Prepare to take a trip down memory lane with our A&P CopyCat Spanish Bar Cake recipe. This beloved classic, inspired by the iconic cake from A&P supermarkets, captures the essence of nostalgia with every bite. With a rich and moist spice cake base, studded with plump raisins, and topped with a decadent cream cheese frosting, this cake is a true delight for the senses. Whether you’re reminiscing about days gone by or creating new memories with loved ones, this recipe is sure to evoke feelings of warmth and comfort. So, let’s dive into the kitchen and recreate a cherished favorite!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 1/2 cups applesauce
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup raisins
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Prepare the Cake Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice until well combined.
- Add the applesauce, vegetable oil, and eggs to the dry ingredients, mixing until smooth and evenly incorporated.
- Fold in the raisins until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake the Cake:
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out into an even layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake:
- Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a separate mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, mixing until the frosting is thick and spreadable.
- Frost the Cake:
- Once the cake has cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Slice and Serve:
- Slice the cake into squares and serve. Enjoy the nostalgic flavors of A&P CopyCat Spanish Bar Cake!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Add Nuts: For added texture and flavor, fold chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts into the cake batter along with the raisins.
- Swap Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste preferences. You can increase or decrease the amounts of cinnamon, cloves, and allspice, or add other spices such as nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist.
- Drizzle with Chocolate: For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the cream cheese frosting before serving.
- Make Cupcakes: Instead of baking the cake in a 9×13-inch pan, portion the batter into lined cupcake tins for individual servings.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Keto-Friendly: To make a keto-friendly version of this cake, substitute almond flour for the all-purpose flour, and use a low-carb sweetener such as erythritol or stevia in place of granulated sugar. Adjust the amount of sweetener to taste.
- Low-Carb Option: For a lower-carb option, reduce the amount of applesauce used in the cake batter or replace it with mashed avocado or pumpkin puree. You can also omit the raisins or use a smaller quantity to reduce the carb content further.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use homemade applesauce instead of store-bought? A: Yes, you can use homemade applesauce if you prefer. Just ensure that it is unsweetened and has a smooth consistency.
Q: Can I make this cake in advance? A: Yes, you can bake the cake in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Frost the cake just before serving for the best results.
Q: Can I freeze leftover cake? A: Yes, you can freeze leftover cake slices for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Q: Can I omit the raisins from the cake batter? A: Yes, you can omit the raisins if you prefer or replace them with another dried fruit such as chopped apricots or cranberries.
Q: Can I use a different frosting for this cake? A: While the cream cheese frosting complements the flavors of the cake beautifully, you can use a different frosting if desired. Chocolate ganache or vanilla buttercream would also pair well with the spice cake base.
In conclusion, A&P CopyCat Spanish Bar Cake is a timeless classic that brings a sense of nostalgia and comfort with every bite. With its moist and flavorful spice cake base, studded with plump raisins, and topped with creamy cream cheese frosting, this cake is a celebration of tradition and flavor. Whether enjoyed as a dessert, snack, or indulgent treat, it’s sure to evoke fond memories and create new ones with loved ones. So, gather your ingredients and embark on a journey of sweet nostalgia with this beloved recipe. Enjoy the taste of tradition and savor every moment!
