Spanish Bar Cake Recipe is a soft, moist spice cake filled with applesauce, raisins, and warm baking spices. It is traditionally topped with rich cream cheese frosting, creating a sweet, flavorful dessert loved for its tender texture, comforting taste, and classic homemade bakery style appeal.
Spanish Bar Cake Recipe has become one of my favorite old fashioned desserts because every slice is soft, gently spiced, and covered in rich cream cheese frosting.
I first became interested after watching a baker prepare this classic treat in a traditional home kitchen. Seeing each ingredient come together encouraged me to bake my own version.
Today, I am sharing every step I follow so you can prepare this homemade Spanish Bar Cake Recipe successfully in your own kitchen.
Why Peoples Like Spanish Bar Cake Recipe?
People enjoy Spanish Bar Cake Recipe because it has a tender texture, warm spices, sweet raisins, and smooth cream cheese frosting.
Applesauce keeps every bite moist and flavorful, giving the cake a homemade taste that reminds many of family gatherings and neighborhood bakeries.
The balanced sweetness never feels overwhelming, allowing the cinnamon and other spices to stand out. Each slice stays fresh for several days, making leftovers just as enjoyable.
This classic dessert brings comfort, familiar flavors, and satisfying richness from the first bite to the last.
How To Prepare Spanish Bar Cake Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Course: Dessert
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American Bakery
Yield: 12 servings
Kitchen Utensils
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Wire cooling rack
- Whisk
Ingredients
For The Cake
- 2 cups plain all purpose flour
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable shortening or butter, softened
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup raisins, soaked in warm water for 10 minutes and drained
For The Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 2½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ⅓ tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons milk, only if needed for a smoother consistency
How To Make Spanish Bar Cake Recipe?
Step 1:
Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before you start mixing the batter. Coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or baking spray, then dust it lightly with flour. You can also line the pan with parchment paper if you want the cake to lift out easily after baking.
Step 2:
Place the shortening or softened butter and granulated sugar into a large mixing bowl. Beat until the mixture looks light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and applesauce until everything is smooth and well blended.
Step 3:
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, allspice, and salt. Give everything a good whisk so the spices are evenly mixed throughout the flour.
Step 4:
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until everything comes together. Fold the drained raisins into the batter using a spatula. Stop mixing once the flour disappears to keep the cake soft and tender.
Step 5:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Place it in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 6:
Beat the softened cream cheese and butter until silky and creamy. Add the powdered sugar a little at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract and lemon juice. If the frosting feels too thick, stir in a small splash of milk until it spreads easily.
Step 7:
Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Cut into 12 equal pieces and serve. For an even richer flavor, refrigerate the frosted cake for about an hour before slicing. The spices become more pronounced, and the frosting firms up beautifully.
Nutrition Facts Of Spanish Bar Cake Recipe
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 430 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 58 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Cholesterol | 48 mg |
| Sodium | 240 mg |
| Sugar | 43 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
About This Spanish Bar Cake Recipe
Spanish Bar Cake Recipe is a timeless dessert known for its incredibly moist texture, warm spice flavor, and smooth cream cheese frosting.
Applesauce creates a soft, tender crumb, while raisins add natural sweetness and a pleasant chew. A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and allspice gives every slice a rich homemade aroma that feels comforting and inviting.
The true specialty of this Spanish Bar Cake Recipe is its perfect balance of fruity sweetness, fragrant spices, and tangy frosting, creating a classic old fashioned dessert that has remained a favorite for generations and is ideal for holidays, family gatherings, or everyday enjoyment.
Incredible Essential Health Benefits
➤ Applesauce adds natural fruit goodness and provides vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants that support overall wellness while helping keep the cake moist.
➤ Raisins contain fiber, iron, and natural plant compounds that help support digestion, healthy blood circulation, and steady energy levels.
➤ Warm spices such as cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice offer antioxidants that help protect the body’s cells from everyday stress.
➤ Eggs contribute high-quality protein along with essential nutrients like vitamin D and choline, supporting muscle health and normal brain function.
➤ A moderate slice can satisfy sweet cravings, helping reduce the urge for larger desserts while allowing enjoyable treats as part of a balanced diet.
Amazing Serving Ideas
1. Serve a slice slightly chilled alongside a hot cup of coffee for a rich and comforting dessert that highlights the warm spices.
2. Add a small scoop of vanilla ice cream on top to create a creamy contrast that pairs beautifully with the moist cake and cream cheese frosting.
3. Garnish each slice using fresh berries and a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation and a fresh burst of flavor.
4. Enjoy a piece after dinner alongside hot tea or spiced cider for a cozy finish that feels satisfying and flavorful.
5. Cut the cake into small squares and arrange them on a dessert platter for birthdays, holiday celebrations, family gatherings, or festive parties.
Helpful Tips Of Spanish Bar Cake Recipe
➢ Use room temperature butter, cream cheese, and eggs so everything blends smoothly and creates a soft, even cake texture.
➢ Drain the soaked raisins well and pat them dry before adding them to the batter. This helps keep the cake light and prevents extra moisture.
➢ Measure the flour carefully using the spoon-and-level method. Too much flour can produce a heavy cake instead of a tender crumb.
➢ Allow the cake to cool completely before spreading the frosting. A cool surface keeps the frosting thick, smooth, and easy to spread.
➢ Chill the frosted cake for about 30 minutes before slicing. This helps create neat slices and allows the warm spices to develop a richer flavor.
How To Store Leftovers?
Allow the Spanish Bar Cake Recipe to cool completely before covering it tightly. Store the frosted cake in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to five days.
Place parchment paper between slices if stacking to keep the frosting neat. For longer storage, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and seal them in a freezer safe container for up to three months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is It Called Spanish Bar Cake?
Despite its name, Spanish Bar Cake is an American bakery dessert. It is known for its soft texture, warm spices, raisins, applesauce, and cream cheese frosting.
Can I Use Butter Instead Of Vegetable Shortening?
Yes. Unsalted butter works well and gives the cake a rich, homemade flavor while keeping the texture tender.
Can I Prepare Spanish Bar Cake A Day Ahead?
Yes. The cake often tastes even better the next day after the spices have had time to blend. Keep it refrigerated after frosting.
Do I Need To Soak The Raisins?
Soaking the raisins in warm water for about 10 minutes helps them stay soft and juicy throughout the cake, although this step is optional.
What Frosting Goes Best With Spanish Bar Cake?
Cream cheese frosting is the traditional choice. Its smooth, slightly tangy flavor balances the sweetness and complements the warm spices beautifully.
Conclusion
Spanish Bar Cake Recipe turned out soft, rich, and full of warm spice flavor, and I truly enjoyed every slice. The creamy frosting adds a wonderful finishing touch that brings everything together.
I hope this recipe inspires you to bake it in your own kitchen because it is simple and rewarding. I believe you will try it soon and enjoy every bite.
Share your thoughts after you taste Spanish Bar Cake Recipe, and tell me how delicious it turned out for you.
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Spanish Bar Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before you start mixing the batter. Coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or baking spray, then dust it lightly with flour. You can also line the pan with parchment paper if you want the cake to lift out easily after baking.
- Place the shortening or softened butter and granulated sugar into a large mixing bowl. Beat until the mixture looks light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and applesauce until everything is smooth and well blended.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, allspice, and salt. Give everything a good whisk so the spices are evenly mixed throughout the flour.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until everything comes together. Fold the drained raisins into the batter using a spatula. Stop mixing once the flour disappears to keep the cake soft and tender.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Place it in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
- Beat the softened cream cheese and butter until silky and creamy. Add the powdered sugar a little at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract and lemon juice. If the frosting feels too thick, stir in a small splash of milk until it spreads easily.
- Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Cut into 12 equal pieces and serve. For an even richer flavor, refrigerate the frosted cake for about an hour before slicing. The spices become more pronounced, and the frosting firms up beautifully.
Notes
Nutrition Facts Of Spanish Bar Cake Recipe
Calories: 430 kcal | Carbohydrates: 58 g| Protein: 4 g | Fat: 20 g | Saturated Fat: 9 g | Cholesterol: 48 mg | Sodium: 240 mg | Sugar: 43 g | Fiber: 2 gI am Eliana, photographer and followed my passion into the culinary world and became a full-time food lover with over five years of hands-on cooking experience. My creative journey didn’t stop with fashion photography it naturally evolved into the kitchen, where I express myself through food. I enjoy exploring new recipes, experimenting with different flavor combinations, and adding a creative, visually inspired touch to familiar dishes. My recipes are inspired by family traditions and classic Southern comfort food, often reimagined into healthier versions while still preserving their rich, satisfying flavor.