Bisquick Coffee Cake With Crumb Topping Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Ahhh, coffee cake. Just saying the name kind of slows down time, doesn’t it? It conjures images of warm mugs, rainy mornings, or sunlit brunches where people linger a little longer at the table. But let’s talk specifics-Bisquick Coffee Cake With Crumb Topping is a classic for a reason. It’s one of those retro recipes that’s been passed around and loved for generations.

Why? Because:

• It’s incredibly easy to make (thank you, Bisquick!).
• It’s indulgently soft and tender.
• That sweet, buttery crumble on top? Absolute heaven.
• And despite the name, there’s no coffee in it-it’s meant to be enjoyed with coffee.

So if you’re craving a cozy bake that’s low-effort but high-reward, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s break down everything you need to know to make your kitchen smell like a bakery in under an hour.

Bisquick Coffee Cake With Crumb Topping Recipe

This is a vintage-style coffee cake recipe that leans hard on pantry staples. If you’ve got a box of Bisquick handy (and really, who doesn’t?), you’re already halfway there. It’s moist, fluffy, lightly sweet-and that crumb topping? Crunchy, golden, cinnamon-spiced perfection.

Here’s a quick look at what we’re making:

• A tender, simple vanilla cake base
• A generous, buttery cinnamon-sugar crumble
• Optional glaze for those who like things extra sweet

This is perfect for:

• Lazy Saturday mornings
• Holiday brunches
• After-school treats
• Impromptu guests (because it bakes up FAST!)

Ingredients Needed

Let’s get everything lined up first, shall we? Prep is half the battle (and let’s be honest-it’s super satisfying).

For The Coffee Cake Batter

• 2 cups Bisquick baking mix – the star of the show, providing lift, structure, and ease
• ⅔ cup milk – whole milk preferred for richness
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg – brings everything together and adds moisture
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional but recommended!)

For The Crumb Topping

• ⅓ cup Bisquick baking mix – yes, again!
• ⅓ cup packed brown sugar – for that deep, molasses-kissed sweetness
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon – warm, aromatic, and cozy
• 3 tbsp cold butter – cubed for that perfect crumbly texture

Optional Glaze (for The Sweet Tooths Out There)

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 tbsp milk
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract

How To Make Bisquick Coffee Cake With Crumb Topping

Ready to bake? Here’s a step-by-step breakdown that’s as easy as it is satisfying. Throw on your favorite playlist, preheat that oven, and let’s go:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8-inch square pan or line it with parchment paper. This is your cozy canvas!

2. Mix The Batter

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine Bisquick, milk, sugar, egg, and vanilla (if using).
   • Stir until just combined. Don’t overmix-this keeps the cake fluffy, not dense.
   • Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

3. Make The Crumb Topping

   • In a small bowl, mix together Bisquick, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
   • Add cold butter cubes and cut them in using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingertips until crumbly and pea-sized.
   • Sprinkle generously and evenly over the batter.

4. Bake

   • Pop it into the oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
   • The edges will be lightly golden, and your kitchen will smell amazing.

5. (Optional) Glaze It Up

   • Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
   • Drizzle over the warm (not hot!) cake for an extra touch of sweetness.

6. Cool & Serve

   • Let the cake cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Grab your coffee, and dig in!

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Why does this work so well? Let’s geek out a little-because understanding the ’why’ makes you a better baker:

• Bisquick: This mix is preloaded with leavening agents (baking powder), fat (shortening), and flour. It’s essentially a shortcut to a well-balanced batter without all the measuring.
• Cold Butter in the Topping: Cold fat = flaky crumb. When baked, the butter melts and creates those beautiful, slightly crispy pockets in your topping.
• Brown Sugar vs. White Sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and a touch of molasses flavor, making the crumb richer and deeper than using white sugar alone.
• Egg: The unsung hero. It emulsifies, provides structure, and gives your cake that soft but stable texture.

Expert Tips

Let’s make sure your coffee cake is as good as grandma’s (maybe even better… we won’t tell). These tips can take your bake from good to gasp-worthy:

• Don’t overmix the batter. Stir until just combined-Bisquick already has what it needs to rise, and overworking it toughens the cake.
• Use cold butter for the topping. Room temp or melted butter won’t give you that crunchy crumble you’re after.
• Double the topping. If you’re a crumb fanatic (aren’t we all?), feel free to double the crumb ingredients. No one ever complains about extra topping.
• Add-ins? Yes please. A handful of chopped pecans or mini chocolate chips sprinkled over the topping can take this to a new level.
• Let it cool slightly before cutting. It helps everything set up and keeps your slices clean.

Recipe Variations

Want to shake things up a bit? Here are a few fun twists to customize your coffee cake:

• Apple Cinnamon Version

  • Layer thin apple slices on top of the batter before sprinkling the crumb topping.

• Blueberry Lemon

  • Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter and a touch of lemon zest.

• Pumpkin Spice

  • Replace ⅓ cup of the milk with pumpkin purée and add ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice.

• Nutty Delight

  • Mix ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the topping for added crunch.

• Chocolate Chip Crumb Cake

  • Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips to the batter. Great for kiddos (or sweet-toothed adults).

Final Words

This coffee cake is more than just a quick bake. It’s one of those “remember when”? kind of dishes. Whether you’re serving it to guests or just treating yourself on a slow Sunday morning, there’s something comforting about pulling a warm, sweet, cinnamon-kissed cake out of the oven.

It’s humble. It’s nostalgic. It’s easy.

And maybe best of all-it’s endlessly tweakable. You can dress it up, dress it down, serve it warm with whipped cream, or cold with your second cup of coffee.

FAQs

What Is Bisquick Coffee Cake With Crumb Topping?

Bisquick coffee cake with crumb topping is a quick and easy dessert made using Bisquick baking mix as the base. The cake is topped with a sweet, buttery crumb topping made from flour, sugar, and butter, creating a crunchy and flavorful contrast to the soft cake beneath.

Can I Use A Different Brand Of Baking Mix For This Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute Bisquick with other brands of all-purpose baking mixes, such as Jiffy or Aunt Jemima, but the texture and flavor might vary slightly depending on the ingredients in the mix.

Is It Possible To Make Bisquick Coffee Cake Gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose baking mix. Be sure to also check the other ingredients (like the crumb topping) to ensure they are gluten-free.

How Can I Make The Crumb Topping Extra Crunchy?

To make the crumb topping extra crunchy, you can add oats to the topping mix or bake the cake for a slightly longer period of time to allow the topping to firm up more. Additionally, chilling the crumb topping before adding it to the cake batter may help create a more textured, crunchy topping.

Can I Add Fruit To Bisquick Coffee Cake?

Yes, you can add fruit to Bisquick coffee cake. Common additions include berries, sliced apples, or cinnamon-spiced pears. Just fold the fruit into the batter before adding the crumb topping.

How Do I Store Leftover Bisquick Coffee Cake?

Leftover Bisquick coffee cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months.

Can I Make The Crumb Topping Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the crumb topping ahead of time. Simply combine all the dry ingredients, cut in the butter, and store the mixture in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before using it on the coffee cake.

What’s The Best Way To Prevent The Crumb Topping From Sinking Into The Cake Batter?

To prevent the crumb topping from sinking into the cake batter, make sure the batter is thick enough before adding the topping. You can also sprinkle the topping gently over the batter, allowing it to stay on top during baking.

How Can I Make Bisquick Coffee Cake With Crumb Topping Healthier?

To make this recipe healthier, you can substitute some ingredients. For instance, use a low-fat or plant-based milk instead of whole milk, replace butter with applesauce or Greek yogurt in the crumb topping, and use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit.

Can I Add Nuts To The Crumb Topping?

Yes, adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping is a great way to add crunch and flavor. Simply fold them into the topping mixture before sprinkling it on the batter.