Are you craving a fluffy, delicious pancake but don't want to make a whole batch? This recipe delivers the perfect single-serving pancake, ideal for a quick breakfast, a late-night snack, or when you just want a little something sweet. No more wasted batter or leftover pancakes going stale!
Ingredients:
This recipe is easily scalable, but for one perfectly sized pancake, you'll need:
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (or your favorite pancake flour blend)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (granulated or caster sugar works well)
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder – crucial for that fluffy texture!
- Pinch of salt (enhances the flavors)
- 2 tablespoons milk (any kind will do – whole milk, skim milk, almond milk, etc.)
- 1/2 tablespoon melted butter (or oil, for a vegan option)
- Optional: A few drops of vanilla extract for extra flavor
Equipment:
- Small bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Small non-stick skillet or frying pan
Instructions:
1. Whisk the dry ingredients: In your small bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until everything is evenly combined. This prevents lumps in your batter.
2. Add the wet ingredients: Gently whisk in the milk and melted butter until just combined. Don't overmix! A few lumps are okay; overmixing will lead to tough pancakes. If using, add your vanilla extract at this stage.
3. Cook the pancake: Heat your non-stick skillet over medium heat. You'll know it's ready when a small drop of water sizzles on the surface. Add about 1-2 tablespoons of the batter to the hot pan (adjusting the amount depending on desired pancake size).
4. Flip it: Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. You'll see bubbles forming on the surface—that's your cue to flip! Use a spatula to gently flip the pancake.
5. Serve and enjoy: Slide your perfectly cooked single-serving pancake onto a plate. Top with your favorite additions – butter, syrup, fruit, whipped cream, chocolate chips—the possibilities are endless!
Tips for Pancake Perfection:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough pancakes. A few lumps are perfectly fine.
- Adjust the heat as needed: If your pancake is browning too quickly, lower the heat. If it's taking too long to cook, increase the heat slightly.
- Use a non-stick pan: This prevents sticking and makes flipping much easier.
- Get creative with toppings: Experiment with different fruits, syrups, nuts, and chocolate to customize your pancake experience.
Variations:
- Blueberry Pancake: Stir in a tablespoon of blueberries to the batter before cooking.
- Chocolate Chip Pancake: Add a teaspoon of chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent treat.
- Banana Pancake: Mash half a small banana into the batter for extra sweetness and moisture.
This single-serving pancake recipe is your go-to for a quick, easy, and delicious breakfast or snack. Enjoy!
