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Home - Substitutes

Latest Updated: Feb 2, 2026 by Emily Dawson

7 Best Substitutes for Bisquick in Baking and Cooking

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You've run out of Bisquick mid-recipe, and the box is still a week away on your shopping list. Matching the substitute to your dish matters more than matching the name.

Most swaps pull from the same base ingredients-flour, leavening, salt-but their proportions shift texture and rise.

7 Best Substitutes for Bisquick in Baking and Cooking

The options below cover pantry staples through specialty blends. Start with what you already have, then adjust based on biscuits, or something else.

QUICK SUMMARY

Self-rising flour, pancake mix, and homemade biscuit mix replace Bisquick best in baking because they already carry **leavening + salt**. We prioritize **fat + lift** first, then adjust liquid so batters stay thick and biscuits stay tender. Gluten-free flour blends work too, however we add a binder and rest the batter briefly.

🥣Closest swap: Use self-rising flour when the recipe already includes fat.
⚖️Ratio + fix: Use 1:1, then add 1-2 tablespoon oil if dough feels dry.
🧊Watch out: Pancake mix runs sweet-reduce sugar in the recipe by 1-2 tbsp.

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • 7 Quick Bisquick Swaps When You're Out
    • 1 - Flour Baking Mix
    • 2 - Self-Rising Flour
    • 3 - Almond Flour Mix
    • 4 - Whole Wheat Mix
    • 5 - Gluten-Free Flour
    • 6 - Pancake Mix
    • 7 - Homemade Biscuit Mix
  • Making Bisquick Substitutes Work
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • 7 Best Substitutes for Bisquick
    • Method 
    • Tried this recipe?

7 Quick Bisquick Swaps When You're Out

These substitutes range from basic pantry staples to specialized blends. Pick based on what you have and what you're making-baking demands precision, while savory recipes handle variation more easily.

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Quick Substitute Reference
# Substitute Best For Ratio Key Note
1 Flour Baking Mix ✨ Both 1:1.5 tablespoon baking powder + ½ teaspoon salt per cup flour Neutral, less salty
2 Self-Rising Flour 🥧 Baking 1:1 Built-in leavening
3 Almond Flour Mix 🥧 Baking 1:1.5 tablespoon baking powder + ½ teaspoon salt per cup Nutty, denser
4 Whole Wheat Mix 🍳 Cooking 1:1.5 tablespoon baking powder + ½ teaspoon salt per cup Earthy, heartier
5 Gluten-Free Flour 🥧 Baking 1:1 Mild, less fluffy
6 Pancake Mix 🍳 Cooking 1:1 Sweeter, lighter
7 Homemade Biscuit Mix ✨ Both 1 cup flour + 1.5 tablespoon baking powder + ½ teaspoon salt + 2 tablespoon butter powder Buttery, rich

1 - Flour Baking Mix

All-purpose flour mixed with baking powder and salt replicates Bisquick's core structure. You control the salt level, which helps when recipes already call for seasoning.

The texture stays neutral, and the rise matches Bisquick in pancakes and quick breads. For every cup of Bisquick, use 1 cup all-purpose flour plus 1½ teaspoons baking powder and ½ teaspoon salt.

  • Best for - Pancakes, waffles, and biscuits where you want control over salt
  • Ratio - 1 cup flour + 1½ teaspoon baking powder + ½ teaspoon salt per 1 cup Bisquick
  • Key difference - Less salty than Bisquick, so adjust seasoning in savory recipes

If you're running low on baking powder as well, what to use for Baking Powder covers acid-base swaps that still release lift.

*Skip if::* You need extra leavening for thick batters or high-altitude baking.

All-Purpose Flour Mix

Works for: Pancakes, biscuits, and recipes where you control salt

Skip if: Recipe needs a leavening boost beyond standard baking powder

Self-Rising Flour

Works for: Quick breads and muffins that don't need precise salt control

Skip if: You want to adjust salt or baking powder independently

2 - Self-Rising Flour

Self-rising flour already contains baking powder and salt, so it swaps 1:1 for Bisquick. The built-in leavening simplifies measuring, but you lose control over salt and rise.

It works well in quick breads and muffins where a standard rise is enough. Out of self-rising flour too?

Tested Self-rising Flour replacements covers how to build it from scratch or swap for similar blends.

Here's what to know:

  • Best for - Quick breads, muffins, and recipes that don't need precise leavening control
  • Ratio - Use 1:1 for Bisquick
  • Flavor - Lightly salty with a milder taste than Bisquick

*Skip if::* You need to adjust salt or baking powder levels independently.

3 - Almond Flour Mix

Almond flour creates a gluten-free swap when combined with baking powder and salt. The texture runs denser, and the nutty flavor shifts the profile away from neutral.

It works in muffins and quick breads where a tighter crumb is acceptable. For every cup of Bisquick, use 1 cup almond flour plus 1½ teaspoons baking powder and ½ teaspoon salt.

  • Best for - Gluten-free baking in muffins, quick breads, and low-carb recipes
  • Ratio - 1 cup almond flour + 1½ teaspoon baking powder + ½ teaspoon salt per 1 cup Bisquick
  • Key difference - Nutty flavor and denser texture
  • Leavening - Less rise than wheat-based options, so don't expect airy biscuits

Expect a tighter crumb and adjust liquid if the batter feels too thick. Don't have almond flour either?

All-purpose Flour substitutes ranked covers nut-free and grain-based options that still deliver structure.

Best Pick
For gluten-free baking, almond flour mixed with baking powder and salt delivers a nutty crumb without wheat. Expect denser results and adjust liquid as needed.

*Skip if::* You need crispy textures or traditional bread rise.

4 - Whole Wheat Mix

Whole wheat flour combined with baking powder and salt brings a denser, earthier result. The flavor leans slightly bitter, which works in savory biscuits and hearty pancakes.

For every cup of Bisquick, use 1 cup whole wheat flour plus 1½ teaspoons baking powder and ½ teaspoon salt. Missing whole wheat flour as well?

Whole Wheat Flour swaps for recipes narrows it to grains that hold similar heft.

  • Best for - Savory biscuits, hearty pancakes, and recipes where a denser crumb fits
  • Ratio - 1 cup whole wheat flour + 1½ teaspoon baking powder + ½ teaspoon salt per 1 cup Bisquick

*Skip if::* You're making delicate pastries or cakes that need a light crumb.

Use Ratio Notes
Pancakes 1:1 Expect a heartier texture and slightly nutty taste
Savory Biscuits 1:1 Earthy flavor works well with herbs and cheese
Quick Breads 1:1 Denser crumb; reduce sugar if using sweet add-ins

5 - Gluten-Free Flour

Gluten-free all-purpose blends swap 1:1 for Bisquick and work in most baking recipes. The flavor stays mild, but the texture may feel less fluffy without gluten structure.

Many blends include xanthan gum or guar gum to mimic stretch. If yours doesn't, add ½ teaspoon per cup to improve binding.

Out of this blend too? Common All-purpose Flour swaps ranked covers wheat-based and alternative grain options that still deliver rise.

*Skip if::* Gluten structure is important for the recipe's success.

Watch Out
Gluten-free blends vary by brand. Some include xanthan gum; others don't. Check the label and add a binder if needed to prevent crumbly results.

6 - Pancake Mix

Pancake mix swaps 1:1 for Bisquick in pancakes and waffles. It runs sweeter and lighter, so it works best in breakfast recipes rather than savory baking.

The salt level is lower, which changes the balance in biscuits or other non-sweet dishes. Stick to pancakes, waffles, and simple quick breads where the sweetness fits.

*Skip if::* You're making biscuits or savory recipes that need balanced salt.

7 - Homemade Biscuit Mix

A homemade blend of flour, baking powder, salt, and butter powder delivers richer flavor and more control over fat content. It works for both sweet and savory recipes.

For every cup of Bisquick, use 1 cup flour plus 1½ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons butter powder. Short on butter as well?

Butter swaps by recipe type covers fat substitutes that still deliver richness.

*Skip if::* You don't have butter powder on hand or want a leaner mix.

Golden Rule
Mix your own baking blend in bulk and store it in an airtight container. It saves time and gives you control over salt and fat levels.

Making Bisquick Substitutes Work

The best substitute depends on your recipe. For pancakes and biscuits, all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt comes closest.

For gluten-free baking, almond flour or a gluten-free blend holds up better than standard flour.

  • Closest match - All-purpose flour with baking powder and salt
  • Easiest grab - Self-rising flour for 1:1 swaps
  • Dietary option - Gluten-free all-purpose blend for celiac-safe baking

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular flour instead of Bisquick?

Yes. Mix 1 cup all-purpose flour with 1½ teaspoons baking powder and ½ teaspoon salt for every cup of Bisquick. This gives you the same leavening and structure.

Does self-rising flour work the same as Bisquick?

Self-rising flour swaps 1:1 for Bisquick in most recipes. It already contains baking powder and salt, so skip adding extra leavening or you'll end up with a soapy taste.

What's the difference between Bisquick and pancake mix?

Pancake mix runs sweeter and lighter than Bisquick. It works for pancakes and waffles but falls short in savory recipes like biscuits where Bisquick's balanced salt level matters.

Can I make Bisquick gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in a 1:1 swap. Check if your blend includes xanthan gum; if not, add ½ teaspoon per cup to help with binding.

How do I store homemade biscuit mix?

Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three months. If you add butter powder, refrigerate it to prevent the fat from going rancid.

7 Best Substitutes for Bisquick for Baking and Cooking

7 Best Substitutes for Bisquick

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When you run out of Bisquick, choose a substitute based on your recipe's needs. This guide offers seven alternatives with clear ratios and use cases for pancakes, biscuits, and more.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 7 minutes mins
Cook Time 6 minutes mins
Total Time 13 minutes mins
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Baking, Substitutes
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup Flour Baking Mix Use 1 cup all-purpose flour plus 1½ teaspoons baking powder and ½ teaspoon salt per 1 cup Bisquick. Neutral texture and less salty.
  • 1 cup Self-Rising Flour Swaps 1:1 for Bisquick with built-in baking powder and salt. Controls leavening less precisely.
  • 1 cup Almond Flour Mix Mix 1 cup almond flour with 1½ teaspoons baking powder and ½ teaspoon salt per cup Bisquick. Nutty flavor and denser texture.
  • 1 cup Whole Wheat Mix Use 1 cup whole wheat flour plus 1½ teaspoon baking powder and ½ teaspoon salt per cup Bisquick for an earthy, heartier result.
  • 1 cup Gluten-Free Flour Swap 1:1 for Bisquick. Add ½ teaspoon xanthan gum if blend lacks binder to prevent crumbly results.
  • 1 cup Pancake Mix Use 1:1 in pancakes and waffles; sweeter and lighter, suitable for breakfast recipes only.
  • Homemade Biscuit Mix Combine 1 cup flour, 1½ tablespoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoon butter powder per cup Bisquick for a richer mix.

Method
 

  1. Choose your substitute based on the recipe type: baking, cooking, gluten-free needs, or savory vs sweet balance.
  2. Mix the base flour with required baking powder and salt according to chosen substitute ratios if not using ready blends.
  3. For gluten-free blends without xanthan gum, add ½ teaspoon per cup to improve binding and texture.
  4. Adjust seasoning in savory recipes when using less salty substitutes like Flour Baking Mix or Pancake Mix.
  5. Check batter or dough consistency; thin with liquids or adjust dry ingredients to match original texture.
  6. Bake, cook, or prepare your dish as usual, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed.

Notes

Thin almond flour-based mixes slowly to avoid a dense batter that won't rise properly.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

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