Our pancake in a mug is the perfect recipe for kids to make all on their own for breakfast or as an after-school snack. Make an individual serving of pancakes without the stove!
This is a 1-minute recipe that uses kitchen staples. Already egg-free, this pancake in a cup recipe can easily be made dairy-free too. It is a recipe that can be customized to fit your family’s needs. Enjoy at home or take this pancake on the go!
For more gluten-free pancake recipes, check out our Almond Milk Pancakes, Gluten Free Pumpkin Pancakes, and Apple Cinnamon Pancake Recipe.
This single-serving pancake in a cup is so much fun for kids to make. It is light, fluffy, flavorful and can be topped with all their favorites. You also don’t have to save this recipe for mornings, it makes a wonderful dessert too.
From chocolate chips to fresh berries, kids can really let their creativity shine by finding new ingredients to add to their pancakes. We share a wide variety of pancake topping ideas below so you can share this list with your kiddos.
Learning how to make a mug pancake also gives kids the confidence they need to make other mug recipes such as Gluten Free Mug Cake, and Mug Pizza.
To get started, gather the equipment and ingredients then follow the written instructions or printable recipe card. Enjoy!
Table of Contents
Equipment
- shallow microwave safe mug
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- fork to stir
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Gluten-free Bisquick pancake mix or other GF pancake mix
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- pancake syrup, blueberries, mini chocolate chips optional
Gluten-Free Guide: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten.
How To Make
- Add the pancake mix, milk, applesauce, and oil to the microwave-safe mug. Stir with a fork until just mixed.
- Microwave for 60 seconds or until the center is cooked through.
- Serve immediately topped with your favorite pancake toppings. If you let these pancakes sit they do become tough and rubbery so enjoy them as soon as you cook them!
What To Put On Pancakes
Serve your pancake with the traditional pancake toppings of butter and maple syrup or step outside the box by adding any of these ideas:
- Fresh berries (raspberries, blueberries, blackberries or strawberries)
- Honey
- Maple syrup
- Banana slices
- Sauteed apples
- Chocolate chips
- Jelly or jam
- Dollop of cool whip or whipped cream
- Sprinkles
- Nut butter or chopped nuts
- Raisins, dried cranberries or dried cherries
What to Serve with Mug Pancakes
Microwave pancakes can be served as a stand-alone meal. However, you can absolutely turn this recipe into a heartier meal by serving with any breakfast sides.
Here are some easy and kid-friendly breakfast options:
- Turkey Bacon in the Oven
- Hashbrowns
- Gluten-free Toast
- Air Fryer French Toast Sticks
- Gluten Free French Toast
- Yogurt Parfait For Kids
- Fruit Salad With Watermelon
- Boiled Eggs
- Over Hard Eggs
- Homemade Protein Bars
- Gluten-Free Granola Bars
- Tofu Smoothie
Substitutions and Variations
- Use a homemade pancake mix instead of Bisquick.
- Turn dairy-free by using soy milk, almond milk, coconut milk or your favorite non-dairy alternative.
- Add a dash of cinnamon to the pancake mix for a flavor boost.
- Add a dash of allspice or pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal variation.
- Add lemon or orange zest to the pancake batter.
- Make in a bowl instead of a mug.
Frequently Asked Questions
You will want to use a microwave safe 12oz mug or larger for best results. Choosing a wide-mouth mug works best or even a bowl if you don’t have a wide-mouth mug.
Yes. Follow the directions as written but pour the ingredients into a bowl versus a mug. This is a great option if you only have small mugs (less than 12 ounces) at home.
If looking to make a protein-packed pancake similar to Kodiak cakes, you can add 1 Tablespoon of protein powder to the mug. This will make the pancake denser so you may need to add an extra splash of milk based on preference. You can also top the cooked pancake with a dollop of Greek yogurt (or dairy free yogurt) and/or nut butter (or sunflower butter) for a protein boost.
Total cooking time depends on the wattage of your microwave. Start with 60-seconds then add back to the microwave for additional 15-second increments until light and fluffy.
Insert a fork, knife or toothpick into the center of the pancake. If it comes out clean, you are go to go! If not, pop back into the microwave for an additional 15-seconds then repeat.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
These single-serve pancakes are best when eaten immediately. We highly recommend not storing and reheating microwaved pancakes but instead making a new batch each time.
Follow our step-by-step instructions on How to Freeze Pancakes if looking for tips and the best ways to reheat. You can take skillet pancakes from fresh to frozen in just 2 steps.
Kids In The Kitchen
Cooking tips and suggestions for kids making this recipe.
- Use a big enough mug to prevent the pancake mix from spilling over the edge when heated. Swapping the mug for a bowl is also an option.
- Check to see if the mug can be placed in the microwave by reading the bottom of the mug and looking for the words “Microwave safe”.
- Place a paper towel under the mug in the microwave for an easy cleanup in case of a spill.
- Use a fork or tiny whisk to mix the pancake batter before microwaving.
- Be careful removing the mug from the microwave. It can get hot!
More Gluten-Free Breakfast Recipes
- Dairy Free Waffles
- Gluten Free Oatmeal Recipes
- Oatmeal to Go
- Dairy Free Breakfast Casserole
- Vegetable Strata Recipe
- Peanut Butter Powder Smoothie
- Orange Smoothie Recipe
- Blueberry Spinach Muffins
- Gluten-Free Breakfast Tostadas
- Egg and Cheese McMuffin
- Cereal Granola
CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.
The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.
Pancake in a Mug
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Gluten-free Bisquick pancake mix or other GF pancake mix
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- pancake syrup, blueberries, mini chocolate chips optional
Instructions
- Mix the ingredients. Add the pancake mix, milk, applesauce, and oil to the microwave-safe mug. Stir with a fork until just mixed.1/4 cup Gluten-free Bisquick pancake mix, 2 tablespoons milk, 1 teaspoon applesauce, 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- ⭐️Microwave. Microwave for 60 seconds.
- Serve. Serve immediately topped with your favorite pancake toppings.pancake syrup, blueberries, mini chocolate chips
Notes
Pancake Toppings
- Fresh berries (raspberries, blueberries, blackberries or strawberries)
- Honey
- Maple syrup
- Banana slices
- Sauteed apples
- Chocolate chips
- Jelly or jam
- Dollop of cool whip or whipped cream
- Sprinkles
- Nut butter or chopped nuts
- Raisins, dried cranberries or dried cherries
Tips
- Use a 12-ounce mug or larger
- Swap with a bowl if only small mugs are available
- Check to see if the mug can be placed in the microwave by reading the bottom of the mug and looking for the words “Microwave safe”.
- Place a paper towel under the mug in the microwave for an easy cleanup in case of a spill.
- Insert a fork, knife or toothpick into the center of the pancake to check if it is done.
- Use a homemade pancake mix instead of Bisquick.
- Turn dairy free by using soy milk, almond milk, coconut milk or your favorite non-dairy alternative.
- Add a dash of cinnamon to the pancake mix for a flavor boost.
- Add a dash of allspice or pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal variation.
- Add lemon or orange zest to the pancake batter.
Nutrition
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