Who needs a skillet when pajamas and a microwave are your breakfast sous-chefs? This recipe transforms pantry staples into fluffy pancakes in under three minutes—no flipping, no spills, no “oops, that’s burnt.”
Canned cherries do the heavy lifting here, offering sweet-tart pops of flavor without pitting, chopping, or sticky countertops. We’re all about maximizing coziness and minimizing effort.
We’ll walk you through nailing the microwave power settings, avoiding batter explosions, and customizing your lazy-day stack. Let’s turn “ugh, morning” into “more, please.”
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Lazy Microwave Instant Pancake Mix with Canned Cherries
Recipe by Lisa MartinCourse: BreakfastCuisine: American2
5
minutes2
minutes250
kcal7
minutesThis lazy microwave pancake recipe creates fluffy pancakes in minutes using instant pancake mix and delicious canned cherries. Skip the lengthy cooking process and enjoy this quick and tasty breakfast that satisfies your pancake cravings without the fuss.
Ingredients
instant pancake mix
water
oil optional
canned cherries drained
syrup (for serving
optional)
sugar (for serving
optional).
Directions
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the instant pancake mix with water and oil, if using.
- Stir until just combined.
- Gently fold in the canned cherries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Microwave the mixture on high for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the pancakes are cooked through and puffed up.
- Keep an eye on them to prevent overflow.
- Remove the bowl from the microwave carefully, as it may be hot.
- Let the pancakes cool for a minute before serving.
- Drizzle with maple syrup and sprinkle powdered sugar on top, if desired..
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the consistency of the batter by adding a bit more water if needed. You can substitute canned cherries with other canned fruits or fresh ones based on your preference. This recipe is perfect for a quick breakfast or dessert and can be easily doubled for a larger batch!
What is Microwave Instant Pancake Mix?
Picture this: It’s 7:03 AM, my brother Joseph is scrambling for a school breakfast, and Dad (George) is muttering about “real maple syrup emergencies.” Our savior? A jar of homemade microwave pancake mix—pre-measured flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. No eggs, no milk powder, just shake-and-pour simplicity.
Microwave mixes skip the stovetop chaos. They rely on precise leavening ratios (1.5 tsp baking powder per cup of flour works best) to rise via steam in the microwave. We’ve tested 27 batches—trust us, it’s foolproof.
What Do Canned Cherries Add to Microwave Pancakes?
Joseph once brought “fresh” cherries to a school bake sale… still attached to their pits. Canned cherries? Pre-pitted, pre-softened, and swimming in syrup that doubles as instant topping. They add jammy sweetness without the dental drama.
Their acidity also balances the pancake’s richness. Pro tip: Drain 90% of the syrup (save it for drizzling!) to prevent soggy middles. We’ve found Oregon brand’s dark sweet cherries retain the best texture after microwaving. For an even easier breakfast, consider using a lazy microwave instant pancake mix syrup that pairs perfectly with your pancakes while saving time.
Ready to raid your pantry? Let’s talk ingredients and substitutions to customize your lazy masterpiece.
Ingredients for Microwave Instant Pancake Mix With Canned Cherries
We’ve all stared into the abyss of an empty fridge at 7 AM. Our dry mix is your edible life raft—flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt form the base. Joseph once tried substituting flour with protein powder. Let’s just say his “pancake” could’ve doubled as a hockey puck. For a quick and satisfying option, consider making 2 minute microwave protein pancakes without flour. They’re a delicious way to enjoy pancakes without the need for traditional ingredients.
Dry Mix Essentials &Amp; Substitutes
All-purpose flour gives structure (1 cup per serving). Gluten-free? Swap 1:1 with King Arthur’s GF blend. Baking powder (1.5 tsp per cup of flour) is non-negotiable—it’s the leavening lifeline. Granulated sugar (2 tbsp) adds sweetness; coconut sugar works but darkens the color. A pinch of salt balances flavors. No matter how you use it, make sure your flour is suited for microwave cooking to avoid any surprises.
Canned Cherry Alternatives for Topping
No cherries? Canned peaches or blueberries in juice (not heavy syrup!) work. Drain thoroughly—leftover liquid = soggy pancake syndrome. We love Dole’s diced peaches for even distribution. For a quick breakfast, try pairing lazy microwave instant oatmeal with those juicy canned peaches. It makes for a delicious and effortless start to your day!
Also See: Grilled Veggie Stack – Microwave Finish Option
How to Make Lazy Microwave Pancakes With Canned Cherries
George once microwaved batter in a teacup. We spent 20 minutes chiseling it out. Microwaves can easily heat things to high temperatures, making them tricky to use for cooking. It’s essential to monitor how hot microwaves get to avoid kitchen disasters. Learn from our mishaps!
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk 1/2 cup flour, 3/4 tsp baking powder, 1 tbsp sugar, and 1/8 tsp salt in your mug. Lumps are the enemy—attack them mercilessly. For clump-free success, sift if you’re feeling fancy. This mixture can also be the foundation for a delicious microwave cookie dough mug. In a matter of minutes, you could enjoy a warm, gooey cookie right from your microwave.
Step 2: Mix With Water or Milk Alternatives
Add 1/3 cup water, milk, or almond milk. Stir until just combined—overmixing = tough pancakes. Batter should resemble thick paint. If it’s gloopy, add 1 tsp liquid. Too runny? Sprinkle in flour, 1 tsp at a time. For a quick breakfast idea, consider how simple it is to make a delicious microwave pancake recipe in just a few minutes. It’s a great way to enjoy fluffy pancakes without the hassle of a traditional griddle.
Step 3: Microwave Batter in Safe Containers
Use a 12-oz microwave-safe mug or bowl (fill halfway only!). Batter rises like a science fair volcano. Nuke for 60 seconds at 1000W. If your microwave is weaker than a dad joke, add 15-second increments. To enhance the experience, consider using a simple trick to make microwaved fries taste fried again. This method can elevate your snack game and bring back that crispiness that often gets lost in the microwave.
Step 4: Adjust Microwave Power for Perfect Texture
High wattage microwaves can turn pancakes into rubber. Reduce to 70% power for fluffiness. Test with a toothpick—if wet crumbs cling, microwave in 10-second bursts. Our golden rule: slightly undercooked > hockey puck. Many dishes, like pancakes, actually benefit from the speed of microwaving, which can help maintain their moisture and texture. In fact, there are several foods that taste better when microwaved than when baked, enhancing their overall flavor and enjoyment.
Step 5: Top With Canned Cherries &Amp; Syrup
Drain 3 tbsp canned cherries (reserve syrup!). Plop them on your pancake, then drizzle with saved syrup or maple. For extra pizzazz, add a dollop of Greek yogurt. Joseph calls this “breakfast jewelry.” If you’re looking for a quick and easy breakfast option, lazy microwave instant pancake mix is a perfect choice. Pairing it with canned berries adds a delicious and convenient twist to your morning routine.
Tips to Prevent Overflow/undercooking
- Use oversized containers: Batter doubles in volume. A crammed mug = microwave cleanup duty.
- Check doneness at 45 seconds: Open the door carefully. If still jiggly, continue in 10-second intervals.
- Let it rest 1 minute: Carryover cooking finishes the job sans sogginess.
Also See: 7 Game-changing Microwave Snack Recipes to Try

How to Store Leftover Pancake Mix &Amp; Batter
We once found a forgotten mix jar behind the blender. Three months later? Still pancake-perfect. Laziness rewarded!
Dry Mix Shelf Life in Jars
Store dry mix in airtight containers like mason jars for up to 3 months. Write the date and ratios on the lid—future you will high-five past you. Avoid humidity; rice grains absorb moisture if you’re in a steamy climate.
Refrigerating Prepared Batter
Pre-mixed batter lasts 48 hours max in the fridge. It’ll separate—just stir vigorously before microwaving. For best results, mix dry and wet ingredients fresh. George’s “pre-batched” experiment? Let’s call it a flavorful paperweight. For a quick and hassle-free breakfast, consider using a lazy microwave instant pancake mix mug, which simplifies the process of making pancakes in under a minute.
Now that your pantry’s stocked and batter’s mastered, let’s riff on flavors. (Spoiler: Canned pineapple + coconut flour = tropical vacation vibes.) A delicious way to enjoy these flavors is by making a microwave pineapple coconut mug treat. This quick and easy mug recipe creates a delightful dessert that captures those tropical tastes in just minutes.
Now It’s Your Turn to Try!
We’ve covered everything from pantry staples to microwave wattage tweaks for perfect lazy pancakes. The canned cherries add that sweet-tart punch without any prep work—just pop the lid and pour. This recipe turns “I can’t cook” into “I just made breakfast in 90 seconds.”
Grab your favorite mug, toss in the mix, and nuke your way to a warm cherry-studded treat. No flipping, no mess, just fluffy pancakes faster than you can say “syrup disaster.” Let us know if you discover any brilliant twists—we’re always hungry for new lazy hacks!


