Spanish Bar Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Introduction—A Classic Bakery Treat Revived

If you grew up enjoying old-fashioned bakery favorites, you’ve probably tasted the Spanish Bar Cake—a moist, spiced loaf filled with plump raisins and topped with a smooth layer of cream cheese frosting. This nostalgic dessert was once a staple in many grocery store bakeries, and even though it’s harder to find today, you can recreate it at home in your own kitchen.

With its perfect balance of warm spices and a tangy-sweet frosting, this cake works beautifully for holiday gatherings, afternoon tea, or as a treat to enjoy with coffee on a lazy weekend. In this guide, you’ll learn how to make a Spanish Bar Cake from scratch, with step-by-step instructions to ensure every slice tastes just right.

Why You’ll Love Spanish Bar Cake

You’ll find this recipe worth adding to your collection because:

• It’s flavorful: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves deliver a bakery-style spiced taste.
• It’s moist: Oil and plump raisins keep the crumb tender for days.
• It’s versatile: Serve as an everyday snack, or dress it up for special occasions.
• It’s easy to make ahead: bake, frost, and store for convenient serving.

Keywords naturally integrated: Spanish bar cake recipe, raisin spice cake, cream cheese frosting.

1 – Perfect Spice Balance

Getting that warm, inviting flavor is all about balancing the spices:

• Cinnamon: The dominant spice, providing sweetness and warmth.
• Nutmeg: Adds depth and a slightly nutty edge.
• Cloves: Strong, sweet-savory aroma—use lightly.
• Allspice: Complements cinnamon and nutmeg for a rounder taste.

Tip: Taste your spice blend before adding it to the batter. Freshly ground spices give you a richer flavor than pre-ground ones sitting in the cupboard for months.

2 – The Raisin Factor

Raisins are a signature part of a Spanish bar cake, adding sweetness and texture.

• Plumpness is key: Soak raisins in hot water (or orange juice) for 10–15 minutes before use.
• Even distribution: Toss soaked raisins in a spoonful of flour before mixing into batter—this prevents sinking.
• Variations: Try golden raisins for a milder flavor, or swap in chopped dates for a twist.

3 – Cream Cheese Frosting Mastery

The frosting ties the whole cake together with creamy tang.

Ingredients for the Frosting

• Full-fat cream cheese: Essential for rich flavor.
• Butter: Adds body and smoothness.
• Confectioners’ sugar: Sweetness plus a silky texture.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor.

Pro Tips for Frosting

• Beat cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy before adding sugar.
• Chill frosting lightly if it’s too soft before spreading.
• Use an offset spatula for smooth coverage.

Step-by-Step Spanish Bar Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Ingredients for the Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1½ teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon cloves
• ½ teaspoon allspice
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
• 1 cup milk or water
• 1½ cups raisins (soaked and drained)

Ingredients for the Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1 – Prep the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan, or line with parchment paper.

Step 2 – Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and all the spices until evenly combined.

Step 3 – Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat sugar and eggs until pale and fluffy. Mix in vegetable oil and milk (or water) until smooth.

Step 4 – Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing, which can make the cake dense.

Step 5 – Add Raisins
Gently fold in the floured raisins until evenly distributed.

Step 6 – Bake
Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7 – Cool
Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting—a warm cake will cause frosting to melt and slide.

Step 8 – Make Frosting
Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add confectioners’ sugar gradually, then vanilla, mixing until smooth.

Step 9 – Frost the Cake
Spread frosting evenly over cooled cake. Garnish with a light sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped nuts if desired.

Serving Suggestions

• Slice into neat bars for a traditional presentation.
• Serve alongside coffee, hot tea, or spiced cider.
• For holidays, sprinkle the frosting with festive colored sugar or candied fruit pieces.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Store frosted cake in the fridge for up to 5 days; let come to room temperature before serving.
• Freeze: Freeze unfrosted cake for up to 3 months; thaw and frost when ready.
• Store Frosting Separately: If making ahead, prepare frosting and keep refrigerated; whip before using.

Variations to Try

• Nutty Addition: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for crunch.
• Fruit Swap: Replace raisins with cranberries for tartness.
• Glaze Option: Replace frosting with a light sugar glaze for less richness.

FAQs – Spanish Bar Cake

Q: Can I make this cake without raisins?
Yes—substitute dried cranberries or dates, or leave them out entirely for a simple spice cake.

Q: How do I prevent my cake from being dense?
Measure flour correctly (spoon into cup and level), and don’t overmix.

Q: Can margarine replace butter in frosting?
Yes, but butter gives a richer flavor and better texture.

Pro Tips for Success

• Soak raisins in warm liquid for optimal softness.
• Always cool cake fully before frosting to avoid melting.
• Keep frosting covered to prevent it from drying out before spreading.

Nutritional Snapshot (Approx. per slice, 12 servings)

• Calories: ~380
• Fat: 20g
• Carbs: 46g
• Protein: 4 g

(Values vary based on ingredient brands and portion size.)

Conclusion—A Sweet Slice of Nostalgia

This Spanish Bar Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting blends warm spices, sweet raisins, and tangy frosting into one irresistible dessert. It’s a taste of bakery nostalgia you can bring back anytime, perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Call to Action:
Bake this timeless treat for your next gathering and post a photo with #SpanishBarCake. Share it with other bakers—and keep the tradition alive.