Lausd Coffee Cake Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Okay, let’s set the scene.

You’re sitting in a fluorescent-lit cafeteria. There’s chatter and the clatter of trays, and then bam-you spot it. A golden square of cinnamon-swirled, powdered sugar-topped magic. That’s right. The LAUSD Coffee Cake, a mainstay in Los Angeles public schools for decades.

But wait-why the obsession? Here’s the thing:

• It’s nostalgic AF. Generations of kids grew up on this comforting cake.
• It’s deceptively simple, yet oh-so-rich in flavor.
• It’s a masterclass in balance: tender crumb, cinnamon warmth, just a kiss of crunch.

Originally introduced in the 1950s or ’60s, this cake made its way into nearly every school in the district, feeding millions of kids over the years. And yes, when LAUSD finally released the official recipe to the public, it caused a minor frenzy among foodies and memory-chasers alike.

Let’s recreate this masterpiece from scratch-nostalgia included.

LAUSD Coffee Cake Recipe (The Official One)

Here it is. No gatekeeping. This is the real-deal recipe released by the LAUSD itself. And yes, it yields a generous portion-this was designed to feed a cafeteria full of hungry teens!

‍ Makes: One Big Pan (approx. 12-16 Slices)

You’ll be shocked at how straightforward it is. And yet… it delivers on every level.

Ingredients Needed

Let’s break it down. Simple pantry staples = big nostalgic payoff.

Dry Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – The foundation, gives structure.
• 1 ½ cups brown sugar (packed) – For that molasses-rich depth.
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon – The warm, comforting soul of the cake.
• ¾ tsp salt – Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
• 1 tsp baking soda – Leavening agent, gives the cake lift.
• 1 tsp baking powder – Works with soda for a tender, fluffy crumb.

Wet & Fat Ingredients

• ¾ cup vegetable oil – Keeps it moist, tender, and soft (no creaming butter required).
• 1 egg – Binds and enriches.
• 1 cup sour milk or buttermilk – Acid + fat = ultra-moist texture and slight tang.

( Pro Tip: To make sour milk at home, add 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup milk. Let it sit for 5 mins.)

Topping

• ¼ cup powdered sugar – A final dusting of sweet nostalgia.

️ How To Make LAUSD Coffee Cake (Step-by-Step)

Alright, now for the fun part. This is like edible time travel.

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan-or line it with parchment for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix The Dry Base

• In a large bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
• Scoop out ½ cup of this mixture and set it aside. This will be your cinnamon-sugar topping.

Step 3: Add The Fats

• Into the main dry mix, stir in the vegetable oil. Mix until it looks crumbly and sand-like.
• Then add the baking soda and baking powder-important to do after the oil so they don’t activate too soon!

Step 4: Wet Ingredients Go In

• Stir in the egg and sour milk (or buttermilk). Mix until just combined. Don’t overmix-it’s a cake, not bread.

Step 5: Pour & Top

• Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly.
• Sprinkle that reserved cinnamon-sugar mixture all over the top.

Step 6: Bake It!

• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick comes out clean.
• Let cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar.

Serve warm. Or cold. Or straight from the pan while standing at the kitchen counter. (No judgment.)

Ingredient Science Spotlight

This cake is a chemistry lesson in disguise. Let’s geek out for a second.

• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and caramel-like depth thanks to molasses content. It also helps the top get that barely-there crust.
• Buttermilk (or sour milk): The acidity activates baking soda and tenderizes the gluten-hello, soft crumb.
• Vegetable Oil: Unlike butter, oil coats flour proteins more completely, reducing gluten development and creating a softer texture.
• Baking Powder vs. Baking Soda: They’re both leavening agents, but soda needs acid (like buttermilk), while powder contains its own acid. The combo ensures a fluffy rise and flavor balance.

Food science for the win!

Expert Tips

Want to level-up your LAUSD cake game? Try these pro tricks:

• Don’t skip the reserved topping: That set-aside crumble mixture is key to the signature flavor.
• Use fresh baking soda/powder: Expired leavening = flat, dense cake.
• Cool it just enough: Powdered sugar melts on hot cake. Let it cool slightly before dusting.
• Double the recipe: It freezes beautifully-slice and wrap individual portions for future cravings.
• Add nuts (if you’re daring): Chopped walnuts in the topping add a lovely crunch.

Recipe Variations

Sure, the original is perfect-but you know what? This recipe loves a remix.

• Pumpkin Spice Version: Swap cinnamon for pumpkin spice blend and add ½ cup canned pumpkin to the batter. Perfect for fall vibes.
• Apple Crumble: Fold in finely chopped apples and top with chopped walnuts.
• Mocha Twist: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder and a splash of strong coffee to the batter for a subtle mocha edge.
• Coconut Dream: Mix shredded coconut into the topping mixture and sprinkle on top.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and check your baking powder/soda are GF certified.

Final Words

This isn’t just a coffee cake-it’s a memory. It’s a bite of childhood, even if you didn’t grow up in LA. It’s warm mornings, cafeteria chatter, and sticky fingers. What makes it so special isn’t just the flavor-it’s the feeling. The comfort. The care that went into every massive sheet pan of it.

Making this cake at home isn’t just about a recipe. It’s about resurrecting tradition, about sharing something old-school and wonderful with your friends, your kids, or your nostalgic inner child.

FAQs

What Is The LAUSD Coffee Cake Recipe?

The LAUSD coffee cake recipe is a beloved treat originally served in Los Angeles Unified School District cafeterias. It consists of a moist, cinnamon-flavored cake with a crumbly topping, often paired with a slightly sweet glaze.

Can I Find The Exact LAUSD Coffee Cake Recipe Online?

While the exact recipe used by LAUSD may not be publicly available, many versions of it have been recreated by fans online. These recipes aim to replicate the texture, flavor, and experience of the original school cafeteria cake.

What Makes The LAUSD Coffee Cake Different From Other Coffee Cakes?

The LAUSD coffee cake is known for its soft, fluffy texture and distinctive cinnamon flavor. It often features a crumbly streusel topping and is slightly less sweet than typical coffee cakes, making it ideal for school lunch menus.

How Can I Make The LAUSD Coffee Cake Recipe At Home?

To make the LAUSD coffee cake at home, you’ll need ingredients such as flour, sugar, butter, eggs, baking powder, cinnamon, and milk. There are several recipes available online that provide step-by-step instructions on how to recreate it.

Can I Make The LAUSD Coffee Cake Recipe Without Eggs?

Yes, you can substitute eggs in the LAUSD coffee cake recipe. Common alternatives include using flaxseed meal mixed with water, unsweetened applesauce, or a store-bought egg replacer, depending on your dietary preference.

How Can I Make The LAUSD Coffee Cake Gluten-free?

To make the LAUSD coffee cake gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the flour blend includes xanthan gum or another binder to maintain the texture of the cake.

What Can I Use Instead Of Butter In The LAUSD Coffee Cake Recipe?

If you’d like to avoid butter, you can substitute it with vegetable oil, coconut oil, or applesauce. Each substitution will slightly alter the texture, with applesauce providing a moist, tender crumb.

Can I Freeze The LAUSD Coffee Cake For Later?

Yes, you can freeze the LAUSD coffee cake. To do so, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Is The LAUSD Coffee Cake Recipe Suitable For A Vegan Diet?

To make the LAUSD coffee cake vegan, substitute the eggs with a vegan egg replacer and use plant-based milk (such as almond or oat milk) along with dairy-free butter or oil. With these substitutions, you can create a completely vegan version of the cake.

What Is The Best Way To Serve The LAUSD Coffee Cake?

The best way to serve the LAUSD coffee cake is slightly warm, either as a breakfast item or a dessert. It pairs perfectly with coffee or milk, and some people enjoy it with a dusting of powdered sugar or a simple glaze on top.