There’s something about the taste of a classic dessert that can transport us to another time and place. For many Americans, Spanish Bar Cake is one of those desserts. In this blog, I will share with you the Spanish bar cake recipe that is extremely delicious. This spicy and moist cake has been a staple of family gatherings, church potlucks, and holiday celebrations for generations. Its a rich history and delicious flavor make it a dessert that’s sure to bring back memories and create new ones.
If you’re a foodie, you may already know that some of the most beloved dishes have a fascinating backstory. Spanish Bar Cake is no exception. This cake’s origin story involves a major grocery chain, secret recipes, and a loyal customer base that kept the dessert alive for over a century. But beyond its history, what makes Spanish Bar Cake truly special is its unique combination of flavors and textures that make it a standout dessert.
How To Make Spanish Bar Cake
In a world where new food trends and fads are constantly emerging, it’s comforting to know that some classics endure. Spanish Bar Cake is one of those enduring desserts. Whether you’ve been enjoying it for years or you’re just discovering it for the first time, this cake is a reminder of the power of simple, comforting flavors. From its humble beginnings to its status as a beloved dessert, Spanish Bar Cake is a treat that’s stood the test of time.
Ingredients To Make Spanish Bar Cake
- water 2 cups
- raisins 1 cups
- vegetable shortening, 1/2 cup
- granulated sugar 1 cup
- baking soda 1 tsp
- all-purpose flour 2 cups
- ground cloves 1/2 tsp
- ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp
- ground nutmeg 1/2 tsp
- ground allspice 1/2 tsp
- salt 1/2 tsp
- 1 large egg, beaten
- chopped walnuts 1/2 cup
For the Frosting:
- icing sugar 2 1/4 cups
- butter, at room temperature 1/4 cup
- pure vanilla 1/2 tsp
- milk, 1 to 2 tbsp
Step By Step Instructions To Make Spanish Bar Cake
Step1
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step2
Grease a 9×13 baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
Step3
In a saucepan, combine water and raisins and bring it to a gentle boil. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.
Step4
Add shortening to the mixture and let it cool to room temperature.
Step5
Sift together sugar, soda, flour, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
Step6
Add the sifted ingredients to the cooled raisin mixture along with the beaten egg and nuts (if using). Fold gently until the flour is just incorporated into the batter. Avoid over-mixing.
Step7
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Step8
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step9
Let it cool completely and, if desired, ice with frosting.
For the Frosting:
Step1
In a mixing bowl, combine the icing sugar, butter, vanilla, and a tablespoon of milk, and beat until a smooth consistency is achieved.
Step2
If needed, add more milk gradually until the frosting reaches a desirable spreadable consistency.
Step3
Cut the cake in half and apply a layer of frosting on the first half. Place the second half on top and apply to frost again. To create the characteristic lines on top, use the back of a fork to make straight lines over the top frosting.
Tips and Tricks:
- Soak the raisins in water before using them in the recipe. This will help them plump up and become tender when baked into the cake.
- Use room-temperature butter while making the frosting. This will ensure a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Don’t overmix the cake batter. Fold the ingredients together gently until they are just incorporated. Overmixing can make the cake tough and dense.
- To make the frosting more flavorful, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to it.
- Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the cake after baking.
- Use a toothpick to check if the cake is done. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting it. This will prevent the frosting from melting or sliding off.
- To create the characteristic lines on top of the frosting, use the back of a fork to make straight lines over the top frosting.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make Spanish Bar Cake at home?
A: Yes, there are many recipes available online for homemade Spanish Bar Cake.
Q: Does Spanish Bar Cake contain alcohol?
A: No, the original recipe for Spanish Bar Cake does not contain alcohol. However, some modern variations may include rum or brandy.
Q: Can I freeze Spanish Bar Cake?
A: Yes, Spanish Bar Cake can be frozen for up to three months. To freeze, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Q: Is Spanish Bar Cake vegan?
A: No, the original recipe for Spanish Bar Cake contains eggs and butter. However, there are vegan versions of the cake available that use plant-based ingredients.
More Amazing Recipes
Conclusions
In conclusion, Spanish Bar Cake is a classic dessert with a rich history and a unique combination of flavors and textures. This cake has been a staple of family gatherings, church potlucks, and holiday celebrations for generations, and its enduring popularity is a testament to its deliciousness.
With simple and comforting ingredients like raisins, spices, and walnuts, this cake is easy to make at home and perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or trying it for the first time, Spanish Bar Cake is a dessert that’s sure to transport you to another time and place with every bite.
Spanish Bar Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1 cups raisins
- 1/2 cup vegetable shortening,
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
For the Frosting:
- 2 1/4 cups icing sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla
- 1 to 2 tbsp milk,
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Grease a 9×13 baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, combine water and raisins and bring it to a gentle boil. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add shortening to the mixture and let it cool to room temperature.
- Sift together sugar, soda, flour, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
- Add the sifted ingredients to the cooled raisin mixture along with the beaten egg and nuts (if using). Fold gently until the flour is just incorporated into the batter. Avoid over-mixing.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let it cool completely and, if desired, ice with frosting.
For the Frosting:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the icing sugar, butter, vanilla, and a tablespoon of milk, and beat until a smooth consistency is achieved.
- If needed, add more milk gradually until the frosting reaches a desirable spreadable consistency.
- Cut the cake in half and apply a layer of frosting on the first half. Place the second half on top and apply to frost again. To create the characteristic lines on top, use the back of a fork to make straight lines over the top frosting.
Notes
- Soak the raisins in water before using them in the recipe. This will help them plump up and become tender when baked into the cake.
- Use room-temperature butter while making the frosting. This will ensure a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Don’t overmix the cake batter. Fold the ingredients together gently until they are just incorporated. Overmixing can make the cake tough and dense.
- To make the frosting more flavorful, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to it.
- Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the cake after baking.
- Use a toothpick to check if the cake is done. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting it. This will prevent the frosting from melting or sliding off.
- To create the characteristic lines on top of the frosting, use the back of a fork to make straight lines over the top frosting.
