A&P Spanish Bar Cake Recipe: Recreating a Nostalgic Favorite

I. Introduction

The A&P Spanish Bar Cake holds a special place in the hearts of many Americans who grew up with this beloved treat. Originally sold by The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company (A&P), this spice cake was a staple in many households from the 1930s through the early 2000s. Despite the closure of A&P stores, the memory of this rich, moist cake with its distinctive spice blend and creamy frosting continues to evoke nostalgia.

Unfortunately, the original recipe was never officially released, leaving many fans searching for ways to recreate this childhood favorite. In this article, we’ll explore how to make a version that closely mimics the taste and texture of the original A&P Spanish Bar Cake.

II. Understanding the A&P Spanish Bar Cake

The A&P Spanish Bar Cake was known for its deep brown color, moist texture, and rich spice flavor. It was typically baked in a rectangular pan and frosted with a thick, creamy white icing. The cake’s distinctive taste came from a blend of warm spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, combined with raisins for added texture and sweetness.

III. Recreating the A&P Spanish Bar Cake Recipe

A&P Original Spanish bar cake. No mixer needed no creaming butter or shortening FINALLY!

A. Ingredients

For the cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup hot water

For the frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

B. Preparation Method

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix the vegetable oil, eggs, and buttermilk until well combined.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. In a small bowl, soak the raisins in hot water for 5 minutes, then drain.
6. Fold the plumped raisins into the batter.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.

C. Frosting

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with small amounts of milk.
3. Beat in the vanilla extract.
4. Continue beating until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
5. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.

IV. Variations and Modern Adaptations

For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. To reduce sugar content, you can use a sugar substitute in both the cake and frosting, adjusting quantities as needed. For a modern twist, consider adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter to enhance the spice flavors.

V. Serving and Storage

Serve the cake at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. To store, cover tightly with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. The cake will keep at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze unfrosted cake portions for up to 3 months.

VI. Conclusion

While this recipe may not be an exact replica of the original A&P Spanish Bar Cake, it captures the essence of this beloved dessert. The combination of warm spices, moist texture, and creamy frosting will surely bring back fond memories for those who grew up with this classic treat. We encourage you to try this recipe and perhaps even experiment with your own variations to recreate a piece of culinary nostalgia in your own kitchen.

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