LAUSD Coffee Cake Recipe: 5 Reasons It’s Still a School Favorite

Introduction

LAUSD coffee cake recipe lovers, get ready for a nostalgic treat! There’s something magical about the aroma of cinnamon and brown sugar wafting through the air, instantly transporting us back to our school days. For many who grew up in Los Angeles, this cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a cherished memory. Moist, tender, and topped with its signature cinnamon crumb, the LAUSD coffee cake has been a staple in Los Angeles Unified School District cafeterias since 1954.

What makes this cake so special? Perhaps it’s the simplicity of its ingredients, the ease of preparation, or the nostalgic comfort it brings with every bite. Unlike other elaborate desserts, the LAUSD coffee cake recipe doesn’t rely on fancy techniques or exotic ingredients. It’s straightforward, reliable, and consistently delicious.

If you’re a fan of classic school recipes, you might also enjoy our Homemade Sloppy Joes or Classic Mac and Cheese. But today, let’s focus on recreating this iconic coffee cake that has stood the test of time.

Ready to bake a piece of history? Let’s dive into the LAUSD coffee cake recipe and discover why it’s still a beloved treat for generations LAUSD Coffee Cake Recipe.

Strawberry Cheesecake Nachos: 5 Sweet Reasons to Try Them Now – Briana Recipe

What is LAUSD Coffee Cake?

Ever wondered what makes the LAUSD coffee cake so legendary? Is it the soft, moist crumb that melts in your mouth, the irresistible cinnamon-infused topping, or the sheer wave of nostalgia it brings with every bite? This beloved dessert first made its debut in 1954, created by Los Angeles Unified School District cafeteria cooks who wanted to give students something comforting, homemade, and full of flavor. And they succeeded—brilliantly.

The name might not be glamorous—LAUSD coffee cake doesn’t exactly scream gourmet—but don’t let that fool you. This humble cake has stood the test of time, winning over generations of students, teachers, and even parents. With its straightforward ingredients and timeless taste, it’s become more than just a school cafeteria classic—it’s a cultural icon for anyone who grew up in the LAUSD system. The recipe was so popular that it was officially shared with the public, allowing families to recreate this sweet memory at home.

Why does it still resonate so deeply today? It’s simple. LAUSD coffee cake is easy to make, budget-friendly, and incredibly satisfying. No frills, no fuss—just pure, cinnamon-swirled comfort. And as the old saying goes, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Well, the LAUSD coffee cake found its way into plenty of hearts and stayed there.

Whether you’re trying to relive your childhood lunch breaks or you’re curious about what made this school treat so famous, now is the perfect time to experience it for yourself. Bake a batch, take a bite, and let those warm, cozy memories flood back. It’s a little taste of the past, served fresh from your oven.

Go ahead—make it once, and it just might become your new family favorite LAUSD Coffee Cake Recipe.

Why You’ll Love This LAUSD Coffee Cake Recipe

1. Nostalgic Delight

This coffee cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a trip down memory lane. For many, it recalls the comforting routine of school mornings and the joy of a sweet treat during lunch breaks.

2. Budget-Friendly Baking

Made with pantry staples like flour, sugar, and cinnamon, this recipe is both economical and accessible. No need for fancy ingredients or equipment—just straightforward baking at its best.

3. Flavorful Simplicity

The combination of a moist, tender crumb and a cinnamon-sugar topping creates a harmonious balance of flavors. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can produce extraordinary results.

If you’re intrigued by this recipe, you might also enjoy our Classic Banana Bread or Old-Fashioned Apple Pie recipes, which celebrate the beauty of traditional baking.

Ready to experience the charm of the LAUSD coffee cake? Let’s get baking!

How to Make LAUSD Coffee Cake

Quick Overview

This LAUSD coffee cake recipe is straightforward and rewarding. With a preparation time of about 15 minutes and a baking time of 25–30 minutes, you’ll have a delightful cake ready in under an hour. The moist crumb and cinnamon-sugar topping make it a perfect treat for any occasion.

Key Ingredients

• 7 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9″x13″ baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Brown the Butter
   In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it turns a deep golden color and smells nutty—about 3–5 minutes. Let it cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Streusel
   In a large bowl, combine the browned butter, oil, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Mix until crumbly. Set aside 1/2 cup of this mixture for the topping and add the remaining 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to that portion.
4. Mix Wet Ingredients
   In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and baking powder.
5. Combine Wet and Dry
   Slowly stir the wet mixture into the dry mixture (excluding the reserved topping) until just combined—do not overmix.
6. Assemble the Cake
   Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the reserved cinnamon topping over the batter.
7. Bake
   Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve
   Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Slice and enjoy!

What to Serve With LAUSD Coffee Cake

• Coffee or Tea: A classic pairing for a reason.
• Fresh Fruit: Strawberries or blueberries add a fresh note.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop adds a touch of indulgence.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: For a more decadent dessert twist.

This coffee cake shines whether you serve it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Top Tips for Perfecting LAUSD Coffee Cake

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Baking soda and baking powder lose potency over time—check expiration dates.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can result in a dense cake.
• Customize the Topping: Add chopped nuts or a sprinkle of coarse sugar for extra texture.
• Check for Doneness: Oven temperatures vary, so check with a toothpick at 25 minutes.
• Cool Properly: Cooling allows flavors to settle and makes for cleaner slices.

Storage and Reheating Tips LAUSD Coffee Cake Recipe

• Storage: Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
• Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Microwave a slice for 15–20 seconds or reheat in a 300°F oven for 5–10 minutes.

Final Thoughts: Bake a Slice of Nostalgia LAUSD Coffee Cake Recipe

There’s a reason the LAUSD coffee cake recipe has stood the test of time—it’s simple, comforting, and irresistibly delicious. With its soft, tender crumb, buttery richness, and that classic cinnamon streusel topping, this cake offers far more than just flavor. It brings with it a wave of school-day nostalgia that can transport anyone back to the comforting buzz of a cafeteria morning in the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Baking this iconic treat at home is like opening a time capsule. As the cinnamon sugar aroma fills your kitchen, it’s easy to imagine cafeteria trays, noisy lunchrooms, and warm, freshly baked slices served alongside tiny cartons of milk. Whether you enjoyed this cake growing up or you’re discovering it for the first time, the recipe is a wonderful reminder of how the simplest ingredients can create something memorable.

And the best part? You don’t have to be a baking expert to pull it off. This LAUSD coffee cake recipe is incredibly approachable and takes just a few basic pantry staples. Serve it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert—it pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. It’s also perfect for holidays, school reunions, or simply whenever you want to indulge in something familiar and heartfelt.

This cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a tradition. It’s a slice of LA history and a taste of childhood for so many. Bring it into your kitchen, share it with your loved ones, and keep the legacy alive.

So go ahead—preheat the oven, tie on that apron, and rediscover why this humble little coffee cake remains a timeless favorite. One slice, one bite, one memory at a time.

By following this guide, you’ll bake up a nostalgic treat that brings the joy of classic school lunches right to your kitchen.

Would you like a printable version of the recipe or a photo step-by-step guide?

Print