milk with plant-based milk works well and creates a vegan-friendly version.
- → How do I prevent the batter from overflowing in the mug?
Fill the mug only halfway to two-thirds full to allow room for the batter to rise during cooking.
- → What toppings pair well with these fluffy pancakes?
Maple syrup, fresh berries, chocolate chips, or a light dusting of powdered sugar complement the flavor nicely.
- → Can I add flavor variations to the batter?
Yes, stirring in chocolate chips or blueberries before microwaving adds extra texture and taste.
- → How do I know when the pancakes are cooked through?
Microwave on high for about 90 seconds until the batter is set and has risen; cooking times may vary by appliance.