Single Serving Fluffy Baked Protein Pancake Bowls is a light, protein-packed baked pancake made in a ramekin or small bowl for one, combining protein powder, eggs, milk, and a few pantry staples into a fluffy breakfast that’s oven-baked for ease and texture.
Single Serving Fluffy Baked Protein Pancake Bowls are perfect for busy mornings or meal prep when you want something warm, satisfying, and portable without the fuss of a skillet.
Single Serving Fluffy Baked Protein Pancake Bowls bring together the comfort of pancakes with the nutrition of a protein-rich breakfast and minimal cleanup, making them a go-to for weekday routines. Single Serving Fluffy Baked Protein Pancake Bowls are versatile – dress them sweet or savory depending on your mood.
Table of Contents
What Makes This Recipe So Special
This recipe transforms common ingredients into a high-protein single-serve breakfast that rises tall and stays tender. Unlike skillet pancakes that require flipping and timing, these bowls bake evenly, giving you a consistent texture every time.
The recipe is built to be forgiving – swap milk types, protein powder flavors, or add-ins without breaking the chemistry. If you’re experimenting with meal prep, this method is a great starting point, and you can pair this bowl with other healthy recipes like my baked boneless skinless chicken thighs for a balanced day of eating.
Why it works – the eggs and protein powder provide structure while baking powder and a small amount of oil or melted butter make the interior tender. Gentle whisking and not overmixing keep the pancake airy. Baking in a bowl concentrates heat and gives the sides a subtle crust while leaving the center soft.
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup vanilla whey protein powder (or plant-based equivalent)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon melted butter or neutral oil
- 1-2 tablespoons add-ins – fresh berries, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts
- Non-stick spray or a little extra butter for greasing the ramekin
Measurements above are precise for the single-serving size and give predictable results. Keep those ratios for consistent fluff and rise.
Equipment
- 1 ramekin or small oven-safe bowl (6-8 ounce size)
- Mixing bowl and whisk or fork
- Measuring spoons and small scale (optional)
- Oven and baking tray (to catch spills)
- Cooling rack
Preparation Notes
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease the ramekin and set a baking tray on the middle rack to catch any possible spills – this keeps cleanup easy. If you’re baking at altitude or using different protein powders, keep an eye on the first bake to adjust time by 2-3 minutes.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
Combine: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, melted butter, vanilla, and maple syrup until smooth. This ensures the wet base is homogeneous and helps the dry ingredients blend quickly.
Add Dry Ingredients
Fold: Add the protein powder, flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir just until incorporated – a few small lumps are fine. Overmixing can deflate air and reduce the fluff.
Add Mix-Ins
Incorporate: Gently fold in your chosen mix-ins like berries or chocolate chips. If you add fruit, press a few extra pieces into the top for a pretty presentation once baked.
Transfer and Smooth
Pour: Spoon the batter into the prepared ramekin, smoothing the top lightly. The batter should fill about 3/4 of the ramekin to allow room for rise.
Bake
Bake: Place the ramekin on the preheated tray and bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes, or until the top is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. Exact time depends on oven variances and batter thickness.
Rest and Garnish
Cool: Remove the ramekin from the oven and let it sit 2-3 minutes – this helps the interior finish cooking and makes it easier to spoon. Top with yogurt, nut butter, fruit, or a drizzle of extra syrup.
Serve
Enjoy: Dig in warm, directly from the bowl. Single-serving ease means no sharing required – it’s your cozy breakfast moment.
Tips From the Test Kitchen
- Use a medium-protein powder that’s not overly dense – very fine powders can make the batter dry, while very coarse powders may need a touch more milk.
- To save dishes, whisk in the ramekin – beat the egg and milk first, then add powders, stirring with a fork.
- For a dairy-free bowl, swap milk for almond or oat milk and use plant-based protein powder and oil instead of butter.
- If you love cinnamon, add 1/4 teaspoon for a warm spice note.
- If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with aluminum foil for the final few minutes.
Serving Ideas
You can top these bowls in many ways – Greek yogurt and berries for tang, nut butter and sliced banana for richness, or a handful of toasted granola for crunch. This is also a great way to enjoy “Single Serving Fluffy Baked Protein Pancake Bowls” alongside a cup of coffee or green smoothie for a balanced start. Pair with a simple side like smoked salmon or a savory muffin if you prefer a higher-protein brunch.
Here’s another twist – turn it savory by swapping vanilla protein powder for an unflavored or savory protein and add herbs, cheese, and chopped ham. The baking time remains the same, and you’ll get a fluffy, omelet-like bowl.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a microwave for 30-45 seconds or oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. If the center tightens after chilling, add a splash of milk before reheating to restore moisture.
Nutrition (approximate)
Per single bowl (varies by protein powder and add-ins):
- Calories: 270-320
- Protein: 20-28g
- Carbs: 18-25g
- Fat: 9-12g
Adjust by swapping protein powder or changing the sweetener and add-ins.
Food Safety
- Ensure eggs are fresh and handled properly.
- If serving to someone pregnant or immunocompromised, fully cook until a toothpick comes out clean and consider pasteurized eggs.
- Cool quickly if not eaten immediately and refrigerate within two hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without protein powder?
Yes – replace the protein powder with an equal amount of flour and add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt to keep some protein and moisture.
What if my batter is too thick?
Add milk 1 teaspoon at a time until you reach a thick pancake-batter consistency.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but bake in individual ramekins for consistent rise and timing rather than one large dish.
Can I freeze these?
You can freeze the baked bowls wrapped tightly in foil for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat.
Best protein powder to use?
Whey concentrates tend to bake well; plant-based blends with pea and rice also work but may change texture slightly.
Troubleshooting
If your bowl is dense, next time try:
- Sifting the protein powder and flour to aerate them.
- Whisking the egg whites separately and folding them in for extra lift.
- Checking your baking powder – if it’s old, the rise will be compromised.
If it collapses after cooling:
- Avoid overmixing and cool only briefly before serving. Overbaking can also dry it out.
Personal Note
I started making Single Serving Fluffy Baked Protein Pancake Bowls on chaotic weekday mornings when skillet time wasn’t an option. They’ve become my reliable single-serve comfort food – often topped with leftover fruit or a scoop of ricotta for variety. Once I learned to tweak mix-ins, they became my go-to for adapting to whatever was in the fridge.
Conclusion
These Single Serving Fluffy Baked Protein Pancake Bowls are a winner because they combine speed, nutrition, and comfort in one simple oven-baked dish – great for busy mornings or weekend treats. The method guarantees a tender interior with a pleasant rise, delivering protein and flavor without the mess of a pan.
If you tried this recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating below – I’d love to hear how you topped yours. Share this recipe on Pinterest or Facebook so friends can enjoy quick, healthy breakfasts too.
Looking for more baked pancake inspiration? Check out this helpful resource: Baked Protein Pancake Bowls – great for meal prep and no banana. What variation will you try next – fruit, chocolate, or savory – let us know below!

Single Serving Fluffy Baked Protein Pancake Bowls
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease the ramekin and set a baking tray on the middle rack to catch any possible spills.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, melted butter, vanilla, and maple syrup until smooth.
- Add the protein powder, flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir just until incorporated; a few small lumps are fine.
- Gently fold in your chosen mix-ins like berries or chocolate chips.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared ramekin, smoothing the top lightly.
- Place the ramekin on the preheated tray and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until the top is set.
- Remove the ramekin from the oven and let it sit for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy warm, directly from the bowl.
