Quick Answer
Yes, you can substitute Bisquick for pancake mix in most recipes. Bisquick is an all-purpose baking mix that contains flour, shortening, salt, sugar, and leavening like baking powder. Pancake mix also contains very similar ingredients to Bisquick. The main difference is that pancake mix often has a higher proportion of sugar and leavening ingredients to make the pancakes lighter and fluffier.
For a 1:1 Bisquick substitution, use the same amount of pancake mix and add 1/4 teaspoon of salt for every 1 cup of mix. The extra salt compensates for the lower salt content in pancake mix. You may also need to slightly adjust the liquids in the recipe to reach the desired pancake batter consistency. Overall, swapping Bisquick for pancake mix will give you very comparable results!
What is Bisquick?
Bisquick is an all-in-one baking mix made by the Betty Crocker company. It was first introduced in 1931 and became very popular in American households for its convenience. Bisquick contains:
- All-purpose flour – provides structure
- Shortening – adds fat and tenderness
- Sugar – contributes sweetness
- Salt – controls flavor
- Leavening like baking powder – causes rising during baking
This balanced combination of ingredients allows you to make a variety of baked goods with Bisquick, including pancakes, biscuits, shortcakes, dumplings, waffles, muffins, coffee cake, and more. The wheat flour gives structure, the shortening and leavening make the products tender and flaky, and the sugar and salt add flavor.
Nutrition Facts of Bisquick
Here are the nutrition facts for 1/4 cup (30g) of original Bisquick mix:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110 |
| Total Fat | 3g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 260mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 18g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Sugars | 2g |
| Protein | 2g |
As you can see, Bisquick provides carbohydrates, fat, and a small amount of protein. It’s not high in fiber or micronutrients. The exact nutritional values can vary slightly between recipes and versions.
What is Pancake Mix?
Pancake mix is a baking mix specifically designed to make fluffy pancakes. It contains generally the same ingredients as Bisquick – wheat flour, leavening, salt, sugar or corn syrup, and sometimes powdered milk or whey. However, pancake mixes tend to have higher proportions of:
- Sugar – for enhanced browning and sweetness
- Leavening – to make them extra light and fluffy
- Powdered milk/whey – contributes tenderness and browning
This tweaked formula results in pancakes with a distinctively sweet, airy, and tender texture. Popular brands of pancake mix include Aunt Jemima, Krusteaz, Hungry Jack, and Bob’s Red Mill. You can also find whole grain and gluten-free versions.
Nutrition Facts of Pancake Mix
The nutrition information for 1/4 cup (30g) of Aunt Jemima Original pancake mix is:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110 |
| Total Fat | 1g |
| Saturated Fat | 0g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 270mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 24g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Sugars | 4g |
| Protein | 2g |
Pancake mixes provide high amounts of refined carbohydrates and sugar but minimal fiber, protein or unsaturated fats. Check the label if you have specific dietary needs or allergies.
Can You Substitute Bisquick for Pancake Mix?
Yes, Bisquick can be substituted for pancake mix in most recipes. The main points to consider are:
Adjustments Needed
- Add 1/4 teaspoon of salt per 1 cup of Bisquick – pancake mixes tend to be lower in salt.
- Slightly reduce liquids – Bisquick absorbs a bit more moisture than pancake mixes.
- Expect a slightly less sweet flavor – Bisquick contains less sugar than typical pancake mix.
- Check consistency of batter – thin with milk if using Bisquick results in a thick, doughy batter.
With a few minor tweaks, Bisquick can stand in perfectly for pancake mix. The texture and rise of the finished pancakes will be very similar.
Measurements
For a 1:1 substitution, use the same measured amount of Bisquick as the recipe calls for with pancake mix.
For example, if a recipe needs:
– 2 cups of pancake mix
Use:
– 2 cups of Bisquick
Then make the adjustments to salt, liquids, and batter consistency as needed.
Results
Pancakes made with Bisquick may turn out slightly less sweet than those made with an ultra-fluffy pancake mix. But adding a pinch more sugar or syrup on top can easily compensate for Bisquick’s lower sugar content.
The texture should be thick, cakey, and tender with either mix. Both Bisquick and pancake mix contain chemical leaveners to ensure the pancakes puff up nicely. Overall, the pancakes will look, taste, and feel very similar despite the swap.
Tips for Substituting Bisquick for Pancake Mix
Here are some useful tips to ensure success when substituting Bisquick in place of pancake mix:
- Always add a pinch or two more salt to account for the lower sodium levels in pancake mix.
- Use milk instead of water to mix the batter to compensate for any moisture differences.
- Stir the batter gently; overmixing can develop gluten and make pancakes tough.
- If the batter seems too thick, thin it with a tablespoon or two of milk until it has a pourable consistency.
- Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking the pancakes.
- Brush pancakes lightly with vegetable oil or spray oil on the griddle to promote easy flipping.
- Adjust cook time as needed. Bisquick pancakes may take slightly longer since they are denser.
- Add a pat of butter and syrup on top of cooked pancakes for extra moisture and sweetness!
Following these tips will help you seamlessly swap Bisquick for whatever amount of pancake mix a recipe requires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about substituting Bisquick for pancake mix:
Why does pancake mix need more liquids than Bisquick?
Pancake mixes are formulated specifically to produce very soft, pourable batters. They absorb more liquid compared to denser, all-purpose Bisquick. Using the same amount of liquid with Bisquick can lead to dry, stiff batter. Adding a touch more milk brings the batter to the right consistency.
Do you need to adjust leavening or baking powder?
No – Bisquick and pancake mix both contain leavening agents like baking powder or baking soda. There is no need to adjust the leavening when swapping the mixes. They will rise comparably.
Can I use bisquick mixes like blueberry or oatmeal?
Yes, the various Bisquick flavor mixes like blueberry, oatmeal, and wheat can be substituted for original or flavored pancake mixes. Follow the same guidlines of adding a little extra salt and adjusting liquids as needed. The inclusions like berries may affect the batter thickness slightly.
How do I adjust for buttermilk or other liquids in a recipe?
You can still use buttermilk, or liquids like milk, water, yogurt, etc. Just use a bit less liquid with the Bisquick than the recipe states for pancake mix. For buttermilk, you may need 2-4 tablespoons less. Reduce other liquids by 2-3 tablespoons. Add more as needed to get the right batter consistency.
Should I sift the Bisquick?
Sifting is not necessary when using Bisquick. It contains wheat flour that is already finely milled and does not require sifting. Whisking the dry ingredients well before adding liquids is sufficient. Sifting could potentially remove some of the sugar, salt, and leavening that is important for flavor and rise.
Substitution Ratio
The best substitution ratio for Bisquick and pancake mix is:
1 cup Bisquick = 1 cup pancake mix
Then make minor adjustments to salt, liquids, and batter consistency as outlined above.
This 1:1 ratio ensures you maintain the right amount of leavening power and starch from the flour needed to make tasty, fluffy pancakes.
Recipes Using Bisquick Instead of Pancake Mix
To demonstrate how seamlessly Bisquick can be swapped for pancake mix, here are some recipe examples:
Classic Pancakes
Original (Makes 12 pancakes)
- 2 cups pancake mix
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
With Bisquick (Makes 12 pancakes)
- 2 cups Bisquick
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
Follow the same instructions, mixing wet ingredients then stirring into dry mix just until combined. Cook on lightly oiled griddle and flip when bubbles appear.
Blueberry Pancakes
Original (Makes 15 pancakes)
- 2 1/4 cups blueberry pancake mix
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup oil
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
With Bisquick (Makes 15 pancakes)
- 2 1/4 cups blueberry Bisquick
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup blueberries
Mix wet ingredients, then gently fold into Bisquick mix just until blended. Pour batter onto hot oiled griddle. Cook until bubbly then flip.
The Bottom Line
Bisquick and pancake mix can be used interchangeably in most recipes with great results. The pancakes will be nearly identical in terms of taste, texture, and appearance. Just be sure to make small adjustments to the salt, liquids, and batter consistency as needed. With this easy substitution, you can enjoy delicious homemade pancakes whether you have Bisquick or pancake mix on hand!