A&P Spanish Bar

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.

Ingredients:

Cake Ingredients:

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

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Frosting Ingredients:

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before frosting.

Frosting:

1. 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).
2. 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:

1. Slice the Cake: Remove the cooled cake from the pan and place it on a cutting board. Slice the cake horizontally in half.
2. Frost the First Layer: Transfer one cake layer to a serving tray. Spread an even layer of frosting over the top.
3. Top with Second Layer: Place the second cake layer on top of the frosting.
4. Frost the Top: Frost the top of the cake with the remaining frosting.
5. Create Grooves (Optional): Use a fork to create a grooved pattern in the frosting.
6. Serve: Slice and enjoy your A&P Spanish Bar.