Good conversations, your closest friends and a cup of coffee will never go out of style.
You’ve Probably Never Heard Of It, But This Coffee Trend From the ’50s is Still Thriving Today
Updated on Dec. 06, 2019
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
Apricot, Almond & Pineapple Sour Cream Coffee CakeI created this pineapple sour cream coffee cake recipe for a contest at the Los Angeles County Fair in the 1980s. My kids were very proud of me when my name was called out for first place. The coffee cake would be the perfect partner for your morning coffee or a delightful dessert with a scoop of ice cream. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California
Berry-Topped Coffee CakeThis tasty, wholesome coffee cake is loaded with fresh berries. It's perfect for those with a sweet tooth. —Heather O'Neill, Troy, Ohio
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
Maple Twist Coffee CakeIf you like maple flavor, you will love this recipe. It is so pretty with all the twists and is always a hit at bake sales I have brought it too.—Deanna Richter, Elmore, Minnesota
Graham Streusel Coffee CakeI use this sweet coffee cake recipe often. It's quick and easy to make. —Blanche Whytsell, Arnoldsburg, West Virginia
Caramel-Pecan Monkey BreadThe kids will get a kick out of pulling off gooey pieces of this delectable monkey bread. It's hard to resist a caramel-coated treat. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Cranberry Swirl Coffee CakeCranberries are an important crop in New England. This recipe produces a beautiful and delicious cake.
Blueberry Coffee CakeWith juicy blueberries and a lovely, cinnamon-tinged crumble, this blueberry coffee cake with sour cream is delicious at any time of year.
Banana Coffee CakeThis banana coffee cake features bananas, cinnamon and pecans, plus cream cheese as a special ingredient that makes the texture even more enjoyable. It's so delicious, you'll want it for breakfast and dessert.
Apple Pull-Apart BreadFor a fun sweet treat that's certain to satisfy, try this recipe. Drizzled with icing, each finger-licking piece has a yummy surprise filling of apples and pecans. It's well worth the bit of extra effort. —Carolyn Gregory, Hendersonville, Tennessee
Rhubarb Berry Coffee CakeI rely on a cake mix to speed the prep for this moist streusel-topped dessert that pairs tart rhubarb with sweet strawberries. It's great all by itself, but feel free to add some frosting or ice cream. —Jackie Heyer, Cushing, Iowa
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
Blueberry KuchenOur blueberry kuchen recipe will let your sweet summer berries shine!
Pretty Cranberry Coffee CakeCranberries make this coffee cake a beautiful quick bread that's perfect for the holidays. For extra shimmer, we add a drizzle of almond-flavored glaze. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
