You’ve Probably Never Heard Of It, But This Coffee Trend From the ’50s is Still Thriving Today
Updated: Dec. 06, 2019
Good conversations, your closest friends and a cup of coffee will never go out of style.
Growing up, I heard my grandma use the term “coffee klatch” all the time. “When my girls were young, I used to coffee-klatch with the other moms in the neighborhood.” Or, “I’m meeting my friends at the diner for a coffee klatch.” They’d get together for a cup of joe and something to eat, like coffee cake. It was an old-school term that I associated with my grandma, and I thought it was a pastime that ceased to exist these days.
Origin of the Coffee Klatch
The term “coffee klatch” comes from the German word, “kaffeeklatsch,” which translates to coffee (kaffee) + gossip (klatsch). It refers to a group of friends getting together over a cup of coffee, usually at someone’s house. The word “klatsch” has turned into “klatch” or even “clatch” over the years, and both are considered acceptable to use.
Coffee klatches were popular in the 1950s, when it was common for women to stay home with the kids. Ladies would get together with neighbors, discussing the latest updates in everyone’s lives. There would usually be something to munch on, too, like cookies to dunk in your coffee. It was a great way to spend a morning.
The Modern Day Coffee Klatch
Coffee klatches still exist today, though the term has become almost extinct. Since more women have careers now, they don’t meet up with friends on, say, a Tuesday morning. They do, however, get together for coffee. Whether it’s at a Starbucks (did you know how Starbucks got its name?) or the cute coffee shop in town, many women have kept this tradition alive.
Relaxing in a cozy coffee house, catching up with dear friends and sipping on one of the finest coffee shop drinks—what could be better than that?
Coffee klatch with these coffee cakes.
I love the excellent texture of this easy coffee cake recipe. Always a crowd-pleaser, its pleasing vanilla flavor enriched by sour cream may remind you of breakfast at Grandma's! —Eleanor Harris, Cape Coral, Florida
Blueberries and Cream Coffee CakeThis blueberry coffee cake is my go-to recipe for all of our holiday get-togethers because it's perfect for breakfast or dessert. It's easy to make, and it's the most delicious coffee cake I've ever had. —Susan Ober, Franconia, New Hampshire
Maple Bacon Walnut Coffee CakeWake up the sleepyheads in your household with this moist, tender coffee cake that’s both sweet and savory. Bacon and nuts in the crumbly topping blend with flavors of maple, nutmeg and cinnamon. Yum! —Angela Spengler, Clovis, New Mexico
Cream-Filled Cinnamon Coffee CakeRepeat guests often phone ahead to request my cinnamony coffee cake for breakfast. You can prepare it in advance and refrigerate, or welcome company with its fresh-baked aroma. —Arlene Wengerd, Millersburg, Ohio
Cranberry Swirl Coffee CakeCranberries are an important crop in New England. This recipe produces a beautiful and delicious cake.
Lemon Pull-Apart Coffee CakeI found this recipe in a newspaper and make it often. I like to bake this coffee cake when unexpected company stops in and I need something speedy to go with a cup of coffee. —Mary Tallman, Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin
Chocolate Chip Coffee CakeI've been making this special breakfast treat since I was a teenager. With chocolate chips and cinnamon in the middle and on top, it never fails to please all ages. —Trish Quinn, Middletown, Pennsylvani
Raspberry Crumble Coffee CakeDon't be "intimidated" by the recipe directions for this coffee cake—it really isn't difficult to make. Try it sometime as a nice brunch item. Don't limit it to that, though...it's also a delicious dessert.—Shirley Boyken, Mesa, Arizona
Swedish Cream Apple RingsMy mother made this classic coffee cake for every important holiday... Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. Now, I carry on the tradition. As I make them, I remember my mom, who was a lot like this recipe: soft and tasteful but full of surprises. The overnight rise let's you make the dough in advance so your morning won't be hectic.—Heather Hood, Hillsboro, Oregon
Poteca Cake“Rock Springs is home to 56 nationalities, and this recipe showcases its Slavic heritage. It’s one of my favorite ethnic holiday treats.”
—Rachelle Stratton
Rock Springs, Wyoming
Sour Cream Streusel Coffee CakeI like that I can use delicious Wisconsin sour cream in this recipe. This coffee cake tastes wonderful and feeds a crowd, so it's perfect for a morning meeting or for breakfast with overnight company. —Sandra Munyon, Watertown, Wisconsin
Rhubarb Sour Cream Coffee CakeWith a tart kick from fresh spring rhubarb, this coffee cake is an irresistible way to start the day—or end it! —Roberta Schauer, Williamsport, Pennsylvania
Creamy Cranberry Coffee CakeChopped cranberries and orange peel give this coffee cake bursts of tart flavor, but a cream cheese layer on top sweetens it nicely. It's so lovely, you'll want to serve it when company comes.
-Nancy Roper, Etobicoke, Ontario
Almond Apricot Coffee CakeThe nutty aroma and delicate fruit flavor make this cake special enough to serve to company. Strawberry or raspberry preserves can be used as a tasty variation. —Sharon Mensing, Greenfield, Iowa
Apple Pear Coffee CakeA friend gave me this apple pear coffee cake recipe to make for a breakfast I was hosting. The pan was empty before the breakfast was over! It's one of my most-requested recipes, probably because it's a bit different. —Joanne Hoschette, Paxton, Massachusetts
Blueberry Streusel Coffee CakeThis blueberry coffee cake smells wonderful as it bakes and tastes even better. The moist cake filled with juicy berries and crunchy pecans is a family favorite. It never lasts long at our house. —Lori Snedden, Sherman, Texas
Maple Nut Coffee CakeEvery time I make this coffee cake for the holidays or church functions, the pan is emptied in a hurry. People rave about it. —Rosadene Herold, Lakeville, Indiana
Apple Coffee CakeTart sour cream flavors this moist apple cinnamon coffee cake covered with brown sugar and crunchy nuts. The yield is two pans, so you can serve one and freeze the other for a busy morning or unexpected company. —Dawn Fagerstrom, Warren, Minnesota
Overnight Cranberry-Eggnog Coffee CakeTo use up leftover eggnog, cranberries and pecans from the holiday season, I added them to a classic coffee cake recipe. Mix it all together the night before, and bake it in the morning. —Lisa Varner, El Paso, Texas
Lemon Pull-Apart Coffee CakeI found this recipe in a newspaper and make it often. I like to bake this coffee cake when unexpected company stops in and I need something speedy to go with a cup of coffee. —Mary Tallman, Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin
Originally Published: December 05, 2018
