Kid-Friendly Coffee Cake Recipe Made with Bisquick (No Nuts)
Sneak Preview: Mix up this Kid-Friendly Coffee Cake made with Bisquick the night before and bake it the next morning. Or, whip it up after you drink your morning coffee and bake it immediately. Delicious either way!

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This Bisquick Coffee Cake has won over picky eaters, toddlers, rushed morning cooks, and anyone who enjoys something sweet with their coffee. It’s easy enough for beginners and convenient enough for night owls—you can prep it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning.
The recipe comes from my niece Derinda, who calls it “the coffeecake Mom always made on Saturdays when I was a kid. Now my kids LOVE it. I like it because I can prepare it at night, put it in the fridge, and cook it in the morning.” Thanks, Derinda, for sharing a family favorite that’s still making mornings sweeter.

Ingredients and Substitutions
- BISQUICK:
- Classic baking mix forms the base.
- Gluten-free Bisquick works too.
- BUTTER:
- Margarine or plant-based butter are fine substitutes.
- MILK:
- Use any dairy or non-dairy milk.
- EGG:
- Large eggs
- Sub with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water) if needed.
- BROWN SUGAR:
- For that rich, molasses-style sweetness in the topping.
Optional Add-ins
- Chopped pecans (skip for kids with allergies)
- Chocolate chips or chopped semi-sweet chocolate
Shared & Loved
“All the kids in the neighborhood loved this cake.—SIS
FAQ
Can I make this the night before?
Yes. Assemble, cover, and refrigerate. Add 2–3 minutes to bake time if cold.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, bake in a 9×13 pan and increase bake time by 4–6 minutes.
Final Thoughts
This nostalgic little cake checks all the boxes—fast, familiar, and totally shareable. It’s been passed down through friends, but it always comes back to that cozy combo of crumbly topping and warm slices straight from the oven. If you have little helpers in the kitchen, this is one they’ll enjoy making and eating.
Note to my friends who think I never use a mix: Sometimes there is not enough daylight or energy for baking from scratch, no matter how much you want to. Thank goodness for baking mixes in those times. Besides, it’s the way we’ve always made this family tradition.
Kid-Friendly Coffee Cake was adapted from a recipe on the back of the Bisquick box.
More Breakfast Goodies
- Glazed Flaky Biscuits Made with Whey (or Buttermilk)
- Homemade Brown Sugar-Cinnamon Oatmeal Pop-tarts
Need help troubleshooting? Email me: Paula at saladinajar.com—photos welcome!
Paula Rhodes, owner
As a retired home economist, I created Saladinajar.com to share my belief that you don’t have to be a chef to find joy in creating homemade food worth sharing. Bread machines (used in an unconventional way), homemade yogurt, and quick microwave recipes are my specialty.