SPANISH BAR

SPANISH BAR

Welcome to the world of culinary delight as we embark on a journey to create the exquisite Spanish Bar recipe. This flavorful dessert is a perfect blend of moist cake layers and creamy frosting, promising to elevate your taste buds to new heights. Join us in exploring the intricacies of each step, from preparing the cake to assembling the Spanish Bar with finesse.

Ingredients:

Ingredients for the Cake:

INGREDIENT	QUANTITY
Water	2 cups
Raisins	3/4 cup
Vegetable Oil	1/2 cup
All-Purpose Flour	2 cups
Granulated Sugar	1 cup
Pumpkin Pie Spice	1 1/2 teaspoons
Baking Soda	1 teaspoon
Fine Salt	1/2 teaspoon
Large Egg, Lightly Beaten	1
Walnuts (Optional)	3/4 cup (very finely chopped)

Ingredients for the Frosting:

INGREDIENT	QUANTITY
Cream Cheese	8 ounces
Unsalted Butter	1/4 cup
Powdered Sugar	2 1/4 cups
Fine Salt	1/4 teaspoon

Instructions:

1. Preparing the Cake:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F and grease an 8×8 pan with baking spray. Line the bottom with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, combine water and raisins. Bring to a gentle boil, cooking for 10 minutes.
3. Add vegetable oil to the boiled mixture and let it cool to room temperature.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, pumpkin spice mix, baking soda, and salt.
5. Mix the dry ingredients into the boiled raisin mixture. Add the beaten egg and walnuts if using.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.
7. Allow the cake to cool completely before moving on to the frosting.

2. Making the Frosting:

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

3. Assembling 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 horizontally.
3. Transfer one layer to a serving tray and apply the frosting generously.
4. Top with the second layer and cover with the remaining frosting.
5. For a decorative touch, use a fork to draw lines in the frosting.