the a&p original spanish bar cake

Name: THE A & P Original SPANISH BAR CAKE !
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 35 min
Yield: 16 serving(s)
Cuisine: Spanish
Ingredients: 2 cup(s) all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cup(s) granulated sugar; 1 1/2 teaspoon(s) baking soda; 1 tablespoon(s) cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon(s) ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon(s) salt; 1 teaspoon(s) ground nutmeg; 1 teaspoon(s) ground allspice; 1/2 cup(s) vegetable oil; 2 cup(s) applesauce; 2 medium eggs, lightly beaten; 1 cup(s) raisins, plumped in warm water and drained; ## FROSTING; 8 ounce(s) cream cheese, softened; 4 tablespoon(s) butter, softened; 2 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract; 2 1/2 cup(s) confectioners' sugar; 1/3 cup(s) milk; 1 tablespoon(s) lemon juice, fresh; - chopped walnuts, optional

(6 RATINGS)

1.15K Pinches 11 Photos

Nancy J. Patrykus

Spokane, WA

Updated on Jan 29, 2026

Do you remember the A&P grocery store and the famous Spanish bar cake? The Great American Tea Co. was founded in 1859. Later, the name changed to A&P. In 1937, A&P published The Woman's Day magazine! From 1972 to 1974, 800 stores were closed. Then, in 1979, A&P was sold. If you miss the cake, here it is. I baked this cake years ago. It is loaded with raisins, spices, walnuts, etc. Now I would like to share this famous cake with you. I remember going to the A&P in the early 40s for my mom when all the food and the owner were behind the counter. He would take our order and even bag it!

Rate

prep time 1 Hr

cook time 35 Min

method Bake

yield 16 serving(s)

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 cups applesauce
2 medium eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup raisins, plumped in warm water and drained
FROSTING
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
4 tablespoons butter, softened
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/3 cup milk
1 tablespoon lemon juice, fresh
chopped walnuts, optional

How To Make the a&p original spanish bar cake

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 9x13 cake pan. Gather your spices and the other ingredients. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and baking soda.

Step 2

Then add the cocoa, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and allspice. Mix well.
Step 3

Next, add the vegetable oil, applesauce, and the beaten eggs.
Step 4

When all of the above is mixed, add the plumped raisins.
Step 5

Pour into a greased and floured 9x13 cake pan.
Step 6

Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool.
Step 7

For the frosting, mix the cream cheese, butter, vanilla, confectioners' sugar, milk, and lemon juice.
Step 8

Spread on the cooled cake. Sprinkle chopped nuts if desired.
Step 9

Your Option: To make a layer cake, just like the original Spanish Bar Cake, cut the cooled cake into 2 pieces. Then spread the frosting between the layers and on the top.
Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!

Nutrition Facts

(per serving*)

calories: 514kcal, carbohydrates: 59g, cholesterol: 43mg, fat: 30g, fiber: 4g, protein: 8g, saturated fat: 8g, sodium: 329mg, sugar: 23g, unsaturated fat: 27g

*Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Nutrition information is estimated.

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