A&P Spanish Bar

Introduction:

The A&P Spanish Bar is a nostalgic dessert that harks back to the early to mid-20th century, especially popular during the 1940s. Originally from the famous Jane Parker brand, which was a staple in A&P grocery stores, this cake is a mildly spiced raisin-studded treat, layered with rich cream cheese frosting. It’s a dessert that many remember fondly, and this recipe brings it back to life, making it perfect for both holiday gatherings and everyday indulgence.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup boiling water
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Raisins: Begin by boiling the water. Once boiling, pour it over the raisins in a small bowl. Let them soak for about 10 minutes to plump up. Drain the raisins and set them aside to cool.
2. Mix the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, salt, and baking soda. Add the vegetable oil, egg, and cooled raisins to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth, even though the batter may appear lumpy at first.
3. Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cake is golden around the edges and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: While the cake cools, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
5. Assemble the Cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, remove it from the pan and carefully slice it in half horizontally. Spread half of the frosting on the bottom layer, then place the top layer of the cake back on and spread the remaining frosting on top.

Conclusion:

The A&P Spanish Bar is a delightful dessert that brings back the flavors of the past. With its warm spices and sweet raisins, combined with the creamy richness of the frosting, it’s a cake that appeals to both the nostalgic and those discovering it for the first time. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your home, just as it was for many during the height of A&P’s grocery store era. Enjoy this sweet slice of history!

For more details, visit the full recipe

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