Description
Nostalgia comes packed in this timeless sweet treat — the classic A&P Spanish Bar. Inspired by the beloved Jane Parker original, this old-fashioned dessert features a soft, mildly spiced cake generously studded with sweet raisins and layered with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting. Moist, comforting, and perfectly balanced in flavor, this cake is ideal for breakfast with coffee, an afternoon snack, or a cozy dessert any time of day. One slice is never enough!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups raisins
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 ½ cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed)
Instructions
Prepare the Cake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined.
Fold in the raisins evenly.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
Prepare the Frosting:
Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until fluffy.
Add vanilla extract and enough milk to reach a spreadable consistency.
Assemble:
Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
Slice into bars or squares and serve.
Tip:
For an extra nostalgic touch, let the cake rest overnight — the flavors deepen and become even more irresistible.