LAUSD Coffee Cake Recipe

I baked this LAUSD coffee cake recipe after hearing my mom reminisce about how they used to serve it in her school cafeteria so I found an old version of the recipe and tried it myself and the very first slice took her right back to her school days

Because I love nostalgic bakes with simple flavors this recipe quickly became a weekend staple in my kitchen and with its tender crumb sweet cinnamon ribbon and signature streusel topping it’s the kind of cake you can enjoy any time of day with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk

Ingredients

• Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
• All-purpose flour – Gives the cake structure and a light fluffy texture
• Sugar – Sweetens both the batter and the cinnamon topping
• Brown sugar – Adds richness and depth to the streusel
• Baking soda and baking powder – Work together to lift the cake
• Salt – Balances out the sweetness and enhances flavor
• Cinnamon – Key spice in both the filling and topping
• Eggs – Provide structure and help bind everything
• Buttermilk – Keeps the crumb soft and adds a slight tang
• Oil – Keeps the cake moist and tender
• Vanilla extract – Adds warm aromatic depth
• Powdered sugar – Optional for dusting before serving

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls – For the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately
• Whisk and spatula – Helps combine the batter smoothly
• 9×13 baking dish – Traditional size for this school-style cake
• Measuring cups and spoons – Ensures accurate proportions
• Toothpick – For checking doneness
• Sifter (optional) – To dust powdered sugar evenly on top

Instructions

Step 1:

I preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal

Step 2:

In a large bowl I whisk together 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar 1/2 teaspoon of salt 1 teaspoon of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda

Step 3:

In a separate bowl I mix 1 cup of buttermilk 1/2 cup of vegetable oil 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined

Step 4:

I add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir gently until just combined making sure not to overmix so the cake stays light

Step 5:

In a small bowl I combine 1/2 cup of brown sugar with 1 tablespoon of cinnamon to create that classic ribbon of flavor

Step 6:

I pour half the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over it then pour the rest of the batter on top and spread it gently

Step 7:

To make the crumb topping I mix 1/2 cup of flour 1/2 cup of brown sugar 1/4 cup of softened butter and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon until crumbly and sprinkle it evenly over the top of the batter

Step 8:

I bake the cake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean then cool it for 15 minutes before dusting with powdered sugar if desired

Tips

You can substitute sour cream for buttermilk if that’s what you have

I like using dark brown sugar in the topping for a richer molasses flavor

Don’t skip the cinnamon layer—it’s what makes this cake so memorable

Ways to Serve

Warm with a hot cup of coffee or tea

As a sweet breakfast or brunch treat

Dusted with powdered sugar and sliced for dessert

With whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a special touch

Wrapped individually for grab-and-go snacks or lunchbox treats

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze this LAUSD coffee cake recipe?

Yes just wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months then thaw and warm before serving

Can I use butter instead of oil in this LAUSD coffee cake recipe?

You can but oil gives a softer crumb and keeps it moist longer

What’s the best pan for this LAUSD coffee cake recipe?

A 9×13 baking dish is traditional but you can also use two 8×8 pans and adjust the baking time

Can I make this LAUSD coffee cake recipe gluten-free?

Yes use a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum and check your leavening agents too

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you bake up this nostalgic LAUSD coffee cake recipe and enjoy every cinnamon-swirled bite! It’s simple sweet and full of comforting flavor that brings back memories for so many people. Let me know how yours turns out—I’d love to hear your favorite way to enjoy it

Happy Cooking!

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