Lausd Old Fashioned Coffee Cake 1954 Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Oh, the nostalgic charm of a classic coffee cake! There’s something undeniably comforting about baking a time-tested recipe that has been passed down through generations. Today, we’re taking a delightful journey back to 1954 with the Lausd Old Fashioned Coffee Cake-a recipe that whispers tales of cozy mornings, kitchen chatter, and that irresistible aroma filling the house before the coffee even brews.

This isn’t just any coffee cake. It’s an ode to simplicity and warmth, combining buttery richness with a crumbly, cinnamon-spiced streusel topping that has the power to turn any ordinary morning into a special occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone who just loves a good slice of cake with their morning cup of joe, this recipe is like a hug from the past-comforting, familiar, and oh-so-delicious.

Ready to bake your way back in time? Let’s unpack every step of this golden oldie.

Lausd Old Fashioned Coffee Cake 1954 Recipe

Dating back to 1954, the Lausd Old Fashioned Coffee Cake was a staple in kitchens where family gatherings and weekend brunches reigned supreme. What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity combined with a deep, buttery flavor and that signature cinnamon streusel topping that crunches ever so perfectly.

This cake isn’t just for breakfast-though it shines there-it’s also a fabulous afternoon snack or a sweet treat to enjoy with friends. The name ’Lausd’ hints at its heritage, possibly linked to local traditions or a family legacy, preserving the spirit of the mid-20th century baking culture.

Expect a tender crumb, a golden crust, and the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Let’s explore what you’ll need to get started.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s the star lineup of ingredients for this vintage beauty. You likely have most of these in your pantry already, which makes this recipe even more appealing!

• All-purpose flour (about 2 cups) – The foundation of your cake, providing structure and tenderness.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup) – Sweetens the cake and helps with that lovely golden crust.
• Butter (1/2 cup, softened) – This is the richness that makes the cake melt in your mouth. Use real butter for authentic flavor.
• Eggs (2 large) – They bind everything together and add moisture.
• Sour cream or plain yogurt (1/2 cup) – Adds a slight tang and extra moisture, giving the cake a tender crumb.
• Baking powder (2 teaspoons) – Your leavening agent, making sure the cake rises beautifully.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon) – Enhances all the flavors without making it salty.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) – A subtle fragrance that elevates the cake’s aroma.
• Cinnamon (1 tablespoon) – The star spice in the streusel topping, warm and inviting.
• Brown sugar (1/2 cup) – For that rich, caramel-y flavor in the streusel.
• Chopped nuts (optional, 1/2 cup) – Walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch.
• Butter (for streusel) (1/4 cup, cold and cut into pieces) – Creates that crumbly, buttery topping.

How To Make Lausd Old Fashioned Coffee Cake 1954

Okay, here’s where the magic happens! Follow these steps, and you’ll be rewarded with a cake that’s bursting with flavor and texture.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square or round baking pan.
2. Prepare the streusel topping: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts (if using). Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture is crumbly. Set aside.
3. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Cream butter and sugar: In another bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a tender cake texture.
5. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
7. Assemble the cake: Pour half the batter into your prepared pan. Sprinkle half the streusel topping evenly over it. Add the remaining batter, then top with the rest of the streusel.
8. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool and serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice, serve, and enjoy with your favorite cup of coffee or tea.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Let’s geek out a bit-because knowing why ingredients behave the way they do makes baking even more fun!

• Butter: When creamed with sugar, butter traps air which helps leaven the cake, creating a light, fluffy texture. The fat also tenderizes the crumb by coating flour proteins, limiting gluten formation.
• Eggs: Provide structure through proteins that coagulate during baking. They also emulsify fats and liquids, ensuring an even crumb.
• Sour cream: Adds moisture and a mild acidity. The acid reacts with baking powder to create carbon dioxide bubbles, making the cake rise and stay moist.
• Baking powder: A chemical leavening agent that releases CO₂ gas when it reacts with moisture and heat, causing the cake to puff up.
• Cinnamon and brown sugar in the streusel: Brown sugar’s molasses content adds moisture and depth, while cinnamon imparts that unmistakable warm, spicy aroma that makes coffee cake so comforting.

Expert Tips

Want to elevate this vintage coffee cake into something truly unforgettable? Here are some pro pointers:

• Don’t overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops gluten and leads to a tougher cake.
• Room temperature ingredients: Make sure butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for better mixing and smoother batter.
• Cold butter for streusel: This creates a crumbly, rather than greasy, topping.
• Use fresh baking powder: Old leavening agents lose their power, so check your expiration date.
• Try adding a splash of coffee or espresso powder to the batter: It amplifies the flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
• Serve slightly warm: The cake tastes divine just out of the oven or gently warmed the next day.

Recipe Variations

Feel like experimenting? Here are some fun twists you can try while keeping the old-fashioned spirit alive:

• Fruit Addition: Fold in fresh or dried fruits like blueberries, cherries, or raisins for bursts of sweetness.
• Glaze it: Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze or cream cheese frosting for extra indulgence.
• Spice it up: Add nutmeg or cloves to the streusel for a more complex spice profile.
• Swap the nuts: Use almonds, hazelnuts, or even toasted coconut flakes instead of walnuts.
• Whole wheat flour: For a healthier twist, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour-expect a nuttier flavor and denser crumb.

Final Words

Baking the Lausd Old Fashioned Coffee Cake is like time traveling with your taste buds-it brings warmth, comfort, and a little sprinkle of mid-century magic into your kitchen. The beautiful interplay of textures, flavors, and aromas creates a sense of nostalgia that’s hard to beat.

It’s simple, reliable, and utterly delicious-perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring quietly with your morning brew.

FAQs

What Is The Origin Of The LAUSD Old Fashioned Coffee Cake 1954 Recipe?

The LAUSD old fashioned coffee cake 1954 recipe originates from the Los Angeles Unified School District’s cafeteria menus during the 1950s. It reflects a classic American coffee cake style, popular in school cafeterias and home kitchens of that era.

What Are The Main Ingredients Used In The LAUSD Old Fashioned Coffee Cake 1954 Recipe?

The key ingredients typically include flour, sugar, butter, eggs, baking powder, sour cream or milk, and cinnamon for the streusel topping. Some variations include nuts such as walnuts or pecans.

How Is The Streusel Topping For The LAUSD Old Fashioned Coffee Cake Prepared?

The streusel topping is usually made by combining brown sugar, flour, butter, and cinnamon until crumbly. This mixture is spread over the batter before baking to create a sweet, crunchy layer.

What Baking Method And Temperature Are Recommended For This Coffee Cake Recipe?

The coffee cake is generally baked in a preheated oven at around 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Is The LAUSD Old Fashioned Coffee Cake 1954 Recipe Considered A Dense Or Light Cake?

This recipe typically produces a moist, tender crumb that is somewhat dense but still soft, characteristic of mid-century American coffee cakes served in institutional settings.

Can The LAUSD Old Fashioned Coffee Cake 1954 Recipe Be Made Gluten-free Or Vegan?

While the original recipe contains gluten, dairy, and eggs, adaptations can be made using gluten-free flour blends, plant-based milk, and egg substitutes to accommodate dietary restrictions.

What Is The Best Way To Store Leftovers Of This Coffee Cake?

Leftover coffee cake should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to a week. For longer storage, it can be frozen and thawed before serving.

Does The LAUSD Old Fashioned Coffee Cake 1954 Recipe Include Any Unique Flavorings Or Spices?

Aside from the common cinnamon in the streusel, some versions might include vanilla extract or nutmeg to enhance the flavor profile, though the original recipe is generally straightforward.

How Did The LAUSD Old Fashioned Coffee Cake Reflect The Food Culture Of The 1950s?

The cake embodies the era’s preference for simple, comforting baked goods made with accessible ingredients, reflecting post-war American home cooking and institutional school menus.

Where Can I Find The Original LAUSD Old Fashioned Coffee Cake 1954 Recipe Documentation?

Original documentation may be found in archived LAUSD cafeteria cookbooks, historical recipe collections, or local libraries. Some vintage recipe blogs and community forums have also shared versions based on oral histories.