Pancake in a Mug with pancake mix is a quick, easy way to make a light, fluffy pancake with just 2 ingredients and under 2 minutes without flipping a thing. Add your favorite mix-ins and toppings for a quick, easy breakfast, after-school snack, or those late-night cravings.
Be sure to try Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes and Banana Pancakes with Pancake Mix next.
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🎥Video: How to Make a Mug Pancake
✅At a Glance: Pancake in a Mug
- Main ingredients: pancake mix, milk. Basic ingredients you already have!
- Add stir-ins and toppings: try my blueberry, chocolate chip, and banana bread variations
- Light and fluffy, just like regular pancakes!
- Ready in about 90 seconds: get the exact microwave technique to avoid a rubbery or overcooked mug pancake.
Alright, I know calling this pancake in a mug a "recipe" is a stretch. Because it's just pancake mix and milk. And whatever mix-ins or toppings you want to add.
But I still think it's pretty genius, which is why I'm sharing it. Because before I tried it, I had no idea it would actually work. That it would puff up high in the mug like a muffin, and still stay light and fluffy like a pancake.
So if you love your pancakes thick and fluffy, like I do, you're going to love this single serving pancake for one. It's great for kids and an easy way to satisfy pancake cravings without hauling out the griddle.
And it's so easy to switch things up by adding a handful of blueberries, chocolate chips, or mashed banana and walnuts. So stay with me, and I'll share my three favorite variations below.
🫐Ingredients
- Pancake mix. I have tested this with Bisquick Heart Smart, Kodiak Cakes, and Krusteaz Complete just-add-water pancake mix, and all worked equally well.
- Tip: If you use Kodiak Cakes mix, add 2 more tablespoons of milk and about 30 seconds more cooking time.
- Milk or almond milk. I use almond milk, but any non-dairy or dairy milk will work. Including chocolate milk!
- Optional stir-ins. Berries, chocolate chips, bananas, nuts, lemon zest, a splash of vanilla, a dash of cinnamon, sprinkles. Whatever you would normally put in your pancakes, you can absolutely put into a mug pancake.
- Toppings. Butter, maple syrup, fresh fruit, nuts, a handful of chocolate chips, a dusting of powdered sugar, whipped cream…you know what to do here.
🥞HOw to Make A Pancake in a Mug with Pancake Mix
Step 1: Mix ⅓ cup pancake mix and 3 tablespoons milk in a 10-12 oz. microwave-safe mug. Stir with a spoon until the mixture is combined and there is no dry powder in the bottom corners of the mug. Do not overmix; lumps are okay.
Add mix-ins, if desired.
Step 2: Microwave at 50% power for 90 seconds. The pancake should be puffy with a dry top. Let it rest for 1-2 minutes. If it's still a bit sticky after resting, microwave in 15-second increments.
Top with butter, maple syrup, fruit, nuts, or your favorite toppings. And that's it!
🍌Easy Pancake in a Mug Variations
Use the base recipe above, then customize it with one of these easy flavor combinations.
Blueberry Pancake
Kind of like a blueberry muffin!
- Gently fold 1 tablespoon of blueberries into the batter. If using frozen, quickly rinse them under cold water first.
- Top with more butter, more blueberries, and maple syrup.
Chocolate Chip Pancake
- Stir ½ tablespoon mini chocolate chips into the batter.
- Top with butter, more chocolate chips, and maple syrup.
Banana Bread Pancake (my favorite!)
- Top with butter, maple syrup, and more chopped walnuts
- Into the batter, stir 3-4 slices of ripe, mashed banana, ½ tablespoon walnuts, and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon.
🍓More Flavor Ideas:
Try stirring in one or two of these:
- Fresh raspberries or chopped strawberries
- Shredded or thinly sliced apple
- Lemon or orange zest
- Raisins or other dried fruit
- Chopped pecans
- Crumbled bacon
- Poppy seeds
- Vanilla or maple extract
- Cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
- Sprinkles
- White chocolate chips
- Toffee bits
- Chocolate milk instead of regular milk
💡pancake Mug Cake Tips
- Choose the right mug. Use a 10- to 12-ounce microwave-safe mug to give the pancake room to rise without overflowing.
- Microwave wattage. This recipe was tested in a 1000-watt microwave. If yours is more or less powerful, you may need to adjust the cooking time by 15-30 seconds.
- Don't overmix. Stir just until no dry pancake mix remains. A few small lumps are perfectly fine and help keep the pancake tender.
- Don't overcook it. It's better to stop when the top is just set than to keep microwaving until it's completely firm. The pancake will continue cooking from the residual heat.
- Let it rest. Let the pancake sit for 1-2 minutes after microwaving. It finishes setting up and will be less likely to seem gummy.
- Frozen blueberries. Rinse frozen blueberries under cold water before stirring them into the batter. This helps prevent them from turning the batter purple.
- Chocolate milk. For a richer chocolate chip pancake, use chocolate milk instead of regular milk.
❓Mug Pancake Recipe FAQs
Yes, if you're using a complete pancake mix like Bisquick, Krusteaz, or Hungry Jack. These mixes already contain flour, leavening, and other dry ingredients, so all you need to add is milk. If you're making a mug pancake from scratch, you'll need flour and other pantry ingredients.
Use a 10- to 12-ounce microwave-safe mug with enough room for the batter to rise as it cooks. Avoid filling the mug more than halfway to help prevent the pancake from overflowing.
This easy mug pancake recipe uses just two ingredients: pancake mix and milk. From there, you can customize it with mix-ins like blueberries, chocolate chips, bananas, nuts, or cinnamon, then finish it with butter, maple syrup, or your favorite toppings.
I recommend it. Cooking at 50% power helps the pancake cook more evenly, giving it a softer, fluffier texture without becoming tough or rubbery around the edges. If your microwave doesn't have a power setting, cook at full power in shorter intervals and check for doneness frequently.
A mug pancake usually turns rubbery if it's overmixed or overcooked. Stir the batter just until the dry ingredients are incorporated-even a few lumps are fine-and microwave only until the top is set. If needed, add more time in 10- to 15-second increments rather than cooking it too long all at once.
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📖 Recipe
90-Second Pancake in a Mug
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup Bisquick Heart Smart (or any pancake mix)
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk or milk
Stir-ins
- Blueberries, chocolate chips, bananas, nuts, lemon zest, a dash of cinnamon...
Toppings
- Butter, maple syrup, fruit, nuts, a handful of chocolate chips, a dusting of powdered sugar, whipped cream…
Instructions
- Mix ⅓ cup pancake mix and 3 tablespoons milk in a microwave-safe mug. Stir until just combined and there is no dry powder in the bottom corners of the mug. It should still be a little lumpy.
- If desired, add blueberries, chocolate chips, mashed banana, cinnamon - whatever you love.
- Microwave at 50% power for 90 seconds. Let it rest 1-2 minutes. If the top is still a little sticky, cook in 15-second intervals until set. Be careful not to overcook. Note: these times may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave. For reference, mine is 1000 watts.
- Top with butter, maple syrup, fruit, powdered sugar, whipped cream...you know what to do here.
Video
Notes
- Gently fold 1 tablespoon of blueberries into the batter. If using frozen, quickly rinse them under cold water first. Cook as directed.
- Top with butter, more blueberries, and maple syrup.
- Stir ½ tablespoon mini chocolate chips into the batter. Cook as directed.
- Top with butter, more chocolate chips, and maple syrup.
- Into the batter, stir 3-4 slices of ripe, mashed banana, ½ tablespoon walnuts, and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon. Cook as directed.
- Top with butter, maple syrup, and more chopped walnuts
- If you use Kodiak Cakes mix, add 2 more tablespoons of milk and about 30 seconds more cooking time.
- Use a 10- to 12-ounce microwave-safe mug so the pancake has room to rise.
- Microwave wattage matters. I tested this in a 1000-watt microwave. Adjust cooking time by 15-30 seconds as needed.
- Don't overmix. Stir just until combined. A few lumps are fine.
- Don't overcook. Stop when the top is just set; it will continue cooking as it rests.
- Let it rest. Rest 1-2 minutes after microwaving to finish setting and prevent a gummy texture.
Morgan says
I’ve added more and more time but my center isn’t cooking only the sides
Cara Lanz says
Well, shoot. When a microwave cooks something quickly on the outside, but not the inside, it can mean the power is too high. I would try adjusting the power down. I hope that helps!
Sarah says
Is it okay to still be doughy on top? I did 90 seconds at half power for the blueberry recipe, found the top very sticky, so did another 45 seconds at half power. The top is still tacky but the rest seems to be cooked through…maybe a result from using generic pancake mix?
Cara Lanz says
Hi, Sarah, it isn't usually doughy or tacky on top -- it should resemble a baked muffin. It may have just needed a touch longer to cook, as it sounds like your microwave cooks at a different rate than mine. Or, as you mentioned, the pancake batter could be to blame for a different texture.
Kathi says
Just tried this recipe! Omg. Yummy. I heated at 50% for 90 seconds, a tad wet/sticky result. Then, I added 20 seconds at 100% . Perfect!!!! Thanks for this idea.
Cara Lanz says
Hi, Kathi, thanks for trying this! Every microwave is a bit different, I'm so glad you found the magic formula to cook yours perfectly :). Cara
Emily says
I can't believe it took just 90 seconds! Perfect for lazy weekend mornings, and weekdays too! I love the chocolate chip variation - my fave!
Cara Lanz says
I know -- crazy you can make a pancake in so little time! I'm with you, chocolate chip pancakes will always have my heart :). Thanks! Cara
Dana says
What's better than a pancake? A pancake you can cozy up on the couch with! This recipe is stellar.
Cara Lanz says
Right? Curling up with a pancake in a mug is never a bad idea :). Thanks so much!
Jamie says
A convenient and easy breakfast! Perfect for those busy mornings!
Cara Lanz says
Thanks, Jamie! Yes, great for busy mornings -- and lazy ones, too :).
kushigalu says
Pancake in mug sounds is interesting. I have never tried something like this before. Thanks for sharing.
Cara Lanz says
I hope you enjoy it -- it's such a quick and easy way to make one or two pancakes!
Lexi says
Perfect quick and easy recipe for Saturday morning - thanks!
Cara Lanz says
You're welcome, I'm so glad you enjoyed this quick breakfast!
Mussy says
Not sure why I have to search through a small books worth of BS to find a generic bisquick recipe.
Cara Lanz says
If you’re not interested in reading the instructions, tips, and recipe variations, many blogs, including mine, have a “jump to recipe” button at the top that will take you right to the recipe card.
Realist says
Not sure why you didn't just use the "Jump to Recipe" button instead of leaving a snarky comment on someone's blog. Maybe look at your own stupidity instead of blaming someone else? 🙂
greta vines says
The 90 seconds worked great for me. My microwave is 1200 watts
Cara Lanz says
Hi, Greta! Thank you for sharing, this will be so helpful for others!! I'm glad it worked for you :). Cara
Lauren says
I made the banana nut one and also made plain with sausage links (pigs in a blanket!) they were great. The one note is I added an extra 30 seconds full power for both, could just be my microwave. Tasty easy treat when craving pancakes but don’t want the hassle and mess on the griddle. Thanks!
Cara Lanz says
Hi, Lauren, I'm so glad you enjoyed these quick and easy pancakes. The pigs in a blanket version sounds positively divine -- I'll have to try that one! Yes, you're right, the time will vary from microwave to microwave depending on the power. Like you, I also love the convenience of being able to have pancakes without actually making pancakes, haha! Thank you again for your nice note!