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About This Recipe
If you love enjoying a stack of fluffy pancakes in the morning but don’t have time to stand over a hot griddle and flip a bunch of hotcakes, you have to try this 5-minute Pancake Bowl! It’s the easiest way to enjoy all the classic, comforting flavors of your favorite breakfast but in a quick, mess-free way! No more having to wait until a weekend morning to enjoy the tastes of classic pancakes!
The best part? Not only is this recipe super quick to make, but it’s made with minimal ingredients and requires almost zero effort! Plus, you can top your lazy girl pancake bowl with all your favorite toppings like fresh fruit, maple syrup, nut butter, chocolate chips, etc. The yummy pancake bowls are guaranteed to be a hit with adults and kids alike!
Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast to enjoy during the morning rush or need a little afternoon treat, this recipe is perfect for satisfying your cravings and hunger!
Looking for more pancake-inspired recipes? Try my easy Protein Pancakes with Greek Yogurt, Mini Chocolate Chip Pancake Bites or Banana Oatmeal Pancakes!

Why You’ll Love This Quick Pancake Bowl Recipe
- A super easy breakfast that is ready in less than 5 minutes!
- Perfect for meal prep or busy mornings!
- Top with all of your favorite toppings like maple syrup, fresh blueberries, chocolate chips, etc.
- Only 4 ingredients needed!
- Less than 300 calories and 15 grams of protein per serving!

- Pancake mix: You can use any pancake mix you like! I used Kodiak Buttermilk pancake mix because I love the way it taste (plus it’s higher in protein and fiber than traditional mix). Use a gluten-free pancake mix if needed.
- Baking powder: A little bit of baking powder helps make these pancake bowls nice and fluffy! I recommend using fresh baking powder (opened within the last 3 months). You can also omit the baking powder if you don’t have any.
- Granulated sugar: Just a teaspoon of sugar gives these pancakes the perfect amount of sweetness. You can also use coconut sugar, honey, granulated sweetener or omit completely.
- Water: Water or milk both work as the liquid for these pancake bowls.
- Butter: A pat of butter on top of your warm pancake bowl give you the classic pancake taste!
- Favorite toppings: Add your favorite toppings like a drizzle of maple syrup or pancake syrup (sugar-free if needed), mini chocolate chips, fresh berries, ripe banana slices or other fresh fruit
- Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free pancake mix.
- Nut butters: Drizzle your favorite peanut butter or almond butter for additional healthy fats!
- Protein powder: Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder or collagen for extra protein. Just note you may need to add additional water (or milk) to get the right consistency.
- Greek yogurt: Serve with a scoop of greek yogurt for additional protein!
How To Make
The full printable recipe is below, but let me walk you through the process so you know what to expect when you’re making it!

1. Add the pancake mix, baking powder, sugar (plus a pinch of salt, if desired) to a microwave safe bowl. Whisk together.

2. Pour in the water. Mix until just combine.

3. Microwave for 1 minute and 30 seconds.

4. Allow to cool for 1-2 minutes then top with pats of butter. Enjoy with maple syrup and toppings of choice if desired and enjoy!
I prefer to eat these pancake bowls fresh but if you are making these pancake bowls for meal prep, you can store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Then just reheat for a few seconds in the microwave (be careful to avoid overheating or your pancake bowl will be tough).
Another great option for meal prep is to go ahead and mix all your dry ingredients (pancake mix, baking powder and sugar) in the microwave-safe bowl or container. Then all you have to do is add water, mix and microwave for 1 minute and 30 seconds in the morning.

What is a pancake bowl?
A pancake bowl is a quick, single-serve version of pancakes cooked in a microwave-safe bowl. It has the fluffy texture of traditional pancakes but is easier and faster to prepare.
What type of pancake mix works best for these pancake bowls?
You can use any type of pancake mix you like for these pancake bowls. I like using Kodiak Buttermilk pancake mix since it’s higher in protein but you can use regular pancake mix, whole wheat pancake mix, gluten-free pancake mix, keto pancake mix, etc.
How do I prevent my pancake bowl from overflowing?
Make sure your bowl is large enough to allow room for the batter to rise during cooking. Your mix should only fill the bowl halfway or less.
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure leave a review, tag me on Instagram or TikTok at @LaurenFitFoodie or hashtag #LaurenFitFoodie so I can see your creations!

5-Minute Pancake Bowl
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup any pancake mix (63g) I used Kodiak buttermilk
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water (120g)
- 1 tsp unsalted butter
Optional for serving:
- Maple or pancake syrup sugar-free if needed
- Mini chocolate chips
- Blueberries, strawberries, or other fruit
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Instructions
- Add the pancake mix, baking powder, sugar (plus a pinch of salt, if desired) to a microwave safe bowl. Whisk together.
- Pour in the water and mix just until combined.
- Microwave for 1 minute and 30 seconds.
- Allow to cool for 1-2 minutes then top with pats of butter. Enjoy with maple syrup and toppings of choice if desired and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition is hand-calculated and accurate. No autocalulations! However, note that values can vary based on the brands you use and if you substitute ingredients.