Recipe for Spanish Bar Cake That Everyone Will Love

Spanish bar cake, or “tarta de bar”, is a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of Spain’s traditional desserts with the convenience of a bar-style cake. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a festive dessert, or something to share with friends over coffee, this cake is sure to impress.

Its moist texture, often infused with citrus and almond notes, makes it uniquely comforting and delicious. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe brings a taste of Spanish heritage right to your kitchen, showcasing simple ingredients that create an extraordinary flavor profile.

In this blog post, we will walk you through an easy-to-follow recipe for making your own Spanish bar cake at home. Along the way, you’ll discover tips, variations, and serving suggestions that elevate this humble cake into a showstopper.

Let’s dive into the world of Spanish baking and enjoy a slice of tradition with every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Spanish bar cake recipe is a must-try for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring basic ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

You don’t need specialized baking skills to achieve a moist, tender cake with a perfect crumb.

Second, the flavor combination is irresistibly authentic. The use of almond flour or ground almonds adds a nutty depth, while citrus zest (lemon or orange) brightens the cake, making it wonderfully balanced.

It’s naturally gluten-free if you use almond flour, which is great for those with dietary restrictions.

Lastly, this cake adapts well to various tastes. You can easily add dried fruits, substitute nuts, or even introduce a drizzle of traditional Spanish honey for an extra layer of sweetness.

Perfect for afternoon tea, dessert, or even a breakfast treat, the Spanish bar cake is versatile and crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups almond flour (finely ground almonds)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (optional for less dense texture)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• Zest of 1 lemon (or orange for variation)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
• Optional: ½ cup chopped almonds or dried fruit (raisins, figs, or dates)

Equipment

• 9×9-inch square baking pan (or similar bar pan)
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Spatula
• Zester or grater
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the almond flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir well to ensure even distribution.
3. Beat eggs and sugar: In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer or whisk to beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened.
4. Add flavorings and butter: Stir in the lemon zest and vanilla extract into the egg mixture. Slowly add the melted, cooled butter while mixing gently to combine.
5. Combine wet and dry: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Mix just until combined – avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
6. Add optional ingredients: If using, fold in chopped almonds or dried fruit for texture and flavor.
7. Pour batter into the pan: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
8. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before slicing into bars.

Tips & Variations

“For a more intense almond flavor, toast the almond flour lightly in a dry pan before mixing it into the batter.”

You can experiment with citrus zest by swapping lemon for orange or even lime to create different flavor profiles.

To make the cake vegan, substitute eggs with flax eggs (mix 3 tablespoons ground flaxseed with 9 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) and use coconut oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter.

Adding a drizzle of Spanish honey or a thin glaze of powdered sugar mixed with lemon juice can elevate the cake’s sweetness and presentation.

For a gluten-free version, omit the all-purpose flour entirely and use 2 cups of almond flour instead. The texture will be denser and more moist.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

The Spanish bar cake is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it an excellent choice for breakfast or afternoon snack.

For a festive touch, serve it alongside fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream.

For an indulgent dessert, warm a slice slightly and drizzle with honey or a Spanish liqueur such as Licor 43. You can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of textures and temperatures.

If you enjoy Spanish flavors, you might also love these recipes: Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide, Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals, and Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas.

Conclusion

Making a Spanish bar cake at home is a rewarding experience that brings a slice of Spanish culinary tradition into your kitchen. This simple yet flavorful cake combines the natural nuttiness of almonds with the refreshing zest of citrus, resulting in a dessert that’s both comforting and elegant.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want a delicious treat to enjoy with your daily coffee, this recipe is easy to follow and adaptable to your preferences. Don’t forget to try some of the variations and serving ideas we shared to truly make this cake your own.

Happy baking!

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