Uncle Buck Pancakes are a fun and delicious way to elevate your breakfast game, inspired by the beloved classic film featuring John Candy and the iconic giant pancake scene.
Perfect for birthday celebrations or special weekend brunches, these oversized pancakes are sure to delight both kids and adults alike.
This guide will take you through the steps to create these fluffy treats on a Blackstone griddle, using medium heat and a simple recipe, including the essential equipment and a touch of maple syrup.
Get ready to flip your way to pancake perfection with a giant metal spatula!
Key Takeaways
- Uncle Buck pancakes are extremely large, fluffy pancakes that are perfect for special occasions or kid's birthdays.
- To make Uncle Buck pancakes, you will need a Blackstone Griddle, a large mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, and a pizza peel and pan.
- The key steps to making Uncle Buck pancakes include preheating the griddle to low heat, using plenty of oil on the griddle and pizza peel, pouring a 14-18" pancake on the griddle, flipping with a pizza peel when bubbles appear, and adding a large block of butter and an entire bottle of syrup before serving.
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What Are Uncle Buck Pancakes?
Uncle Buck pancakes, famously featured in the classic movie starring John Candy and Macaulay Culkin, are enormous pancakes that not only satisfy hunger but also evoke nostalgia for fans of the film. These delightful creations are often made during special occasions such as kids’ birthdays, TikTok challenges, or family brunches, offering a fun way to celebrate. With their generous size and fluffy texture, Uncle Buck pancakes have become a beloved breakfast novelty for both children and adults alike, drawing inspiration from the memorable scene with Macaulay Culkin and the giant pancake platter his Uncle Buck made. Their appeal lies in their simplicity, shear size, and the joy they bring to the breakfast table.
What Equipment Do You Need to Make Uncle Buck Pancakes?
To create the perfect Uncle Buck pancakes, specific equipment is necessary to achieve that fluffy, giant texture that captures the essence of this beloved breakfast dish. Utilizing tools like a 36″ Blackstone Griddle is essential for cooking the pancakes evenly, while a large mixing bowl allows for easy preparation of the batter. Other items, such as whisk or mixing spoons for combining dry ingredients, measuring cups for precise portions, and a pizza peel for easy flipping, are crucial for an efficient cooking experience.
Additionally, having a large pizza pan can help serve these enormous pancakes, making the cooking process more manageable and enjoyable, especially when styled for TikTok or social gatherings.
Blackstone Griddle
The Blackstone Griddle is a versatile cooking surface that is particularly ideal for making Uncle Buck pancakes due to its spacious area that allows for a giant pancake to be cooked evenly. This griddle offers an even heating surface that ensures the pancakes are cooked to perfection, providing that sought-after fluffiness while preventing uneven browning. With its non-stick surface, cleanup becomes a breeze, making it a favorite among home cooks and pancake enthusiasts alike.
- PRO TIP: Only cook one pancake at a time. It's tempting to cook two at the same time since you have the grill area, but you need the extra space on the side to slide under the pancake as flat as possible in order to flip it over.
What sets the Blackstone Griddle apart from traditional pancake cooking methods is its exceptional temperature control, enabling users to adjust heat settings easily for various batter types. But for these pancakes, just keep the heat as low as it goes. The generous cooking space, often spanning up to 36 inches, accommodates large quantities, making it perfect for family breakfasts or gatherings with friends.
- Spacious Cooking Area: Easily prepare multiple pancakes at once without overcrowding.
- Precision Temperature Control: Adjust heat settings to ensure optimal batter cooking.
- Non-Stick Surface: Minimize cleanup time and hassle after a delightful pancake feast.
In essence, this high-performance griddle not only enhances cooking efficiency but also ensures that every fluffy pancake comes out just right.
Large Mixing Bowl
A large mixing bowl is essential when preparing the pancake batter for Uncle Buck pancakes, allowing ample space for the dry ingredients and wet components to be effectively mixed together. This vessel enables you to incorporate all the ingredients smoothly without any mess, ensuring that your batter reaches the ideal consistency for fluffy pancakes. Having a large mixing bowl makes it easier to whisk in any extra flavors or ingredients, such as vanilla or chocolate chips, enhancing the overall pancake experience.
Stir using a whisk or spatula, ensuring that no lumps remain for a smooth batter. This thorough mixing ensures that each pancake turns out light and fluffy, with a delightful texture. So, next time you’re whipping up a batch, remember that a large mixing bowl is your ally for making Uncle Buck’s giant pancakes!
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Measuring cups and spoons are critical for accurately determining ingredient quantities when preparing Uncle Buck pancakes, ensuring that each batch turns out perfectly every time. Each box of pancakes requires 4 cups of water, so having a large measuring cup is helpful so you can fill it up only once per box.
Pizza Peel
A pizza peel is a handy tool for flipping and serving Uncle Buck pancakes, particularly when using a Blackstone Griddle. This flat, wide spatula allows for easy maneuvering of the large pancakes, making it simple to slide under them without damaging their fluffy structure. It provides a convenient way to transfer the cooked pancakes to a serving platter, ensuring a seamless cooking experience.
- PRO TIP: Make sure to grease the pizza peel with olive oil before every use. Having the pancake stick to the pizza peel is a recipe for disaster, so apply oil liberally.
Using a pizza peel can greatly enhance your pancake-making experience, especially when it comes to large, fluffy creations. Its ample surface area means that you can support most of the Uncle Buck pancake. This tool reduces the risk of mishaps during flipping, allowing for a perfect golden-brown crust every time, making it ideal for creating Uncle Buck’s giant pancakes.
- To use it effectively, make sure to oil the peel with olive oil spray before every use to prevent sticking.
- When you are ready to flip, gently slide the peel beneath the pancake, using a swift lift to flip it over.
You may need to use a second spatula to support any part of the pancake not on top of the pizza peel.
- PRO TIP: I prefer the pizza peel that has a short handle, since it makes it easier to flip.
Large Pizza Pan
A large pizza pan is perfect for serving Uncle Buck pancakes, providing ample space to display these enormous creations in an appealing manner. This type of pan allows for easy stacking and serving, making it an essential item for brunches or birthday celebrations where impressive presentations are key. The wide surface area of a large pizza pan ensures that the pancakes remain warm until it’s time to dig in.
Regarding gatherings, the versatility of a large pizza pan truly shines, especially when serving these giant breakfast treats with butter and syrup.
- Its generous dimensions effectively accommodate the stack of huge pancakes, and there is room for syrup to drizzle and collect at the bottom.
- Serving pancakes on a pizza pan also creates an inviting layout, encouraging everyone to dive in together.
- The rim of the pan keeps any toppings or syrup contained, preventing spills and ensuring a clean presentation.
Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or a festive brunch, utilizing a large pizza pan elevates the Uncle Buck Pancake experience!.
How to Make Uncle Buck Pancakes?
Making Uncle Buck pancakes is a straightforward process that transforms simple ingredients into giant, fluffy pancakes that can delight your family and friends. The recipe involves using four boxes of “just-add-water” pancake mix, and then cooking the batter on a preheated Blackstone Griddle at low heat. The result is enormous pancakes topped with maple syrup, butter, or even whip cream for an unforgettable breakfast experience. These pancakes, popularized by John Candy in the movie “Uncle Buck,” are not only visually impressive but also delicious, making them a perfect addition to any special breakfast or birthday celebration. The style of these pancakes has even inspired TikTok trends!
Preheat Blackstone Griddle
The first step in making Uncle Buck pancakes is to preheat your Blackstone Griddle to a low heat, ensuring that the cooking surface is at the ideal temperature for crispy edges and fluffy centers. This preparatory step is crucial; if the griddle is not hot enough, the pancakes can become soggy and fail to rise properly. By preheating adequately, you create an environment where the pancakes can achieve that perfect golden-brown finish.
To ensure that the griddle reaches this optimal temperature, you can take a few simple steps. First, allow the griddle to heat for about 10-15 minutes, which gives it ample time to reach the desired heat level. Here are some tips to check the temperature:
- Drop a few water droplets onto the surface; if they sizzle and evaporate quickly, the griddle is ready.
- Hold your hand about 6 inches above the griddle; if you can feel medium heat, it’s time to start cooking.
Recognizing when your griddle is ready helps prevent undercooked or overcooked pancakes. An ideal surface temperature not only enhances the texture but also ensures an even cook throughout. With these tips in mind, you’re set for pancake success!
Mix Water and Pancake Mix
To prepare the batter for Uncle Buck pancakes, combine the pancake mix with water, adjusting the consistency to ensure the pancakes turn out fluffy and delicious. The ratio of water to pancake mix is vital; too much water can lead to a runny batter, while too little can cause the pancakes to be dense. Stir the mixture until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the pancakes.
Achieving the perfect batter consistency is an essential step that cannot be overlooked. A well-balanced combination of pancake mix and water will create a delightful texture that allows each pancake to rise beautifully.
- Start by gradually adding water and checking the thickness; aim for a batter that can gently drop from a spoon without being too liquid.
- For added flavor, consider mixing in ingredients like vanilla extract or cinnamon to enhance the overall taste.
- If you’re looking for a healthier twist, substituting some water with milk or almond milk can enrich the flavor profile while keeping it light.
Remember, the key is to monitor and adjust; this way, you can ensure that the pancakes not only look amazing but also taste incredible.
Pour Batter onto Griddle
Once the batter is ready, grease the Blackstone with olive oil on one side, and carefully pour half the bowl of batter onto the preheated Blackstone Griddle to form a giant pancake shape, reminiscent of the Uncle Buck pancakes seen in the movie.
- PRO TIP: A rubber spatula can be used to shape the edges if needed, ensuring they maintain a perfect round form.
To achieve perfectly shaped pancakes, begin by pouring the batter from a height of about six inches. This technique helps the batter to spread more evenly across the griddle. Remember to preheat your griddle adequately; a well-heated surface results in a lovely golden-brown crust.
- If you notice any irregular edges, don’t hesitate to gently nudge them back into shape with the spatula.
- Check for bubbles on the surface of the pancake; this is a good indicator that it is time to flip.
- Do not flip too early – with the large size of the pancake, flipping is tough, and you want to error on the side of it being overcooked than undercooked.
With these tips, making delightful, fluffy pancakes will be a breeze!
Flip Pancakes When Bubbles Appear
Flipping Uncle Buck pancakes at the right moment is crucial for achieving that perfect cook; wait until bubbles appear on the surface, signaling that it’s time to turn them over. This visual cue indicates that the underside is beautifully browned and that the pancakes are ready for the next stage of cooking. Using a greased pizza peel, gently slide underneath the pancake as flat as you can get the peel, and flip it swiftly to avoid any mess.
When preparing these fluffy delights, timing is everything. Besides the bubbles, you can also take note of how the edges look. If they appear slightly dry and the center is lifting, you’re on the right track.
Here are some tips to ensure a flawless flip:
- Choose the Right Spatula: A large, greased pizza peel provides stability, making the flip easier.
- Keep the Heat Low: Too high a temperature can cause the pancakes to burn, making flipping difficult.
- Practice the Flip Motion: A quick practice of your flipping motion will help you flip it smoothly without tearing the pancake.
By observing these cues and using the right techniques, anyone can master the art of flipping giant pancakes, delivering a breakfast that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing!
Transfer to Serving Platter
After flipping and cooking the Uncle Buck pancakes to golden perfection, it’s time to transfer them to a serving platter, showcasing their impressive size and fluffy texture. Using the pizza peel or a large spatula, gently slide the pancakes onto the platter, ensuring they remain intact and do not lose their shape during the process. This moment is when you can admire the giant pancakes that will soon delight your family or guests.
To ensure each pancake lands seamlessly, consider the following tips:
- Grease the pizza peel before sliding under the pancake
- Use a second spatula to support any part of the pancake not under the pizza peel. Use it to also help shimmy the pancake off the peel onto the platter.
- For a stunning presentation, stack the pancakes vertically in the center of the platter, as this showcases both their size and fluffy height.
You will need to repeat this process until you have a stack of 6-10 pancakes. For my stack, I have 8 pancakes and used 4 boxes of pancake mix.
Add Butter and Syrup
To complete your Uncle Buck pancakes, adding a huge block of butter and an entire bottle of syrup is essential for that classic breakfast experience. I recommend using the Kerrigold Butter block, which you can buy at a grocery store or at Costco.
- PRO TIP: Use a toothpick to connect the butter block to the pancake stack so that it won't slide down the pancake as it warms.
But the possibilities don’t stop there; playing with toppings can elevate these pancakes to a whole new level. Think about fresh fruits like blueberries, bananas, or strawberries, which not only add natural sweetness but also a burst of color that makes the dish visually appealing. For those with a taste for the unconventional, try adding whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a dollop of Nutella for a chocolatey flair.
- Fruits: Fresh blueberries, sliced bananas, or strawberries.
- Drizzles: Honey or chocolate syrup for unique flavors.
- Crunch: Crushed nuts for that extra crunch.
The way you present your pancakes can also make a significant difference. Stacking them high with a mix of textures and colors, garnished with powdered sugar or mint leaves, can create a stunning centerpiece for your breakfast spread.
After all, enjoying a meal is not just about taste; it’s also about the visual experience that brings everyone together at the table.
But if you want the true Uncle Buck pancake experience, just stick to butter and syrup.
Recipe and Supply List
To successfully make Uncle Buck’s giant pancakes, having a well-organized recipe and supply list ensures that you don’t miss any essential ingredients or tools during the cooking process. The supply list should include all the necessary dry and wet ingredients, along with the required cooking tools like the Blackstone Griddle, mixing bowl, and pizza peel. This preparation not only streamlines the cooking experience but also helps you achieve consistent results every time you whip up these giant pancakes.
Tools & Equipment
The tools and equipment you use are integral to creating delicious Uncle Buck’s giant pancakes, especially when it comes to achieving the right texture and enormous size. Essential items include the Blackstone Griddle for cooking, mixing bowls for preparation, and measuring cups for accuracy in your ingredients. Each tool plays a significant role in ensuring that the pancakes turn out fluffy and golden, making the cooking experience both enjoyable and efficient, reminiscent of Dan Souza’s cooking advice.
Here are the tools you will need:
- Blackstone Griddle: I recommend the 36″ version, but the 28″ will work as well.
- Pizza Peel: The 18″ metal peel with a short handle is my recommendation.
- Hamburger Spatula: This wide spatula from Blackstone will help you support the part of the pancake not on top of the pizza peel.
- Mixing Bowls: The large one in this set is what we use.
- Pizza Pan: The 20-inch size is perfect for Uncle Buck pancakes.
- Toothpicks: Required to attach the butter block to the top of the pancake stack.
Supplies
Gathering the right supplies is essential for making Uncle Buck pancakes, as the quality of your ingredients directly affects the final outcome. To achieve that delightfully fluffy and satisfying pancake experience, here’s a list of supplies you shouldn’t overlook:
- Pancake Mix: This set of four is the “just add water” type, which is ideal for Uncle Buck pancakes.
- Olive Oil: For greasing the Blackstone Griddle.
- Olive Oil Spray: For greasing the pizza peel.
- Syrup: Feel free to buy as fancy as you want, but keep in mind that most of the syrup probably won’t be consumed, so a budget syrup will suffice.
All of the above is available on amazon, but you can shop at your local grocery store as well.
Final Thoughts
Uncle Buck pancakes are more than just a delicious breakfast; they are a delightful throwback to the style seen in TikTok trends to cherished moments spent with family and friends, reminiscent of the classic John Candy movie. The massive size and fluffy texture make them perfect for special breakfasts or birthday celebrations, creating lasting memories around the dining table. Whether enjoyed with maple syrup, ice cream, or your favorite fruits, Uncle Buck pancakes have the unique ability to turn any ordinary morning into an extraordinary experience.
Why not make them a part of your next family gathering, perhaps for a special birthday celebration? When you make them, post to social media and use #unclebuckpancakes so we can check them out! Next on the blog, how to make giant toast, and how to fit them through the door. (only true UB fans will get that!)
Frequently Asked Questions
Uncle Buck pancakes are large, fluffy pancakes made popular by the movie starring John Candy. They are perfect for special occasions or indulgent breakfasts.
To make Uncle Buck pancakes, you will need a griddle or large pan and a few boxes of pancake mix. The key is to make them large and fluffy, just like the ones in the movie with Macaulay Culkin.
Yes, you can use any pancake batter recipe that you like. However, the "just-add-water" type of mix is the easiest to use and the most affordable (since you are not buying eggs, milk, and oil as well).
Yes, you need a large cooking surface to make these pancakes, and the Blackstone Griddle is a perfect option.
The key to fluffy pancakes is to not overmix the batter. Also, make sure to let the batter rest for a few minutes before cooking to allow the leavening agents to activate.
Yes, Uncle Buck pancakes are perfect for any occasion where you want to treat yourself or your loved ones to a delicious and indulgent breakfast. They are especially popular for kids' birthdays or special family breakfasts.
