Imagine having a secret weapon in your kitchen that makes baking incredibly easy and economical. That’s exactly what a versatile, all-purpose baking mix offers! Instead of constantly buying expensive store-bought versions, you can effortlessly create your own homemade Bisquick recipe mix right at home. With just four common pantry ingredients, you can whip up a DIY Bisquick baking mix for a fraction of the cost, ensuring you always have a convenient base for a myriad of delicious recipes. Get ready to transform your baking experience, save money, and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing exactly what goes into your food.
For many, including myself, baking mixes like Bisquick were a staple in every household during childhood. They were the unsung heroes of quick breakfasts and easy desserts, perfect for whipping up everything from fluffy Bisquick ultimate pancakes and crispy waffles to comforting peach cobbler, savory oven-fried chicken, and the famously simple coffee cake. This convenience has always been a game-changer, making homemade treats accessible even on busy days.
While I often enjoy baking from scratch, the undeniable ease of an all-purpose baking mix is something I truly appreciate. Utilizing this homemade Bisquick mix streamlines the preparation for family favorites like our oven-fried Bisquick chicken, tender ultimate chicken fingers, or even a delightful batch of dairy-free cornbread. It cuts down on measuring and mixing time, allowing you to get delicious meals on the table faster and with less fuss.
The most appealing aspect? The core ingredients for making your own Bisquick are likely already in your kitchen cupboards! With a simple mix, you can create a batch to store and have ready for whenever inspiration strikes or a quick meal is needed. This not only offers incredible convenience but also empowers you to control the quality of the ingredients in your food, avoiding unwanted additives and preservatives often found in commercial products.
What is Bisquick?
Bisquick is more than just a brand name; it’s synonymous with an all-purpose baking mix or biscuit mix. Many people affectionately refer to it as pancake mix or waffle mix due to its primary uses. At its core, Bisquick is a brilliantly simple premade blend of common dry ingredients: flour, a solid fat, a leavening agent (like baking powder), and salt. This intelligent combination significantly shortens the preparation time for a vast array of baked goods, transforming complex recipes into quick and easy endeavors.
This convenience mix is designed to be incredibly versatile. From creating light and fluffy pancakes and waffles for breakfast to baking tender biscuits and savory cobblers for dinner or dessert, its applications are nearly endless. The true benefit of preparing your own homemade Bisquick mix, however, lies in the power it gives you. You have complete control over every single ingredient, ensuring freshness, quality, and the exclusion of any unwanted additives, preservatives, or artificial flavors often present in store-bought alternatives. This makes it an ideal choice for health-conscious bakers and families alike.
Exploring Other Bisquick Pancake & Baking Mix Versions
The popularity of all-purpose baking mixes has led to various specialized versions catering to diverse dietary needs. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, stay tuned for our upcoming recipe dedicated to a homemade replacement for Gluten-Free Bisquick! We also plan to share a heart-friendly baking mix recipe, perfect for those seeking a Heart Smart Bisquick alternative. These homemade versions allow for complete control over ingredients and offer tailored solutions for specific dietary requirements.
In the interim, commercially available Heart Smart Bisquick and Gluten-Free Bisquick options can be found at major retailers and online (for example, on Amazon). These ready-made mixes can be used as a direct substitute in any of our Bisquick recipes, providing an immediate solution for those with specific dietary needs before our homemade versions become available.
How to Make Homemade Bisquick Mix
Crafting your own batch of homemade Bisquick mix is a rewarding experience that offers both financial savings and peace of mind. Not only does it eliminate the recurring cost of purchasing store-bought bags, but it also gives you complete authority over the ingredients. Since this mix relies on common, inexpensive pantry staples, you can easily prepare a batch whenever your supply runs low, ensuring you’re always ready for spontaneous baking.
For this all-purpose baking mix to perform its magic—delivering that perfect rise and tender crumb in your baked goods—a precise combination of ingredients is key. When expertly blended, these elements work in synergy, creating a versatile foundation ideal for an extensive range of baking and cooking applications. Understanding the role of each component is essential to achieving consistent and delicious results every time.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your DIY Baking Mix
Curious about what goes into this fantastic homemade baking mix? Let’s delve into each essential ingredient and explore its crucial function in creating a perfect, ready-to-use blend. Understanding these roles will not only help you make the mix effectively but also empower you to make informed substitutions if needed.
- All-Purpose Flour: This forms the foundational bulk of your baking mix. Its protein content provides the necessary structure for biscuits, pancakes, and other baked goods. While other flours like pastry flour can create a more tender product, all-purpose flour strikes the best balance for versatility in this mix.
- Baking Powder: As the primary leavening agent, baking powder is vital for helping your baked goods rise, creating that light and airy texture we all love. Ensure your baking powder is fresh, as expired powder will result in flat, dense bakes.
- Salt: Far more than just a flavor enhancer, salt plays several critical roles. It balances and accentuates the flavors of other ingredients, contributes to the browning of the crust, and can even help tenderize the final product. Kosher salt is often preferred for its pure taste and texture.
- Vegetable Shortening (or Butter): This is the crucial fat component that binds the dry ingredients and contributes to the tenderness and flakiness of your baked goods. Traditionally, vegetable shortening is used due to its high melting point and shelf stability, allowing the mix to be stored at room temperature. However, many conventional shortenings contain trans fatty acids. For more information on vegetable shortening and its properties, you can read this article on Allrecipes. Below, we’ll discuss several healthier and equally effective alternatives.
5 Easy and Healthier Shortening Substitutes for Your Baking Mix
For those who prefer to steer clear of hydrogenated vegetable shortening and its associated trans fats, there are numerous excellent substitutes that perform beautifully in this homemade Bisquick mix. These alternatives offer both health benefits and a variety of flavor profiles to suit your preferences.
- Spectrum Naturals Organic Shortening: This is an excellent non-hydrogenated (and therefore trans fat-free) and vegan option. It performs very similarly to traditional shortening without the undesirable ingredients. You can typically find it at health-focused grocery stores like Whole Foods and Sprouts, as well as other natural food retailers.
- Nutriva Organic Shortening: Another fantastic non-hydrogenated and vegan choice, Nutriva Organic Shortening offers a reliable alternative. It’s available on Amazon, in addition to Whole Foods, Sprouts, and similar retailers, making it widely accessible.
- Coconut Oil: A popular non-hydrogenated and vegan alternative, coconut oil is solid at room temperature (around 68ºF) due to its melting point of 76-78ºF, making it a suitable fat for this mix. It’s readily available at nearly all grocery stores. However, it’s important to note that using coconut oil will likely impart a subtle coconut flavor to the baked goods you create with your homemade Bisquick mix. This can be a delightful addition for sweet items like pancakes, waffles, or certain desserts, but might be less desirable for savory applications.
- Unsalted Butter: While not vegan, unsalted butter is a non-hydrogenated option that delivers rich flavor and tender results. It is widely available in all grocery stores. If you opt for butter, it is crucial to use unsalted butter to control the overall salt content in your mix. A very important note: if you use butter, your homemade baking mix absolutely must be stored in the refrigerator, as butter is perishable at room temperature. This will significantly affect the shelf life and storage instructions compared to mixes made with stable shortenings.
- Tallow: For those who appreciate traditional fats, tallow (rendered beef fat) is a non-hydrogenated and flavorful option. It can be found on Amazon, Sprouts, Whole Foods, and many specialty retailers. Tallow adds a unique richness to baked goods. Similar to butter, refrigerating tallow is highly recommended to extend its shelf life, as it can go rancid if left at warm room temperatures for too long.
Essential Equipment for Mixing Your All-Purpose Baking Mix
Achieving a perfectly blended homemade Bisquick mix—where the fat is evenly distributed throughout the dry ingredients—is key to successful baking. The right tools can make this process quick and effortless.
The most efficient method for combining these ingredients is by utilizing a food processor or a powerful blender. These appliances rapidly cut the fat into the flour mixture, ensuring a consistent, fine crumb without overworking the dough. For specific recommendations, you can explore various models and accessories on Amazon.
If you prefer to make this homemade baking mixture by hand, it’s certainly achievable, though it requires a bit more effort. Begin by thoroughly stirring the dry ingredients together in a large mixing bowl. Then, use a pastry cutter or two knives to “cut in” the vegetable shortening. This technique involves systematically breaking down the fat into tiny pieces and incorporating them into the flour. Alternatively, for even easier hand mixing, you can use a grater to shred cold sticks of butter or shortening directly into the flour mixture before cutting it in. Once the fat is mostly incorporated, use a whisk or sifter to ensure the entire mixture is fully combined and lump-free.
When mixed correctly, the DIY Bisquick mixture should have a texture resembling coarse sand, with small pea-sized lumps of fat distributed throughout. It’s crucial to avoid large lumps, as these will not blend well into the dough when liquids are added later, potentially leading to an inconsistent bake. Small lumps, however—those smaller than a tiny pea—are perfectly normal and desirable, contributing to the flakiness of your final product.
How to Store Homemade Bisquick Mix Effectively
Proper storage is essential to maintain the freshness and longevity of your homemade Bisquick mix. When made with vegetable shortening, all the ingredients are shelf-stable at room temperature, meaning refrigeration is not typically required. To ensure your mix remains in optimal condition, store it in an airtight container in a dark, cool location, such as a pantry or a kitchen cabinet away from direct sunlight and heat.
For organizing and preserving bulk pantry items, including my freshly mixed homemade Bisquick ingredients, I highly recommend using clear, airtight storage containers like these Prepworks containers (available on Amazon). Their airtight seal protects against moisture and pests, while their clear design allows you to easily see the contents and monitor your supply.
🎯 Pro Tip for Butter-Based Mixes
If you opt to use butter or margarine instead of vegetable shortening in your homemade Bisquick mix, it is crucial to store the mix in an airtight container within the refrigerator. Butter is a perishable dairy product and will spoil if left at room temperature, significantly shortening the shelf life of your mix.
What To Make With Your Homemade Bisquick Mix?
The beauty of having a homemade Bisquick mix on hand is its incredible versatility. It truly is an all-purpose baking essential, ready to transform into a wide array of delectable dishes. From breakfast to dinner and everything in between, your DIY baking mix is the key to effortless cooking. Explore these easy Bisquick recipes that are perfectly suited for your homemade blend:
- Fluffy Pancakes and Waffles: The most classic use! Just add milk and an egg for a quick and satisfying breakfast.
- Tender Biscuits: Achieve light, flaky biscuits perfect for breakfast sandwiches or alongside dinner.
- Quick Breads and Muffins: Whip up savory quick breads or sweet muffins with minimal effort.
- Scones: Elegant and simple, scones come together beautifully with this mix.
- Dumplings: Add soft, fluffy dumplings to your favorite stews and soups.
- Casserole Toppings: Create a golden, savory crust for chicken pot pies or other casseroles.
- Oven Fried Chicken or Fish: Use it as a coating for a crispy, flavorful finish.
- Fruit Cobblers and Crisps: A simple, comforting dessert made even easier.
- Cheesy Biscuits or Sausage Balls: Add extra ingredients for delightful savory snacks.
With your homemade Bisquick mix, the possibilities are truly endless, making meal preparation and baking an absolute joy.
Recipe FAQs for Homemade Bisquick Mix
Is Homemade Bisquick Mix Vegan?
Yes, your homemade Bisquick mix can absolutely be vegan! Since it’s typically made with flour, baking powder, salt, and vegetable shortening, it naturally aligns with vegan dietary principles. However, if you choose to use butter as a fat substitute, the mix would no longer be considered vegan. For a guaranteed vegan mix, ensure you use a plant-based shortening or coconut oil.
Can I Substitute Bisquick for Flour in Any Recipe?
While Bisquick is incredibly versatile, it is not a direct substitute for plain flour in all recipes. Bisquick contains additional ingredients like leavening (baking powder) and fat (shortening/butter), which are not present in plain flour. Substituting it directly might disrupt the balance of your recipe, especially for dishes that require specific gluten development or precise leavening. However, it can often be used in recipes that specifically call for a “pancake mix” or “all-purpose baking mix,” or in recipes that utilize similar ratios of flour, baking powder, salt, and fat (shortening or butter). Always consider the original recipe’s requirements before making a substitution.
Is Bisquick the Same as Pancake Mix?
Bisquick is often used to make pancakes, but it’s not exactly the same as all commercial pancake mixes, which can vary widely in their ingredients. Many pre-made pancake mixes contain added sugar and sometimes additional flavorings or emulsifiers. Your homemade Bisquick mix, as outlined here, is typically sugar-free. If you’re using this homemade mix in a recipe that specifically calls for a sweetened pancake mix, you might need to add a small amount of sugar or another sweetener to achieve the desired taste profile. Always check the original pancake recipe and adjust accordingly.
More Home Tips and Tricks To Love…
Beyond delicious baking, there’s always something new to learn for making your home life easier and more enjoyable. Explore these additional tips and tricks:
- How to Make Dried Strawberries
- How to Organize Spices in a Drawer
- How to Layer a Bed Like a Hotel
If you tried this homemade Bisquick mix recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Your feedback is greatly appreciated, and I love hearing from you! Thanks for visiting!
Homemade Bisquick Mix
By Renae Gerhardstein
Pin Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl (or Food Processor/Blender)
- Pastry Cutter or Two Knives (if mixing by hand)
- Whisk or Sifter (if mixing by hand)
Ingredients
- 6 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 3 Tablespoons baking powder
- 1 Tablespoons Kosher salt
- 1 cup vegetable shortening, cubed (see substitutions in notes below)
Instructions
To make baking mix in a blender or food processor
- Add dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt) into a food processor or blender. Pulse briefly to mix them evenly.
- Then, add the cubed vegetable shortening, one cube at a time, pulsing until the mixture is well combined. The Bisquick mixture is fully mixed when it resembles coarse sand with no large lumps.
To make baking mix by hand
- To mix Bisquick without a food processor or blender, stir together or sift the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt) in a large bowl to ensure they are well combined.
- Use a pastry cutter or two knives to cut in the cubed vegetable shortening. Alternatively, grate cold sticks of butter or shortening into the dry ingredients for easier mixing.
- Then, whisk or sift the entire mixture until it is well combined and consistent. The baking mix should have a sandy appearance with small, pea-sized lumps of fat.
Storing homemade Bisquick baking mix
- Store the homemade baking mix in an airtight container in a dark, cool location like a pantry or cabinet.
- If you use butter or margarine instead of vegetable shortening, make sure to store the mix in an airtight container in the fridge instead of at room temperature.
Notes
- Spectrum Naturals Organic Shortening: A non-hydrogenated (trans fat-free) and vegan option.
- Nutriva Organic Shortening: Another non-hydrogenated and vegan choice.
- Coconut Oil: Non-hydrogenated and vegan. It stays solid at room temperature (around 68ºF) but may impart a slight coconut flavor.
- Butter or Margarine: Non-hydrogenated. If used, the mix must be refrigerated. Use unsalted butter to control salt content.
- Tallow: Non-hydrogenated, rendered beef fat. Refrigeration is recommended for a longer shelf life.
Storing Instructions:
- If made with vegetable shortening, the mix is shelf-stable. Store in an airtight container in a dark, cool pantry or cabinet.
- If using butter or margarine, store the mix in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Clear airtight storage containers (like Prepworks) are ideal for keeping the mix fresh.