Frequently Asked Questions
What are Confetti Cake Stack Pancakes?
Confetti Cake Stack Pancakes are festive, fluffy pancakes made with a combination of confetti cake mix and Bisquick, layered into a tall stack and topped with a sweet glaze and rainbow sprinkles.
What ingredients do I need for the pancake glaze?
The glaze requires 2 1/2 cups of sifted powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
How do I make the pancake batter?
Combine confetti cake mix, Bisquick, and rainbow sprinkles in a bowl. Then mix in 1 1/2 cups of milk, 3 beaten eggs, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until smooth.
What type of cake mix is best for this recipe?
A standard confetti or funfetti cake mix works best to provide the signature cake-like flavor and colorful appearance.
What role does Bisquick play in the recipe?
Bisquick acts as the leavening agent and provides the structural base to ensure the pancakes are fluffy and hold their shape when stacked.
How many pancakes does this recipe produce?
This recipe is designed to create 8 pancake layers of varying sizes to form the stack.
What specific sizes should the pancakes be for the stack?
You should cook the pancakes in batches using the following measurements: 3/4 cup, 1/2 cup, 1/4 cup, and 2 tablespoons to create graduated layers.
Can I add extra sprinkles to the batter?
Yes, you can fold in additional rainbow sprinkles after the batter is smooth for an extra burst of color.
How do I prevent the pancakes from sticking to the griddle?
Lightly coat a nonstick skillet or griddle with nonstick cooking spray and preheat it over medium heat before pouring the batter.
How do I know when to flip the pancakes?
Cook each pancake until golden brown on the bottom and bubbles begin to form on the surface, then flip once to cook the other side.
How should I arrange the pancakes once they are cooked?
Arrange them on a cake stand or platter by stacking them from the largest diameter at the bottom to the smallest at the top.
When should I add the glaze?
Drizzle the prepared glaze over the stack once all the pancakes are cooked and arranged in their final layered positions.
What should I do if the glaze is too thick?
If the glaze mixture is too thick, gradually add more milk a teaspoon at a time until it reaches a pourable consistency.
Are these pancakes suitable for a birthday celebration?
Absolutely! With their cake flavor, colorful sprinkles, and tiered stack appearance, they are perfect for birthdays or brunch gatherings.
How do I serve the pancake stack?
Serve the stack warm by cutting it into wedges, similar to how you would slice a cake.
Can I use different types of sprinkles?
While rainbow colored sprinkles are recommended for the confetti look, you can use any festive sprinkles that match your occasion.
How much vanilla extract is used in total?
A total of 2 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract is used: 1 teaspoon for the glaze and 1 1/2 teaspoons for the pancake batter.
How many eggs are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 large eggs, which should be beaten before being added to the batter.
Can I use a different type of milk?
Yes, while the recipe specifies milk, you can likely substitute with dairy-free alternatives, though the consistency and flavor may vary slightly.
Should I sift the powdered sugar?
Yes, sifting the powdered sugar is recommended to ensure the glaze is smooth and free of lumps.
How do I keep the first pancakes warm while cooking the rest?
You can keep finished pancakes warm by placing them on a baking sheet in a low-temperature oven or on a warm plate covered with foil.
Can I make these on a regular frying pan?
Yes, a nonstick skillet works perfectly as long as it is preheated and lightly greased.
Is this a breakfast or a dessert recipe?
It is a versatile dish that works as a sweet, festive breakfast or brunch, but it is also sweet enough to serve as a dessert.
What should I do with leftover glaze?
Any remaining glaze can be offered on the side for guests to add extra sweetness to their individual wedges.
Can I use homemade cake mix?
Yes, if you have a preferred homemade confetti cake mix recipe, you can use 2 cups of that dry mix in place of the store-bought version.
Do I need to add butter to the batter?
This specific recipe does not call for butter in the batter; the fats are provided by the eggs and the cake mix components.
How long does it take to cook each pancake?
Pancakes typically take 2-3 minutes per side over medium heat, depending on their size and the heat of your griddle.
Is the Bisquick amount based on the dry mix?
Yes, you use 1 1/2 cups of the dry Bisquick mix, not prepared Bisquick batter.
Can I use different flavored extracts?
While vanilla is traditional, you could use almond extract for a more wedding-cake style flavor profile.
Are these pancakes very sweet?
Yes, because they use cake mix and are topped with a powdered sugar glaze, they are significantly sweeter than traditional pancakes.