Out of Bisquick? Try These 3 Easy Swaps
A popular American pre-made baking mix containing flour, shortening, leavening, and salt. Used for pancakes, biscuits, waffles, and cobblers.
⚡ Quick Answer (30 sec read)
Use Homemade baking mix (exact match) instead. For 1 cup Bisquick: combine ¾ cup + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour + 1¼ tsp baking powder + ¼ tsp salt + 1½ tsp shortening or cold butter (cut in). Whisk dry ingredients, then cut in fat. Use immediately or store in airtight container up to 1 month.
✅ 3 Tested Bisquick Substitutes (With Exact Ratios)
1. Homemade baking mix (exact match)
BakingFor 1 cup Bisquick: combine ¾ cup + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour + 1¼ tsp baking powder + ¼ tsp salt + 1½ tsp shortening or cold butter (cut in). Whisk dry ingredients, then cut in fat. Use immediately or store in airtight container up to 1 month.
2. Self-rising flour + fat
BakingFor 1 cup Bisquick: use 1 cup self-rising flour + 1½ tsp shortening or softened butter cut in. The leavening and salt are already in self-rising flour.
3. Pancake mix
BakingUse 1:1. Commercial pancake mix is slightly sweeter but works in most Bisquick recipes. May need less sugar in recipe.
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Tips for Substituting Bisquick
Bisquick works because the fat is already distributed in the flour — the homemade version with cut-in shortening is genuinely equivalent.The homemade mix scales up well — make 4 cups at a time and store it.
What NOT to Do When Substituting Bisquick
- Don't use the same amount without checking the ratio - some substitutes are stronger or weaker than bisquick.
- Don't substitute in recipes where bisquick is the star ingredient - the difference will be too noticeable.
- Don't combine multiple substitutes at once - pick one and adjust from there.
Quick Substitution Ratios
| Substitute | Amount for 1 cup Bisquick | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Homemade baking mix (exact match) | For 1 cup Bisquick: combine ¾ cup + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour + 1¼ tsp baking powder + ¼ tsp salt + 1½ tsp shortening or cold butter (cut in) | baking |
| Self-rising flour + fat | For 1 cup Bisquick: use 1 cup self-rising flour + 1½ tsp shortening or softened butter cut in | baking |
| Pancake mix | Use 1:1 | baking |
Safety Tips
- 1.Always check for allergies - if someone is allergic to bisquick, they may also react to certain substitutes like nut-based alternatives.
- 2.When baking, substitutes can affect rising and texture. Test with a small batch first if making for an important occasion.
- 3.Check expiration dates on substitutes - using fresh ingredients ensures the best flavor and food safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bisquick just self-rising flour?
Almost. Bisquick adds a small amount of fat (shortening) to the mixture, which is what makes biscuits and pancakes more tender. Self-rising flour alone is dry.
Related Ingredient Substitutes
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