“My brother used to stock shelves at the A&P and would always bring home this after his work.”
This recipe provides instructions for making a classic A&P Spanish Bar, a moist and flavorful cake featuring raisins and warm spices, topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting. It’s a delightful treat perfect for any occasion.
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Ingredients:
Cake Ingredients:
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| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Water | 2 cups |
| Raisins | 3/4 cup |
| Vegetable Oil | 1/2 cup |
| All-Purpose Flour | 2 cups |
| Granulated Sugar | 1 cup |
| Pumpkin Pie Spice | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
| Baking Soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Fine Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Large Egg, Lightly Beaten | 1 |
| Walnuts, Finely Chopped (Optional) | 3/4 cup |
Frosting Ingredients:
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| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cream Cheese, Room Temperature | 8 ounces |
| Unsalted Butter, Room Temperature | 1/4 cup |
| Powdered Sugar | 2 1/4 cups |
| Fine Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
Instructions:
Cake:
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan with baking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Cook the Raisins: In a large saucepan, combine water and raisins. Bring to a gentle boil and cook for 10 minutes. Stir in the vegetable oil and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the cooled raisin mixture into the dry ingredients. Add the lightly beaten egg and the finely chopped walnuts (if using). Mix until just combined.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
Frosting:
- Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the room-temperature cream cheese and butter until smooth and lump-free (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add Powdered Sugar and Salt: Gradually add the powdered sugar and salt, beating until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
Assembling the A&P Spanish Bar:
- Slice the Cake: Remove the cooled cake from the pan and place it on a cutting board. Slice the cake horizontally in half.
- Frost the First Layer: Transfer one cake layer to a serving tray. Spread an even layer of frosting over the top.
- Top with Second Layer: Place the second cake layer on top of the frosting.
- Frost the Top: Frost the top of the cake with the remaining frosting.
- Create Grooves (Optional): Use a fork to create a grooved pattern in the frosting.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy your A&P Spanish Bar.
