LAUSD Coffee Cake Recipe for Any Occasion

Enjoy a taste of nostalgia with this classic coffee cake recipe from the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). Known for its crumbly cinnamon topping and soft, moist cake, this coffee cake has been a staple in LAUSD cafeterias for decades.

Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful snack with coffee, it brings back childhood memories for many and is beloved by all ages.

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LAUSD Classic Coffee Cake Recipe

Transport yourself back to your school days with this timeless recipe for LAUSD’s beloved coffee cake. Renowned for its moist, fluffy texture and signature cinnamon crumble topping, this cake is a nostalgic treat enjoyed by generations of students. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack with a cup of coffee.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 9

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

• 1 Mixing bowls Parchment paper (optional) (medium and large)
• 1 Whisk
• 1 Fork or pastry cutter
• 1 Measuring cups and spoons
• 1 9x9-inch baking pan
• 1 Spatula
• 1 Parchment paper (optional)

Ingredients

  

For the Cake

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup buttermilk (or substitute with ½ cup milk and ½ tablespoon vinegar, mixed and rested for 5 minutes)
• 1 large egg
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Crumble Topping:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ cup softened butter cut into pieces

Instructions

 

• Preheat Oven:

  Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  
• Prepare the Topping:

  In a medium bowl, mix ½ cup flour, ½ cup brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Add the softened butter and use a fork or pastry cutter to combine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
  
• Mix Dry Ingredients for the Cake:

  In a large bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups flour, granulated sugar, ½ cup brown sugar, salt, baking soda, and nutmeg.
  
• Combine Wet Ingredients:

  In another bowl, whisk the vegetable oil, buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  
• Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:

  Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and fluffy.
  
• Pour Batter into Pan:

  Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
  
• Add the Crumble Topping:

  Sprinkle the cinnamon crumble topping over the batter, ensuring even coverage.
  
• Bake:

  Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  
• Cool and Serve:

  Allow the coffee cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Slice and serve warm, or let it cool completely for cleaner slices.

Video

Notes

• Enhance Moisture: Use vegetable oil for a moist texture, but coconut oil adds a unique flavor if you want a twist.
• DIY Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix milk with vinegar or lemon juice for an easy substitute.
• Perfect Topping: Add a little extra cinnamon or try turbinado sugar for a crunchier topping.
• Storage Tip: This coffee cake tastes even better the next day! Store it at room temperature in an airtight container or freeze for up to 3 months.

Keyword Classic Cofee Cake, LAUSD

Tips for Making the Perfect LAUSD Coffee Cake

A few little tricks can make a big difference with this cake. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your coffee cake comes out just right every time:

Choose the Right Oil

While any neutral oil will work, vegetable oil tends to keep the cake moist without adding any extra flavor. Coconut oil can also be a good choice if you want a slightly different taste.

Substitute for Buttermilk if Needed

No buttermilk? No problem. Just add a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of regular milk. Let it sit for five minutes, and you have a quick buttermilk substitute.

Don’t Overmix the Batter

Overmixing the batter can make the cake tough and chewy. Once the wet and dry ingredients are combined, resist the urge to keep stirring.

Adjust the Topping to Taste

If you love cinnamon, you can add an extra teaspoon or two to the topping. You can also play around with different sugars—try turbinado sugar for a little extra crunch.

FAQs

Why We Love LAUSD Coffee Cake

Baking this coffee cake at home brings me a feeling of nostalgia, warmth, and a connection to simpler times. It’s a cake that holds up to every occasion without being fussy or complicated. In fact, you don’t need a reason to make it—it’s just as fitting for a solo Sunday morning as it is for a bustling family brunch.