Homemade Baking Mix: An Easy Bisquick Substitute

There are mornings when I enjoy making breakfast slowly. Then there are mornings when everyone is hungry, I have not finished my coffee and measuring six different ingredients for pancakes feels entirely unreasonable.

That is why I keep this homemade Bisquick mix in the refrigerator.

It combines the flour, leavening, dry milk, sugar, salt and coconut oil ahead of time. When we want pancakes, waffles, biscuits or scones, most of the measuring is already finished.

This homemade baking mix takes about 10 minutes to make and replaces several boxes of store-bought mixes. One batch makes approximately eight cups, enough for about four separate recipes.

Around here, pancakes are one of the few meals my husband has completely mastered. During the slower winter months, he makes them for the kids while I attempt to drink my coffee in peace. Whether that actually happens is another matter.

If you enjoy keeping reliable pantry staples ready to use, you may also like my homemade ranch seasoning, homemade taco seasoning and all-purpose dry rub.

What Is Homemade Bisquick Mix?

Homemade Bisquick mix is an all-purpose baking mix made with flour, baking powder, dry milk, salt, sugar and fat.

The ingredients are blended together before storage, so the mix is ready when you want to make a quick batch of pancakes, waffles, drop biscuits or scones.

It is similar to the boxed baking mix sold at the grocery store, but you control the ingredients and make it in a larger batch. This version uses coconut oil rather than shortening.

You will still need to add liquid and, depending on the recipe, eggs or additional ingredients. The mix simply takes care of the dry ingredients and fat ahead of time.

Why Make Your Own Baking Mix?

Convenience is the main reason I make it.

Measuring ingredients for one batch of pancakes is not difficult. Measuring them every single time gets old, especially when you are cooking for a large family.

Making one large batch also helps eliminate those last-minute discoveries that somebody used the remaining baking mix and returned an empty box to the pantry.

This homemade Bisquick substitute is useful for:

• Pancakes
• Waffles
• Drop biscuits
• Cheddar herb biscuits
• Scones
• Cobbler toppings
• Other recipes calling for an all-purpose baking mix

It is also economical when flour, baking powder and dry milk are ingredients you already purchase in bulk.

I use the same approach with homemade flavored salts and other mixes. Spending a few minutes preparing them ahead of time saves both money and aggravation later.

Ingredients in Homemade Bisquick Mix

This recipe uses six basic ingredients.

All-Purpose Flour

All-purpose flour gives the mix enough structure for pancakes, waffles, biscuits and scones. Measure the flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling the top rather than packing it down.

Baking Powder

Baking powder provides the leavening. Make sure yours is fresh. Old baking powder can leave you with flat pancakes and heavy biscuits even when the recipe is followed correctly.

Nonfat Dry Milk Powder

Use nonfat dry milk powder, not prepared liquid milk.

Dry milk adds richness and allows the mix to work with several different recipes. Liquid milk cannot be added to the bulk mix because it would make the mixture perishable.

Salt

Salt balances the sugar and brings out the flavor of the finished baked goods.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil replaces the shortening commonly found in boxed baking mixes.

Use coconut oil that is solid or softly scoopable, not hot and fully melted. The oil needs to be cut into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Sugar

A small amount of sugar lightly sweetens the mix without making it unsuitable for biscuits or other savory recipes.

How to Make Homemade Bisquick Mix

Add the flour, baking powder, nonfat dry milk powder, salt and sugar to a large mixing bowl. Whisk thoroughly so the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed.

Add the coconut oil and cut it into the dry ingredients with a pastry blender or two forks. Continue mixing until the coconut oil is distributed and the mixture resembles coarse cornmeal.

You can also use a food processor, but this is a large recipe. Unless your food processor has a very large bowl, work in batches and combine everything thoroughly in a larger bowl afterward.

Do not pour melted coconut oil directly into the flour. It can form oily clumps instead of dispersing evenly throughout the mix.

Transfer the finished baking mix to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator.

How to Make Pancakes With Homemade Bisquick Mix

Combine:

• 2 cups homemade Bisquick mix
• 1 1/3 cups milk
• 1 large egg

Whisk the milk and egg together before adding the baking mix. Stir only until the dry ingredients are moistened. A few small lumps are fine.

Allow the batter to rest for approximately five minutes while your skillet or griddle heats.

Cook the pancakes on a lightly greased skillet over medium heat. Turn them when bubbles form across the surface and the edges begin to look set.

This makes approximately 10 pancakes, depending on their size.

For thicker pancakes, begin with slightly less milk. If the batter is too thick to spread on the skillet, add milk one tablespoon at a time.

Serve them with butter, maple syrup, quick huckleberry preserves or 15-minute strawberry jam.

How to Make Waffles With Homemade Baking Mix

Preheat the waffle maker and grease it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Combine:

• 2 cups homemade baking mix
• 1 large egg
• 1 3/4 to 2 cups milk

Whisk the egg and 1 3/4 cups of milk together. Add the baking mix and stir until combined. Add more milk if needed to make a pourable batter.

The batter should be thinner than pancake batter but may still contain a few small lumps.

Cook according to the directions for your waffle maker.

How to Make Drop Biscuits With Homemade Bisquick Mix

Preheat the oven to 450°F and lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.

Combine:

• 2 cups homemade baking mix
• 1/2 cup milk

Stir until a soft, sticky dough forms. Do not continue mixing once the dry ingredients are moistened.

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the tops are lightly golden and the centers are baked through.

These are quick drop biscuits, so there is no rolling or cutting required.

For cheddar herb biscuits, add 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning when adding the milk.

For a traditional yeast loaf, use my homemade sandwich bread recipe instead.

How to Make Scones With Homemade Baking Mix

Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Combine in a large mixing bowl:

• 2 cups homemade baking mix
• 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar

Make a well in the center and add:

• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Mix just until a soft dough forms.

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a round approximately one inch thick. Cut the round into eight wedges.

Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving approximately one inch between them. Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle lightly with sugar.

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the scones are lightly golden and baked through.

You can also add up to 1/2 cup of dried fruit. Dried cranberries with the zest of one lemon make a particularly good combination.

A drizzle made with homemade sweetened condensed milk can turn a plain scone into something much more interesting.

How Much Homemade Baking Mix Replaces Bisquick?

Use this homemade baking mix in a one-to-one ratio when a recipe calls for Bisquick or another all-purpose baking mix.

For example, if a recipe calls for two cups of Bisquick, begin with two cups of this homemade mix.

Keep in mind that commercial baking mixes do not all contain the same ingredients. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly depending on the recipe and the type of flour used.

How to Store Homemade Bisquick Mix

Because this recipe contains coconut oil and nonfat dry milk powder, I recommend storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Label the container with the name of the mix and the date it was prepared.

For the best quality, use the refrigerated mix within one month. For longer storage, divide it into two-cup portions and freeze it for up to three months.

Allow frozen baking mix to soften in the refrigerator before using it. Stir the mix before measuring because some settling may occur during storage.

Do not store it near strong-smelling foods. Dry milk and flour can absorb odors if the container is not properly sealed.

Tips for Better Pancakes, Biscuits and Scones

Do Not Overmix

Stir only until the dry ingredients are moistened. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour and can make pancakes chewy, biscuits heavy and scones tough.

Check Your Baking Powder

If the mix does not rise properly, old baking powder is often the problem. Check the expiration date before making a large batch.

Measure the Mix Lightly

Stir the baking mix before measuring it. Spoon it into the measuring cup and level the top rather than pressing it down.

Adjust the Liquid Slowly

Flour absorbs liquid differently depending on humidity, storage and how it was measured. Begin with the lower amount when a range is given and add more as needed.

Keep the Mix Cold

Cold coconut oil helps create a better texture in biscuits and scones. Return the container to the refrigerator promptly after measuring what you need.

Homemade Bisquick Mix FAQ

Can I use butter instead of coconut oil?

Butter may work, but it contains water and milk solids while coconut oil is nearly pure fat. That changes the texture and may shorten the storage life. If you substitute butter, keep the mix refrigerated and use it promptly.

Can I leave out the dry milk powder?

The dry milk contributes flavor, browning and tenderness. Leaving it out will change the finished recipes and may require adjustments to the liquid. I recommend testing a smaller batch before changing the full recipe.

Can I use whole-wheat flour?

You can replace a portion of the all-purpose flour with whole-wheat flour, but the finished recipes will be denser and may require additional liquid. Begin by replacing no more than two cups of the flour.

Why are my pancakes flat?

Flat pancakes are usually caused by old baking powder, batter that is too thin or overmixing. The skillet may also be too cool.

Why are my biscuits dry?

Too much flour or baking mix can produce dry biscuits. Measure lightly and add another tablespoon of milk if the dough will not come together.

Can I double the recipe?

The original recipe already makes approximately eight cups of baking mix. I would make one batch at a time so the coconut oil and baking powder are evenly distributed.

Can I freeze homemade baking mix?

Yes. Divide it into two-cup portions and freeze it in airtight containers or freezer bags. Two-cup packages are convenient because the pancake, waffle, biscuit and scone recipes each begin with two cups of mix.

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