A&P Spanish Bar Cake

This A&P Spanish Bar Cake is a delightful treat that combines a moist, spiced cake studded with plump raisins and optional walnuts, topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. With its warm pumpkin pie spices and creamy topping, this cake is perfect for dessert, tea time, or any occasion. The grooved frosting design adds a charming touch to this nostalgic recipe.

📋 Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups water
• 3/4 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
• 1 large egg , lightly beaten
• 3/4 cup walnuts , very finely chopped (optional)

For the Frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese , room temperature
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter , room temperature
• 2 1/4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon fine salt

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) .
2. Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with baking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Raisin Mixture

1. In a large saucepan, combine the water and raisins . Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat and cook for 10 minutes , stirring occasionally.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the vegetable oil . Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour , sugar , pumpkin pie spice , baking soda , and salt until well combined and free of lumps.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the cooled raisin mixture, stirring until fully combined.
2. Stir in the lightly beaten egg and finely chopped walnuts (if using). The batter will be thick but smooth.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
2. Bake for 35–40 minutes , or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
3. Remove from the oven and let the cake cool completely in the pan before transferring it to a cutting board.

Step 6: Make the Frosting

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and lump-free, about 2–3 minutes .
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and salt , beating on low speed at first to prevent a cloud of sugar, then increasing the speed to high until the frosting is smooth and creamy.

Step 7: Assemble the Cake

1. Once the cake has cooled completely, remove it from the pan and place it on a cutting board.
2. Use a serrated knife to carefully slice the cake in half horizontally, creating two even layers.
3. Transfer the bottom layer to a serving tray and spread a generous layer of frosting evenly over the top.
4. Place the second layer on top and spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake.
5. For a decorative finish, use the tines of a fork to draw grooved lines in the frosting.

Tips for Success

• Raisin Prep: Boiling the raisins softens them and infuses the water with their sweetness, making the cake extra moist.
• Walnut Option: If you prefer a nut-free cake, simply omit the walnuts.
• Frosting Consistency: If the frosting feels too stiff, add a teaspoon of milk or cream to loosen it. For a thicker frosting, add more powdered sugar.
• Storage: Store the assembled cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days . Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This A&P Spanish Bar Cake is a comforting blend of flavors and textures. The moist, spiced cake is studded with sweet raisins and optional crunchy walnuts, while the tangy cream cheese frosting adds a luscious finishing touch. Whether you’re serving it for dessert or as a snack with coffee or tea, this cake is sure to bring warmth and nostalgia to your table. Dive into this classic treat and let it become a family favorite!

⏱ Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Baking Time: 35–40 minutes
• Cooling Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: ~2 hours

🍽 Servings:

8–12 servings

🔥 Calories (Approximate):

~350 kcal per serving (varies based on portion size and frosting amount)