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

LAUSD Coffee Cake Recipe: 5 Reasons This School Classic Still Shines
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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.

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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. Mix Wet Ingredients
      In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and baking powder.

    1. Combine Wet and Dry
      Slowly stir the wet mixture into the dry mixture (excluding the reserved topping) until just combined—do not overmix.

    1. Assemble the Cake
      Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the reserved cinnamon topping over the batter.

    1. Bake
      Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

    1. Cool and Serve
      Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Slice and enjoy!

Find it online: https://brianarecipes.com/lausd-coffee-cake-recipe/