Spanish Bar Cake Recipe
People Like this Spanish bar cake because it is soft, moist, and full of sweet raisins with a lovely hint of cinnamon and nutmeg. The applesauce keeps the cake tender, while the cream cheese frosting adds a creamy, slightly tangy taste.
Equipment
- 9 × 13-inch rectangular baking pan
- Mixing Bowls & whisk
- Electric hand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Serrated knife
Ingredients
For The Cake
- 2 cups 250 g all-purpose flour
- 1 cup 200 g granulated sugar
- 1 cup 150 g raisins, soaked in warm water and drained
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon 5 g baking soda
- 1 teaspoon 2.6 g ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon 1 g ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon 3 g salt
- ½ cup 120 g vegetable oil
- 2 cups 480 g applesauce
- 1 teaspoon 2 g ground allspice
- 1 tablespoon 5 g unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup 60 g chopped walnuts
For The Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz 225 g full-fat cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup 57 g unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups 180 g powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon 5 g vanilla extract
- 1 –2 teaspoons 5–10 g milk, only if needed
- 1 tablespoon 15 g fresh lemon juice
Instructions
Step 1
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 × 13-inch baking pan, then line the bottom with parchment paper so the cake comes out easily.
Step 2
- Add the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, allspice, and cocoa powder to a large bowl. Whisk everything together until the spices are evenly mixed through the flour.
Step 3
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, and vegetable oil until blended. Stir in the applesauce until the mixture looks smooth and creamy.
Step 4
- Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the drained raisins and chopped walnuts, making sure not to overmix the batter.
Step 5
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 35–40 minutes, checking the center with a toothpick. The cake is ready when the toothpick comes out clean.
Step 6
- Let the cake rest in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Use a long serrated knife to carefully cut the cake horizontally into two even layers.
Step 7
- Beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then mix in the vanilla extract and lemon juice. Add a little milk if needed to make the frosting easier to spread.
Step 8
- Place the bottom cake layer on a serving plate and spread frosting evenly over it. Set the second layer on top, cover the top with the remaining frosting, and chill briefly before cutting into slices.