7 Old-Fashioned & Comforting Amish Brown Sugar Cake Secrets You’ll Treasure Forever

Thank you so much for being here I truly love sharing recipes like this one — the kind that feel like they’ve been passed down on a handwritten card, edges smudged with butter and love. This Amish Brown Sugar Cake bakes up soft, golden, and tender, with a deep caramel warmth from brown sugar. Then — oh my — it gets blanketed in a creamy brown sugar frosting that gently melts into the cake while it’s still warm.

This is humble baking at its finest. No fuss. No flash. Just pure comfort. And once you make it, you’ll understand why it never lasts long on the counter.

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Overview of Amish Brown Sugar Cake

This cake is rooted in Amish-style baking — simple pantry ingredients, careful technique, and flavors that feel nostalgic and grounding. Brown sugar plays the starring role, creating a moist crumb and rich, molasses-kissed sweetness that pairs perfectly with the warm frosting poured over the top.

Why You’ll Love This Cake

• Soft, tender crumb with old-fashioned flavor
• Brown sugar richness without being too sweet
• Easy one-pan cake
• Perfect for coffee, gatherings, or Sunday supper
• That frosting… melts right in

What It Tastes Like

Warm caramel notes, buttery vanilla cake, and a creamy brown sugar frosting that tastes like childhood comfort.

Full Ingredient List (Complete & Detailed)

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Amish Brown Sugar Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
  (Substitute: 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice)

Creamy Brown Sugar Frosting

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup heavy cream or milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1½–2 cups powdered sugar, sifted

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Saucepan (for frosting)
• Whisk & spatula

Substitutions & Add-Ins

• Add chopped pecans or walnuts for texture
• Sprinkle cinnamon into the batter for warmth
• Use dark brown sugar for deeper molasses flavor
• Bake as a sheet cake or in two 9-inch rounds

How to Make Amish Brown Sugar Cake

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This is straightforward, comforting baking — the best kind

1. Prep the Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together. Set aside.

3. Cream Butter & Sugars

Beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add Eggs & Vanilla

Mix in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.

5. Combine with Buttermilk

Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk, starting and ending with dry.

6. Bake

Pour batter into pan and bake 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.

How to Make the Brown Sugar Frosting

1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Stir in brown sugar and cream. Bring to a gentle boil for 1–2 minutes.
3. Remove from heat, add vanilla.
4. Whisk in powdered sugar until smooth and pourable.
5. Pour over warm cake so it melts right in.

What to Serve with Amish Brown Sugar Cake

• Hot coffee or tea
• Fresh berries
• Vanilla ice cream
• A quiet afternoon and good company

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Frost the cake while warm for best absorption
• Don’t overbake — keep it tender
• Sift powdered sugar for smooth frosting
• Let frosting set slightly before slicing

Storage Instructions

• Room temperature: 2 days, covered
• Refrigerator: Up to 5 days
• Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cake up to 2 months

General Information

Amish cakes are known for simplicity, thrift, and flavor. This brown sugar cake reflects those values — humble ingredients transformed into something deeply comforting. It’s the kind of dessert that doesn’t need embellishment to shine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this without frosting?
Yes — it’s lovely plain, but the frosting is magic.

Can I use dark brown sugar?
Absolutely. It adds deeper flavor.

Why pour frosting on warm cake?
It allows the frosting to soak in slightly, creating a melt-in texture.

Can I make cupcakes?
Yes! Bake 18–20 minutes.

Conclusion

This Amish Brown Sugar Cake is proof that simple baking can be deeply satisfying. Soft, nostalgic, and finished with that irresistible frosting, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

If you love cozy classics, try these next:

• Banana Walnut Cake → https://poulef.com/banana-walnut-cake/
• Flourless Banana Muffins → https://poulef.com/flourless-banana-muffins/
• Oatmeal Cottage Cheese Cookies → https://poulef.com/oatmeal-cottage-cheese-cookies/
• Healthy Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal → https://poulef.com/healthy-carrot-cake-baked-oatmeal/

Interactive Corner

Did you bake this cozy cake?
Leave a review and share your slice on Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/
Your home-baked comfort truly inspires me

Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Slice)

Calories	Carbs	Protein	Fat	Sugar
410 kcal	58g	5g	18g	40g

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