Running out of Bisquick doesn’t have to stop breakfast, dinner, or baking plans. This homemade baking mix is a simple, reliable Bisquick substitute you can make in minutes using basic pantry ingredients you already have on hand.
It works for pancakes, waffles, biscuits, casseroles, and more—without preservatives, artificial flavors, or a last-minute trip to the store. Once you try this DIY baking mix, you may never go back to the boxed version.
Why Make a Homemade Bisquick Substitute?
Making your own baking mix gives you:
- Full control over ingredients
- A fresher taste than store-bought mixes
- A budget-friendly pantry staple
- A versatile base for both sweet and savory recipes
This is a true pantry hack that saves time and money.
Why This Homemade Baking Mix Works
- Uses simple, everyday pantry ingredients
- Mimics the texture and performance of Bisquick
- Works as a 1:1 replacement in most recipes
- Can be customized to your taste
- Stores well for weeks or months
This is an easy, dependable baking mix you can keep on hand for quick meals and snacks.
Ingredients for Homemade Bisquick Substitute
This recipe uses ingredients you likely already have—no specialty items required.
** You can find the full recipe ingredients and instructions on the printable recipe card below.
- All-purpose flour – The base of the mix, providing structure
- Baking powder – The leavening agent that creates light, fluffy results
- Salt – Enhances flavor and balances sweetness
Optional additions like sugar, powdered milk, or fat can be added depending on how you plan to use the mix (see variations below).
How to Make Homemade Bisquick
This baking mix comes together in just one bowl.
** You can find the full recipe ingredients and instructions on the printable recipe card below.
- Add all ingredients to a large mixing bowl [paid link].
- Whisk [paid link] until fully combined and evenly blended.
- Transfer to an airtight container for storage or use immediately.
- That’s it—your homemade Bisquick substitute is ready to use.
Bisquick vs Homemade Baking Mix
Texture:
Homemade baking mix produces a slightly fresher, more tender crumb compared to boxed mix.
Flavor:
Because there are no preservatives, the flavor is cleaner and more neutral, making it ideal for both sweet and savory recipes.
Flexibility:
You can adjust salt, sweetness, or richness depending on what you’re making.
Cost:
Homemade baking mix is typically cheaper per batch than store-bought alternatives.
How to Use This Homemade Baking Mix
Use this mix as a 1:1 substitute for Bisquick in recipes such as:
- Pancakes and waffles
- Breakfast biscuits
- Dumplings
- Breakfast casseroles
- Pot pie toppings
- Shortcakes
If a recipe calls for Bisquick, swap in the same amount of this homemade mix.
Recipe Tips & Kitchen Tricks
- Adjust consistency: Add a splash of milk or water if the batter is too thick, or sprinkle in more mix if too thin.
- Customize flavor: Add cinnamon, vanilla, cheese, or herbs depending on your recipe.
- Label your container: Always date your mix, so you know how fresh it is.
Baking Mix Variations
- Sweet Baking Mix: Add sugar for pancakes, waffles, and shortcakes.
- Savory Baking Mix: Skip sugar and use for biscuits, casseroles, and dumplings.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free fat or omit powdered milk if included.
Storage, Freezing & Shelf Life
Room Temperature:
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 2 weeks.
Refrigerator:
Keeps well for 1 month.
Freezer:
For longest storage, freeze for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute this for store-bought Bisquick?
Yes. Use it in equal amounts in most recipes that call for Bisquick.
How long does homemade baking mix last?
When stored properly, it lasts from 2 weeks at room temperature to several months refrigerated or frozen.
Can I make this gluten-free or dairy-free?
Yes. Simply use gluten-free flour or dairy-free substitutions as needed.
Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Pantry
This homemade baking mix is one of those quiet kitchen staples that make cooking easier without a lot of planning. It’s simple, dependable, and endlessly practical—perfect for busy mornings, quick dinners, and last-minute baking.
Once you have it on hand, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again.
Homemade Baking Mix
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp shortening , vegetable oil or melted butter
Instructions
- with two forks or a pastry blender [paid link], mix the ingredients well until small pea sized pebbles form.
- Use cup for cup in any recipe that requires Bisquick or a similar baking mix.
Nutrition
Recipe of ingredients is nice, but your nutrition information is very misleading. You show zero sodium and that simply is not true – 1 1/2 tsp of Baking Powder has about 732 mg of sodium and 1/4 tsp of salt has about 581 mg. of sodium. That amounts to 1,313 mg of sodium for your recipe – a serious problem for all those of us on restricted sodium diets.
Hi Joe,
Looks like the whole nutritional value was missing, it also showed 0 carbs… I have fixed the calculations and it’s been updated to reflect per cup of mix. Keep in mind you’d have to eat an entire cup of it to consume those values. Thanks for letting me know that was miscalculated.
sodium is still incorrect; I didn’t check anything else; Joe was accurate; 1313 per the full 1 cup recipe
Hello Joe and Susan,
I hope you are well. I took a look at the automatic calculating software in the recipe card. Indeed, it shows an error in the calculation of sodium in the baking powder (5.4 instead of 540 for 1/2 tsp). I updated this recipe with an approximate value for sodium. This will also vary by the brand you purchase. I have reached out to the app publisher to see if I can get this corrected.
This homemade Bisquick recipe rocks, and taste much better
This Bisquick recipe was so easy and tasted so much better. Ty
Tysm, these were so easy to make and much better tasting then bisquick
thanks for the recipe. I also never keep bisquick and so many recipes call for it.
Perfect! Thanks. I never buy bisquick so I’m always at a loss with this
I never keep bisquick so I was happy to find this recipe.