Spanish Bar Cake

Authentic Spanish Bar Cake Recipe with Raisins and Nuts

Region / culture: Spain | Servings: 9

Introduction

Spanish Bar Cake is a delicious and moist cake that is perfect for any occasion. This cake is filled with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice, as well as plump raisins and chopped nuts. It is a classic recipe that has been enjoyed for generations.

History

Spanish Bar Cake has been a popular dessert in American households since the early 20th century. It was originally created by the famous baking company, Entenmann's, and quickly became a favorite among consumers. The cake is known for its rich flavor and moist texture, making it a beloved treat for many.

Ingredients

4 cups water
2 cups raisins
1 cup shortening
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups white sugar
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground allspice
0.5 tsp salt
2 eggs
1 cup chopped nuts

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 13x9 inch cake pan.
In a medium heat, cook the raisins and water for 10 minutes.
Stir in the shortening.
Remove from heat and let the mixture cool.
Combine the flour, salt, baking soda, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, and salt.
Add the flour mixture to the cooled raisin mixture and blend well.
Stir in the beaten eggs.
Add the chopped nuts if desired.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes.
Makes 1-9x13 inch cake.

Variations

Add a cream cheese frosting on top for an extra decadent treat.
Swap out the raisins for dried cranberries or apricots for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the raisins in water before adding them to the batter. This helps to plump them up and infuse them with flavor.

- Be sure to blend the flour mixture well with the raisin mixture to ensure a smooth batter.

- Feel free to add your favorite nuts to the batter for added texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Spanish Bar Cake is best enjoyed warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to properly blend the wet and dry ingredients together to ensure a smooth batter.

- Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use butter instead of shortening for a richer flavor.

- Feel free to use any type of nuts you prefer in this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

Spanish Bar Cake can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Spanish Bar Cake on a decorative cake stand for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Enjoy Spanish Bar Cake with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a delightful treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Spanish Bar Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave a slice for a few seconds until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Spanish Bar Cake contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Spanish Bar Cake contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Spanish Bar Cake contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Spanish Bar Cake contains approximately 4 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Spanish Bar Cake is a good source of iron and vitamin E.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts and eggs.

Summary

Spanish Bar Cake is a delicious dessert that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats, but also provides a good amount of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Spanish Bar Cake is a classic and delicious dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With warm spices, plump raisins, and chopped nuts, this cake is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Spanish Bar Cake amongst the stack of old recipe cards in my grandmother's kitchen. It was written in faded ink on a yellowed piece of paper, with a few splatters of ingredients here and there. I could tell that this was a well-loved recipe, one that had been passed down through generations.

As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I couldn't help but marvel at the simplicity of it all. It seemed like such a straightforward recipe, yet I knew that the end result would be something truly special. I knew that I had to give it a try.

I asked my grandmother about the origins of the recipe, and she smiled as she began to recount the story of how she had first learned to make Spanish Bar Cake. It had been many years ago, when she was just a young girl living in a small village in Spain.

She told me about a kind old woman who lived down the street from her family. This woman was known throughout the village for her delicious baked goods, and my grandmother had always been in awe of her culinary skills. One day, the old woman invited my grandmother into her kitchen to teach her how to make one of her signature dishes - Spanish Bar Cake.

My grandmother's eyes sparkled as she recalled the smell of spices and the warmth of the oven as they worked together to create the cake. She told me how the old woman had patiently guided her through each step, teaching her the importance of patience and precision in baking.

After several hours of mixing, baking, and waiting, the cake was finally ready. The old woman cut a slice for each of them to enjoy, and my grandmother's heart swelled with pride as she took her first bite. It was unlike anything she had ever tasted before - a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors that danced on her tongue.

From that day on, my grandmother had treasured the recipe for Spanish Bar Cake, making it for special occasions and sharing it with her own family. She had made a few tweaks and adjustments over the years, adding her own personal touch to the recipe, but the essence of the old woman's teachings remained.

I knew that I had to carry on this tradition, to honor the memory of the kind old woman who had taught my grandmother how to make this delicious cake. So, armed with the recipe card and a sense of determination, I set out to recreate the magic of Spanish Bar Cake in my own kitchen.

I gathered all the ingredients - flour, sugar, spices, raisins, and nuts - and began to mix them together just as my grandmother had shown me. As the cake baked in the oven, the familiar scents of cinnamon and nutmeg filled the air, transporting me back to that cozy kitchen in the village.

When the cake was finally done, I couldn't wait to taste it. I cut a slice and took a bite, closing my eyes as the flavors exploded on my palate. It was exactly as I remembered - a perfect blend of sweet and spicy, just like the cake my grandmother had made all those years ago.

As I savored each mouthful, I felt a deep sense of connection to my grandmother and the kind old woman who had passed down this recipe. I knew that I would continue to make Spanish Bar Cake for years to come, sharing it with my own loved ones and keeping the tradition alive.

And as I looked at the recipe card in my hand, stained with splatters of ingredients and memories, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the legacy that had been passed down to me. The recipe for Spanish Bar Cake was more than just a list of ingredients and instructions - it was a piece of my family's history, a reminder of the love and connection that bound us together through the simple act of cooking.