A&P Spanish Bar

Nostalgia in a sweet treat: A&P Spanish Bar, a copycat of a classic Jane Parker snack from the 20th century. It’s a spiced raisin cake with cream cheese frosting. A&P revolutionized grocery shopping in the 19th century with self-service and prepackaged goods, becoming the largest chain by the 1930s. However, by the 1970s, their model became outdated, leading to closure in 2015.

Ingredients:

FOR THE CAKE:

• 2 cups water
• 3/4 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 3/4 cup walnuts, very finely chopped (optional)

FOR THE FROSTING:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 1/4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon fine salt

Instructions:

TO MAKE THE CAKE:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F and grease a 8×8 pan with baking spray. Line the bottom with parchment paper, set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, combine water and raisins and bring to a gentle boil, cooking for 10 minutes. Add vegetable oil to the boiled mixture. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
3. Combine flour, sugar, pumpkin spice mix, baking soda, and salt in a bowl, whisking to break up any lumps.
4. Mix the dry-ingredients into the boiled raisin mixture. Add in egg and walnuts (if using).
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs about 35 to 40 minutes. Cool completely before assembling.

TO MAKE THE FROSTING:

1. In a large, bowl beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and lump free, about 2 to 3 minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar and salt, beating until smooth.

TO ASSEMBLE THE A&P SPANISH BAR:

1. Remove the cake from the baking pan and place it on a cutting board.
2. Slice the cake in half.
3. Transfer one layer to a serving tray and apply the frosting on top.
4. Top with the second layer and top with remaining frosting.
5. For a grooved pattern, use a fork to draw lines in the frosting.