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Spanish Bar Cake 

How to Make the Classic Spanish Bar Cake from Scratch

This old-fashioned Spanish Bar Cake is a moist, spiced cake loaded with raisins and warm cinnamon flavors, topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. Originally sold in grocery stores in the 1960s, this nostalgic dessert is making a comeback!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • For the Cake:
  • 1 cup raisins
  • 1 cup water
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts optional
  • For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • ½ cup butter softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Prep the Raisins
  • In a small saucepan, bring water and raisins to a gentle boil for 5 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  • Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla.
  • Stir in the raisins with the liquid.
  • In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
  • Fold in chopped walnuts (if using).
  • Step 3: Bake the Cake
  • Pour the batter into a greased 9x13 baking pan.
  • Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Let cool completely before frosting.
  • Step 4: Cream Cheese Frosting
  • In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
  • Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time.
  • Mix in vanilla extract.
  • Step 5: Assemble the Cake
  • Spread frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
  • Slice into bars and enjoy!

Notes

  • Add shredded carrots or apples for extra moisture.
  • Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for extra crunch.
  • This cake tastes even better the next day!

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 4gFat: 14g