Spanish Bar Cake: Authentic Recipe (2024)

A&P Supermarkets’ Spanish Bar Cake is a nostalgic treat that has delighted generations of customers. This beloved dessert combines the richness of a moist, cinnamon-spiced cake with a generous layer of sweet, raisin-studded icing. Its distinctive rectangular shape and iconic yellow packaging evoke a sense of nostalgia for those who grew up enjoying it. A bite into this cake unleashes a burst of warm, comforting flavors, reminiscent of home-baked goods.

The Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup raisins

For the Icing:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, eggs, and buttermilk until well combined.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until the batter is smooth. Fold in the raisins.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared (greased) baking pan and smooth it out evenly.
6. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. While the cake is baking, prepare the icing. In a saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar over medium heat. Stir in the milk and bring the mixture to a boil. Remove from heat, add vanilla extract, and gradually whisk in powdered sugar until smooth.
8. When the cake has cooled for a few minutes but is still warm, pour the icing over the top, spreading it evenly.
9. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Spanish Bar Cake Trivia:

1. Origin: The A&P Spanish Bar Cake was originally created by the in the United States. A&P was a prominent grocery store chain that operated from 1859 until its bankruptcy in 2015.
2. Cake Description: The Spanish Bar Cake is a spiced cake with a unique blend of flavors, including cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. It is typically frosted with a creamy, sweet icing.
3. Raisins: One of the distinctive features of the A&P Spanish Bar Cake is the inclusion of raisins. Raisins add a natural sweetness and chewy texture to the cake.
4. Popularity: was a beloved and iconic dessert in its time. Many people have fond memories of enjoying this cake, and it was a staple in A&P stores for decades.
5. Discontinuation: Unfortunately, A&P filed for bankruptcy in 2015 and closed its stores, leading to the discontinuation of many of its branded products, including the Spanish Bar Cake. As a result, it became increasingly difficult to find the original A&P Spanish Bar Cake in stores.
6. Homemade Versions: Due to its popularity and the nostalgia associated with it, many people have decided to recreate the A&P Spanish Bar Cake at home
7. Variations: While the original A&P Spanish Bar Cake had a specific recipe, there have been variations and adaptations of the cake over the years. Some bakers have added ingredients like walnuts or different spices to create their own unique versions.
8. Revival: In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in vintage recipes and nostalgic foods. Some bakeries and food companies have attempted to revive the A&P Spanish Bar Cake or create similar products to satisfy the demand for this classic dessert.
9. Regional Differences: It’s worth noting that the A&P Spanish Bar Cake might have had regional variations in terms of flavor and ingredients, depending on the specific A&P store or bakery that produced it.

This homemade Spanish Bar Cake will bring back the nostalgic flavors of the A&P version and is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!