Easy & Delicious Bisquick Coffee Cake Recipes: From Classic to Creative Twists
Coffee cake is a beloved treat, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack any time of day. Its moist, tender crumb and delightful crumb topping make it irresistible. While some coffee cake recipes can be time-consuming, using Bisquick simplifies the process significantly. This article explores various Bisquick coffee cake recipes, from the classic to exciting variations, providing detailed steps and instructions to ensure baking success.
Why Bisquick for Coffee Cake?
Bisquick is a pre-mixed baking mix containing flour, shortening, baking powder, and salt. This combination streamlines baking, eliminating the need to measure out individual dry ingredients. Using Bisquick results in a consistently light and fluffy texture, ideal for coffee cake. It also drastically reduces preparation time, making it a convenient option for busy bakers.
The Classic Bisquick Coffee Cake Recipe
This recipe provides a foundational understanding of how to make a delicious coffee cake using Bisquick. It’s a great starting point before exploring more complex variations.
Ingredients:
* 2 cups Bisquick baking mix
* ⅔ cup milk
* ¼ cup sugar
* 2 tablespoons melted butter
* 1 egg
Crumb Topping:
* ½ cup Bisquick baking mix
* ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
* ¼ cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts recommended)
* ¼ cup melted butter
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Equipment:
* 8×8 inch baking pan
* Mixing bowls
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Whisk or fork
* Oven
Instructions:
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
2. **Prepare the Crumb Topping:** In a medium mixing bowl, combine ½ cup Bisquick, brown sugar, chopped nuts, melted butter, and cinnamon. Mix well with a fork until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Set aside.
3. **Make the Coffee Cake Batter:** In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups Bisquick, milk, sugar, melted butter, and egg. Whisk until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
4. **Assemble the Coffee Cake:** Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter.
5. **Bake:** Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown.
6. **Cool and Serve:** Let the coffee cake cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before cutting into squares and serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Tips for the Classic Recipe:
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the batter develops gluten, leading to a tough coffee cake. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
* **Even Topping Distribution:** Ensure the crumb topping is evenly distributed for consistent flavor and texture in every bite.
* **Check for Doneness:** Use a wooden skewer to test for doneness. If it comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes and test again.
* **Cooling Time:** Allowing the coffee cake to cool slightly before cutting helps it hold its shape and prevents it from crumbling.
Variations on the Classic Bisquick Coffee Cake
Once you’ve mastered the classic recipe, explore these creative and delicious variations.
1. Apple Cinnamon Bisquick Coffee Cake
Adding apples and extra cinnamon elevates the classic recipe with a warm, autumnal flavor.
Ingredients:
* All ingredients from the classic recipe
* 1 cup diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
* ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (additional to the crumb topping)
Instructions:
1. **Follow steps 1-3 from the classic recipe.**
2. **Add Apples and Cinnamon:** Gently fold the diced apples and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon into the coffee cake batter.
3. **Assemble and Bake:** Pour the batter into the prepared pan, sprinkle with the crumb topping, and bake as directed in the classic recipe.
2. Blueberry Bisquick Coffee Cake
Fresh or frozen blueberries add a burst of juicy sweetness to this delightful variation.
Ingredients:
* All ingredients from the classic recipe
* 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
* 1 tablespoon flour (if using frozen blueberries)
Instructions:
1. **Follow steps 1-3 from the classic recipe.**
2. **Prepare Blueberries:** If using frozen blueberries, toss them with 1 tablespoon of flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake. This also helps to absorb any excess moisture.
3. **Add Blueberries:** Gently fold the blueberries into the coffee cake batter.
4. **Assemble and Bake:** Pour the batter into the prepared pan, sprinkle with the crumb topping, and bake as directed in the classic recipe.
3. Chocolate Chip Bisquick Coffee Cake
For chocolate lovers, this variation incorporates chocolate chips for a rich and decadent treat.
Ingredients:
* All ingredients from the classic recipe
* ½ cup chocolate chips (milk chocolate, semi-sweet, or dark chocolate)
Instructions:
1. **Follow steps 1-3 from the classic recipe.**
2. **Add Chocolate Chips:** Gently fold the chocolate chips into the coffee cake batter.
3. **Assemble and Bake:** Pour the batter into the prepared pan, sprinkle with the crumb topping, and bake as directed in the classic recipe.
4. Lemon Poppy Seed Bisquick Coffee Cake
A zesty and refreshing twist on the classic, perfect for spring and summer.
Ingredients:
* All ingredients from the classic recipe
* 2 tablespoons lemon zest
* 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for extra lemon flavor)
Instructions:
1. **Follow steps 1-3 from the classic recipe.**
2. **Add Lemon Zest and Poppy Seeds:** Add the lemon zest and poppy seeds to the coffee cake batter. If desired, add the lemon juice as well.
3. **Assemble and Bake:** Pour the batter into the prepared pan, sprinkle with the crumb topping, and bake as directed in the classic recipe.
5. Pecan Praline Bisquick Coffee Cake
For a nutty and caramel-like flavor, this variation adds a praline-inspired topping.
Ingredients:
* All ingredients from the classic recipe
* ½ cup chopped pecans (additional to the crumb topping)
* ¼ cup caramel sauce or melted caramels
Instructions:
1. **Follow steps 1-3 from the classic recipe.**
2. **Add Pecans to Batter:** Gently fold ¼ cup of the chopped pecans into the coffee cake batter.
3. **Assemble:** Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the crumb topping over the batter. Drizzle the caramel sauce or melted caramels over the crumb topping. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of pecans over the caramel.
4. **Bake:** Bake as directed in the classic recipe.
6. Cranberry Orange Bisquick Coffee Cake
A festive and flavorful option, perfect for the holidays.
Ingredients:
* All ingredients from the classic recipe
* 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, coarsely chopped
* 2 tablespoons orange zest
* ¼ cup orange juice
Instructions:
1. **Follow steps 1-3 from the classic recipe.**
2. **Add Cranberries and Orange Zest:** Gently fold the chopped cranberries and orange zest into the coffee cake batter.
3. **Assemble and Bake:** Pour the batter into the prepared pan, sprinkle with the crumb topping, and bake as directed in the classic recipe. You can drizzle orange juice over the topping before baking for extra moisture and flavor.
7. Pumpkin Spice Bisquick Coffee Cake
A fall favorite, this variation incorporates pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice for a cozy and comforting flavor.
Ingredients:
* 2 cups Bisquick baking mix
* ½ cup milk
* ½ cup pumpkin puree
* ¼ cup sugar
* 2 tablespoons melted butter
* 1 egg
* 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Crumb Topping:
* ½ cup Bisquick baking mix
* ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
* ¼ cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts recommended)
* ¼ cup melted butter
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Instructions:
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan.
2. **Prepare the Crumb Topping:** In a medium mixing bowl, combine ½ cup Bisquick, brown sugar, chopped nuts, melted butter, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Mix well and set aside.
3. **Make the Coffee Cake Batter:** In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups Bisquick, milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, melted butter, egg, and pumpkin pie spice. Whisk until just combined.
4. **Assemble and Bake:** Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. **Cool and Serve:** Let the coffee cake cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
8. Sour Cream Bisquick Coffee Cake
Adding sour cream to the batter results in a richer, moister cake with a slightly tangy flavor.
Ingredients:
* 2 cups Bisquick baking mix
* ½ cup sour cream
* ¼ cup milk
* ¼ cup sugar
* 2 tablespoons melted butter
* 1 egg
Crumb Topping:
* ½ cup Bisquick baking mix
* ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
* ¼ cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts recommended)
* ¼ cup melted butter
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan.
2. **Prepare the Crumb Topping:** In a medium mixing bowl, combine ½ cup Bisquick, brown sugar, chopped nuts, melted butter, and cinnamon. Mix well and set aside.
3. **Make the Coffee Cake Batter:** In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups Bisquick, sour cream, milk, sugar, melted butter, and egg. Whisk until just combined.
4. **Assemble and Bake:** Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. **Cool and Serve:** Let the coffee cake cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
Tips for Perfect Bisquick Coffee Cake
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh ingredients, especially baking powder in the Bisquick mix, ensure the best rise and texture.
* **Measure Accurately:** While Bisquick simplifies things, accurate measurements are still crucial for consistent results. Use measuring cups and spoons correctly.
* **Grease and Flour the Pan:** Thoroughly greasing and flouring the baking pan prevents the cake from sticking, ensuring easy removal.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking can result in a dry coffee cake. Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time.
* **Let it Cool:** Allowing the coffee cake to cool slightly before cutting prevents it from crumbling and allows the flavors to meld.
* **Storage:** Store leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage; wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil.
Serving Suggestions
Bisquick coffee cake is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to enhance the experience:
* **Warm with Coffee or Tea:** The classic pairing – a warm slice of coffee cake with a hot cup of coffee or tea is always a winner.
* **With a Scoop of Ice Cream:** For a decadent dessert, serve a slice of warm coffee cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
* **With Fresh Fruit:** Add a side of fresh berries or sliced fruit to balance the sweetness of the coffee cake.
* **With Whipped Cream:** A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy touch.
* **Drizzled with Glaze:** A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice adds extra sweetness and flavor.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
* **Coffee Cake is Dry:** Overbaking is the most common cause of dry coffee cake. Ensure you’re not baking it for too long. Also, avoid overmixing the batter.
* **Coffee Cake is Soggy:** If the coffee cake is soggy, it could be due to underbaking or using too much liquid in the batter. Ensure you’re baking it long enough and measuring the ingredients accurately.
* **Crumb Topping Sinks:** To prevent the crumb topping from sinking, use a thicker batter and avoid adding too much liquid. Also, make sure the crumb topping is coarse and not too finely ground.
* **Coffee Cake Sticks to the Pan:** Ensure you’ve thoroughly greased and floured the baking pan. You can also use parchment paper to line the bottom of the pan.
Conclusion
Bisquick coffee cake is a versatile and convenient treat that can be enjoyed in countless variations. Whether you prefer the classic recipe or enjoy experimenting with different flavors and ingredients, Bisquick makes it easy to create a delicious and satisfying coffee cake every time. With these recipes, tips, and troubleshooting advice, you’ll be well-equipped to bake the perfect Bisquick coffee cake for any occasion. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a warm and delightful slice of homemade goodness!