Bisquick Velvet Coffee Cake Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Okay, let’s get one thing out of the way: coffee cake doesn’t always have coffee in it. Shocking, right? It’s not coffee-flavored, but rather meant to be enjoyed with coffee-a sweet, tender cake, often layered or topped with a buttery streusel or spiced crumb, designed to complement your favorite brew.

Now imagine this heavenly treat but made easier, quicker, and surprisingly fluffier thanks to a pantry hero: Bisquick. Yes, the same mix you use for pancakes and biscuits becomes the backbone of this velvet-soft, buttery, cinnamon-kissed coffee cake. The result? A nostalgic treat that tastes like it took hours, but really took less than one episode of your favorite comfort show.

Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch, need something sweet for a book club, or are simply in the mood for an indulgent slice of cozy, this Bisquick Velvet Coffee Cake is here to be your new favorite baking ritual.

Bisquick Velvet Coffee Cake Recipe

Let’s cut to the chase. Here’s what we’re making:

A tender, buttery coffee cake made velvety-soft with Bisquick baking mix, swirled with cinnamon sugar, and crowned with a golden, crunchy streusel.

It’s like a hug in cake form. The velvet texture, the warm spice, the melt-in-your-mouth crumb… you’ll want to make this on repeat.

Ingredients Needed

Let’s break this down by layers. Think of this as building a flavor house: every component counts!

✨ For The Cake Batter

• 2 cups Bisquick baking mix – the MVP that replaces flour, baking soda, and salt all in one
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup milk – whole milk gives a rich flavor, but 2% works too
• 1 egg – binds it all and adds richness
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted – for a luxurious, moist texture
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – never skip this; it adds warmth and depth

For The Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

• 1/3 cup brown sugar – light or dark both work, but dark adds a richer molasses note
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon Bisquick – helps anchor the swirl into the batter so it doesn’t sink

For The Streusel Topping

• 1/3 cup Bisquick
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small cubes – this is key for a crumbly, crispy topping

Optional (but highly recommended):

• Chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) – about 1/4 cup, for crunch and a hint of earthiness

How To Make Bisquick Velvet Coffee Cake

Let’s walk through this step-by-step. It’s simple, but trust me, every little move matters here.

Preheat & Prep

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease an 8-inch square baking dish or line it with parchment paper if you want super easy cleanup (who doesn’t?).

Make The Streusel Topping

• In a small bowl, mix together the Bisquick, brown sugar, cinnamon, and optional nuts.
• Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture looks like coarse, buttery sand. Set aside.

Prepare The Cinnamon Swirl

• In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and a spoonful of Bisquick.
• This layer adds a ribbon of flavor right through the middle. It’s not just decorative-it’s strategic.

Mix The Cake Batter

• In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, vanilla, and melted butter.
• Stir in the Bisquick and granulated sugar until just combined. Don’t overmix-we want it tender, not tough!

Assemble

• Pour half the batter into your prepared baking dish.
• Sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon swirl mixture.
• Add the rest of the batter on top (don’t worry if it’s not perfect-imperfection = rustic charm).
• Generously sprinkle on the streusel topping.

Bake

• Slide it into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Let cool slightly before slicing. Or don’t. We won’t judge you for diving in hot.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Let’s geek out a little-because understanding why ingredients work makes you a better (and more confident) baker.

Bisquick

• Contains flour, leavening, salt, and fat, so it simplifies baking without sacrificing structure or flavor.
• It gives the cake its signature ’velvet’ texture thanks to the pre-mixed shortening in the blend.

Brown Sugar Vs White Sugar

• Brown sugar adds moisture and caramel undertones, essential for both the swirl and the topping.
• Granulated sugar keeps the cake itself light and fluffy.

Butter (Melted Vs Cold)

• Melted butter in the batter = richness and softness.
• Cold butter in the topping = flaky, crumbly streusel magic.

Expert Tips

Want to take your coffee cake game to pro-level? Here’s how:

• Room temperature ingredients mix better and trap more air, making your cake lighter.
• Don’t overmix the batter-once the Bisquick is in, stir gently until just combined.
• Chill your streusel topping while the cake bakes to keep it crumbly, not greasy.
• If the top is browning too quickly, tent it with foil in the last 10 minutes.
• Want to reheat a slice? Microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven feel.

Recipe Variations

Feeling creative or need to use up pantry odds and ends? Here are some delicious tweaks:

Apple Cinnamon Velvet Cake

• Add 1/2 cup finely diced apples to the batter for a fruity twist.
• Pairs beautifully with extra cinnamon in the swirl.

Mocha Chip Coffee Cake

• Stir in 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips and add 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder to the batter.

Coconut Crumble Coffee Cake

• Add 1/4 cup shredded coconut to the streusel and batter for a tropical upgrade.

Lemon Berry Velvet Cake

• Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest to the batter and swirl in 1/3 cup berry jam instead of cinnamon sugar.

Final Words

You know how some recipes instantly become part of your baking rotation? This one’s that kind of recipe. There’s something about the warm scent of cinnamon, the crackle of streusel, and that soft, melt-on-your-tongue bite that just feels like home. And the fact that you can whip it up with a box of Bisquick and a few pantry staples? Even better.

FAQs

What Is A Bisquick Velvet Coffee Cake?

A Bisquick velvet coffee cake is a soft, fluffy, and moist cake made using Bisquick baking mix. It’s typically flavored with cinnamon and sugar, and often topped with a crumbly streusel topping. It’s called ’velvet’ because of its tender, smooth texture.

Can I Make A Bisquick Velvet Coffee Cake Without Using Bisquick Mix?

Yes, you can make your own substitute for Bisquick by mixing 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This can replace 1 cup of Bisquick in the recipe.

What Are The Key Ingredients In A Bisquick Velvet Coffee Cake?

The key ingredients in a Bisquick velvet coffee cake include Bisquick baking mix, sugar, milk, eggs, butter, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Often, a streusel topping made with butter, sugar, and flour is added.

Can I Make The Bisquick Velvet Coffee Cake Gluten-free?

Yes, you can make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free Bisquick mix or a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check the other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free as well.

How Long Does It Take To Bake A Bisquick Velvet Coffee Cake?

A Bisquick velvet coffee cake typically takes around 30 to 40 minutes to bake at 350°F (175°C), depending on the size of the pan and your oven. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when the cake is done.

Can I Add Fruit To The Bisquick Velvet Coffee Cake?

Yes, you can add fruits like blueberries, apples, or strawberries to the cake for added flavor and texture. Just fold them into the batter gently to avoid breaking them up too much.

How Should I Store Bisquick Velvet Coffee Cake?

To store Bisquick velvet coffee cake, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. You can also refrigerate it for longer shelf life, but be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving.

Can I Make Bisquick Velvet Coffee Cake Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can make Bisquick velvet coffee cake ahead of time. Once it’s baked and cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

What Can I Use As A Substitute For Butter In Bisquick Velvet Coffee Cake?

You can substitute butter with vegetable oil, applesauce, or a non-dairy alternative like coconut oil or margarine. Keep in mind that using oil may slightly alter the texture of the cake.

What Can I Use Instead Of Cinnamon In A Bisquick Velvet Coffee Cake?

If you don’t have cinnamon, you can use other warm spices such as nutmeg, allspice, or a combination of both. You can also try using a pumpkin pie spice blend for a different flavor profile.