Bisquick Coffee Cake Original Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Hey there, coffee cake lovers! If you’ve ever wondered how to whip up a warm, comforting coffee cake that’s a total crowd-pleaser, you’re in the right place. Coffee cake isn’t just a cake you eat with your coffee – it’s a glorious, tender, buttery treat often studded with cinnamon, nuts, or fruit, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack.

Now, imagine this: a coffee cake recipe that’s effortless but still bursts with classic flavors and the perfect crumbly, tender texture. That’s exactly what the Bisquick Coffee Cake Original Recipe delivers. Bisquick – that trusty all-purpose baking mix – takes the heavy lifting out of baking, making this recipe a no-fail go-to that’s as comforting as a warm hug.

In this post, I’m going to walk you through everything from ingredients, how to make it, the fascinating science behind each component, and some pro tips to elevate your baking game. Plus, I’ll share some fun twists to keep your coffee cake exciting every time you bake. Let’s get cozy and get baking!

Bisquick Coffee Cake Original Recipe

At its heart, the Bisquick Coffee Cake Original Recipe is a celebration of simplicity meeting flavor. It’s a quick bread-like cake with a tender crumb and a cinnamon-sugar crumb topping that just melts in your mouth. You’ll love how this cake:

• Uses the convenience of Bisquick baking mix (which combines flour, baking powder, salt, and fat).
• Features a moist, tender crumb that’s just sweet enough without being overpowering.
• Is topped with a deliciously crunchy, buttery cinnamon-sugar streusel.
• Comes together in under an hour – perfect for busy mornings or last-minute guests.

Ingredients Needed

To keep things simple, you only need a handful of ingredients, many of which you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s your ingredient lineup:

• Bisquick baking mix (about 2 cups) – the star of the show, giving structure and lift.
• Sugar (usually granulated, around 3/4 cup) – sweetens the batter and helps tenderize.
• Milk (3/4 cup) – adds moisture and helps activate the leavening agents.
• Egg (1 large) – binds ingredients and adds richness.
• Vegetable oil or melted butter (usually 1/3 cup) – adds fat for tenderness and moisture.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp) – for that warm, aromatic depth.
• Cinnamon (for topping, around 1-2 tsp) – the classic coffee cake flavor.
• Brown sugar (for topping, about 1/3 cup) – adds sweetness and moisture to the crumb topping.
• Optional chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts, about 1/2 cup) – for added crunch and nuttiness.

Simple, right? But trust me, every ingredient plays an essential role.

How To Make Bisquick Coffee Cake Original

Alright, roll up those sleeves! Here’s the step-by-step breakdown to make magic happen:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the Bisquick baking mix and sugar.
3. Add wet ingredients: Stir in the milk, egg, vegetable oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract until just combined. Don’t overmix – a few lumps are totally fine!
4. Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts (if using). Add a few tablespoons of melted butter for that irresistible crumbly texture.
5. Assemble: Pour half the batter into the prepared pan, then sprinkle half the cinnamon-sugar topping over it. Pour the remaining batter on top, and finish with the rest of the topping.
6. Bake: Pop it in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and serve: Let the coffee cake cool slightly before slicing. It’s perfect warm with a cup of coffee or tea!

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Now, let’s nerd out for a minute and break down why these ingredients work together so beautifully:

• Bisquick baking mix: This isn’t just flour – it contains baking powder and salt. The baking powder acts as a leavening agent, releasing carbon dioxide bubbles that help the cake rise and become fluffy.
• Sugar: Beyond sweetness, sugar tenderizes by interfering with gluten formation (the protein network that can make baked goods tough if overworked).
• Milk: Hydrates the dry ingredients, helps dissolve sugar and salt, and activates baking powder. The fat and protein in milk also add to flavor and structure.
• Egg: The proteins in eggs coagulate during baking, helping set the cake’s structure. Eggs also trap air and add moisture and richness.
• Fat (oil or butter): Fat coats flour proteins, limiting gluten development for a tender crumb. Butter adds flavor; oil gives moistness.
• Cinnamon and brown sugar topping: Brown sugar contains molasses, adding moisture and chewiness to the crumb topping. Cinnamon adds aromatic warmth that’s synonymous with coffee cake.

Understanding these elements means you can tweak and personalize the recipe with confidence!

Expert Tips

To get the absolute best from your Bisquick Coffee Cake, here are some pro tips:

• Don’t overmix the batter! Stir just until the ingredients come together. Overmixing develops gluten, making the cake dense and tough.
• Use fresh baking mix if you can – old baking powder can lose its power, leading to a flatter cake.
• Butter vs. oil: Using butter in the batter adds richness and a slight crispiness to the edges. Oil yields a moister cake. Experiment to see which you prefer!
• Toast your nuts: If you add nuts, toast them lightly first to enhance their flavor.
• Add a pinch of salt: Even if Bisquick has salt, a tiny pinch can heighten the overall flavor.
• Test doneness early: Start checking at 30 minutes to avoid overbaking – coffee cake should be moist, not dry.

Recipe Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some tasty variations to keep your coffee cake game fresh:

• Blueberry coffee cake: Fold in a cup of fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter before adding the topping.
• Apple cinnamon: Add chopped apples and a pinch of nutmeg to the batter.
• Chocolate chip: Toss mini chocolate chips into the batter for a sweeter, dessert-like twist.
• Cream cheese swirl: Add a cream cheese mixture in the middle for a rich surprise.
• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free baking mix instead of Bisquick and adjust liquid as needed.
• Vegan: Swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water) and use plant-based milk and oil.

The possibilities are endless!

Final Words

So, whether you’re a beginner baker looking for an easy, reliable recipe or a coffee cake connoisseur wanting to perfect the classic, the Bisquick Coffee Cake Original Recipe is a brilliant place to start. It’s fast, forgiving, and oh-so-delicious. You’ll love the tender crumb, the buttery cinnamon topping, and the fact that it’s ready faster than you can say “coffee break”!

Don’t be shy to make it your own – tweak the toppings, add fruit or nuts, and play around with different fats. Coffee cake is all about comforting, happy flavors, and this recipe delivers just that.

FAQs

What Is Bisquick Coffee Cake?

Bisquick coffee cake is a quick and easy recipe that uses Bisquick mix, a pre-made baking mix, to create a moist, flavorful coffee cake. It typically features a cinnamon-sugar topping and may include a streusel layer, making it a popular option for breakfast or brunch.

Can I Use Regular Flour Instead Of Bisquick Mix In The Coffee Cake Recipe?

While Bisquick mix is specifically designed to provide the right texture and ease in baking, you can make a substitute by combining 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to replicate the mix’s effects.

How Do I Make Bisquick Coffee Cake More Moist?

To make your Bisquick coffee cake more moist, you can add an extra tablespoon of sour cream or yogurt to the batter. Additionally, you can use buttermilk instead of regular milk to improve the cake’s richness and moisture.

Can I Add Fruit To The Bisquick Coffee Cake Recipe?

Yes, you can add fresh or frozen fruit to your Bisquick coffee cake for extra flavor. Popular options include blueberries, raspberries, or sliced apples. Gently fold the fruit into the batter to avoid breaking it down too much.

How Long Should I Bake Bisquick Coffee Cake?

Typically, Bisquick coffee cake should be baked in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Can I Make Bisquick Coffee Cake Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can make Bisquick coffee cake ahead of time. Prepare the cake the night before and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze the unbaked cake and bake it later for fresh results.

What Can I Substitute For The Cinnamon Topping On Bisquick Coffee Cake?

If you don’t have cinnamon, you can substitute with other warm spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice. You could also skip the spice entirely and just use a simple sugar glaze or a powdered sugar topping.

Can I Use A Different Type Of Sugar For The Topping?

Yes, you can use brown sugar for a richer, molasses-like flavor, or try coconut sugar for a different twist. Granulated white sugar is most common, but experimenting with other sugars can give the topping a unique taste.

Is Bisquick Coffee Cake A Good Recipe For Beginners?

Yes, Bisquick coffee cake is an excellent recipe for beginners due to its simplicity and minimal preparation time. The use of Bisquick mix reduces the need for precise measurements and complex ingredients, making it accessible to novice bakers.

Can I Make Bisquick Coffee Cake Gluten-free?

Yes, you can make a gluten-free version of Bisquick coffee cake by using a gluten-free Bisquick mix, which is available in most grocery stores. Be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging for the best results.