Spanish Bar Cake with Zesty Lemon Frosting

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1⁄2 cups sugar
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 tablespoon cocoa
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon allspice
• 1⁄2 cup oil
• 2 cups applesauce
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup raisins

For the Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1⁄2 cups confectioner's sugar
• 1⁄3 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions:

1. Preparation:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Grease and flour a 9x13 inch pan.
2. Raisins:
   • Plump raisins in warm water, then drain before adding them to the batter.
3. Cake Batter:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the first 8 dry ingredients and mix well.
   • Add the oil, applesauce, and eggs. Mix until well combined.
   • Incorporate the plumped raisins into the batter, ensuring they are added last.
4. Baking:
   • Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes for a 9x13 inch pan, or 40-45 minutes for a tube pan.
   • Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should emerge clean.
   • Allow the cake to cool thoroughly.
5. Frosting:
   • Once the cake has cooled, evenly distribute the frosting on the top surface.
   • Optionally, you can skip frosting if desired, but the zesty lemon frosting adds a delightful touch.
6. Serve:
   • Slice the Spanish Bar Cake and enjoy it with your favorite cup of coffee.

Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Spanish Bar Cake, complete with a zesty lemon frosting. Whether enjoyed with or without frosting, it makes for a perfect companion to your morning coffee.