There are some childhood memories that seem so simple, yet they have a profound impact on us throughout our lives. My fondest memories always seem to revolve around food, specifically baking with my mother in our small, cozy kitchen.

One of the favorites that Mom used to make was a simple bisquick coffee cake made with a kitchen staple, Bisquick. I can still remember the bright yellow color of that big box with the delicious-looking pancakes on the front. On the sides and back of the box were recipes for pancakes, biscuits, strawberry shortcake and that incredible coffee cake.

Bisquick coffee cake is one of those versatile desserts that can be served almost any time. In fact, in my Bisquick cookbook the recipe is found in the Breakfast section. My Mom used to make it for an after school snack or whip one up when unexpected company dropped by. This is true comfort food, serving as the centerpiece for many conversations around the kitchen table on a cold winter’s afternoon. The recipe is so quick and easy that it can literally be mixed up and baked while you chat with your company, then served warm and tempting right from the oven.

Unfortunately, the recipe is no longer found on the box – its been replaced by others. But I own a coveted copy of Betty Crocker’s Bisquick Cookbook, with the famous coffee cake recipe as well as many others. Bisquick is a truly versatile product, and can even be used in casseroles and pies, so this cookbook has much more than just dessert recipes.

Bisquick Coffee Cake

So, here’s how to make the deliciously famous Bisquick coffee cake. You’ll be amazed at how simple this recipe is and how fast you can whip one up.

First, preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Get your round, 9 x 1 ½ inch pan ready by greasing it.  Next, make your Streusel topping and set it aside:

• 1/3 cup Bisquick
• 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon (I like to add a bit more since I love cinnamon!)
• 2 tablespoons of margarine or butter

Mix the first three ingredients together. Then cut in the margarine with a fork or pastry blender until the mixture is crumbly.

For the batter you’ll need:

• 2 cups of Bisquick
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 2/3 cup of milk
• 1 egg

Mix all the batter ingredients together and spread in your prepared pan. Now sprinkle that with the Streusel topping. If you’d like, you can take a butter knife and zig-zag it through the topping for a marbled effect.

Pop it in the oven and bake it for 18 to 22 minutes. It should look golden brown on top when it’s done. Let it cool for just a few minutes so it will come out of the pan nicely, but to experience this coffee cake at it’s best, it should really be served warm. Make a nice pot of coffee to go with it and your guests will sing your praises!

Why not surprise your family and make some memories on a lazy weekend afternoon with one of these delicious and simple coffee cakes? Your family will thank you.