A&P Spanish Bar

INGREDIENTS:

FOR THE CAKE:

2 cups water

3/4 cup raisins

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon fine salt

1 large egg, lightly beaten

3/4 cup walnuts, very finely chopped (optional)

FOR THE FROSTING:

8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

2 1/4 cups powdered sugar

1/4 teaspoon fine salt

DIRECTIONS:

TO MAKE THE CAKE:

Preheat oven to 325°F and grease a 8×8 pan with baking spray. Line the bottom with parchment paper, set aside.

In a large saucepan, combine water and raisins and bring to a gentle boil, cooking for 10 minutes. Add vegetable oil to the boiled mixture. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.

Combine flour, sugar, pumpkin spice mix, baking soda, and salt in a bowl, whisking to break up any lumps …