There’s something magical about the LAUSD coffee cake recipe—a warm slice of nostalgia with a cinnamon crumble topping that takes you right back to school days. This old-school classic from the Los Angeles Unified School District wasn’t just a cafeteria treat—it was the treat. Soft, buttery, and layered with a sweet cinnamon-sugar crumble, this coffee cake holds a special place in the hearts (and taste buds) of millions of Americans who grew up eating it.
Whether you’re from California or just love a good homemade coffee cake, this recipe is a must-try. It’s comforting, simple to make, and doesn’t include any haram ingredients—making it a perfect fit for many households. Plus, you can totally customize it with add-ins like chopped nuts or a dash of nutmeg. If you’ve been craving a slice of something sweet that feels like home, this LAUSD coffee cake recipe is where it’s at.
🕒 Quick Recipe Overview
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Type: Dessert, Snack
- Cuisine: American
- Recipe Yield: 12 servings
- Calories (Approx): 280 per serving
⭐ Why You’ll Love This LAUSD Coffee Cake Recipe
- Nostalgic Flavor – A throwback to classic American school days
- Simple Pantry Ingredients – No need for anything fancy
- Customizable – Make it your own with add-ins or dairy-free swaps
- Perfect Texture – Moist crumb with a crunchy cinnamon topping
- Great for Sharing – A crowd-pleaser for potlucks, brunches, or weekend mornings
🧾 LAUSD Coffee Cake Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- ¾ cup vegetable oil (or neutral oil of choice)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cinnamon Crumb Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
🔄 Optional Add-ins: Chopped walnuts, nutmeg, or a pinch of clove for extra warmth.
👩🍳 How to Make LAUSD Coffee Cake (Step-by-Step)
1. Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Set aside 1 cup of this dry mixture for your crumb topping.
3. Make the Batter
- To the remaining dry mixture, add the eggs, yogurt, oil, and vanilla extract.
- Mix until just combined. Don’t overmix—the batter should be slightly lumpy.
4. Prepare the Crumb Topping
- In a small bowl, take the 1 cup of reserved dry mixture.
- Add flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and oil.
- Mix with a fork until crumbly and evenly moistened.
5. Assemble and Bake
- Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
6. Cool and Serve
- Let the coffee cake cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm or at room temperature with a glass of milk or hot coffee.
🍽️ Serving Ideas & Tips
- For Brunch: Pair with scrambled eggs and fruit.
- For Dessert: Add a drizzle of vanilla glaze or whipped cream.
- Make It Fancy: Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days.
📌 Conclusion
This LAUSD coffee cake recipe is more than just a slice of cake—it’s a slice of American school history. With its fluffy crumb and sweet cinnamon topping, it’s no wonder people still crave it decades later. Whether you’re making it for a family breakfast, a potluck, or just because you need a little comfort food, this recipe delivers every time.
Give it a try, and if you fall in love with it (like we think you will), don’t forget to share your results on social media or in the comments below. And hey, if you’re into retro recipes like this, check out our other vintage school cafeteria hits and sweet bakes!
❓ FAQs: LAUSD Coffee Cake Recipe
1. How to make LAUSD coffee cake moist?
The key is using yogurt or sour cream, which adds moisture and richness to the cake without making it too dense. Also, avoid overbaking!
2. Can I substitute yogurt in LAUSD coffee cake?
Yes, you can swap yogurt with sour cream, buttermilk, or even plain kefir. Just make sure it’s thick and unsweetened.
3. How long does LAUSD coffee cake last?
Stored properly, it lasts about 3 days at room temperature. You can refrigerate it to extend freshness or freeze slices for up to a month.
4. Can I make LAUSD coffee cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. The texture might vary slightly, but it’ll still be delicious.
5. Why is it called “coffee cake” if there’s no coffee in it?
Great question! Traditional American coffee cake doesn’t contain coffee—it’s named because it’s typically served with coffee, especially at breakfast or brunch.