A & P Spanish Bar Cake

This makes one 9 x 13-inch cake. It can be cut into bars by running a fork lengthwise across the icing to make it like the A & P Spanish Bar Cakes.

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 9 x 13-inch pan.

Dry ingredients:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg

Sift the above ingredients together and set aside.

Next ingredients:
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup solid shortening
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup chunky applesauce
1 cup plump raisins (soak the raisins in warm water to plump them
     up while mixing the other ingredients-drain before adding to batter)
1/2 cup rough cut toasted walnuts

Cream the butter, shortening together, add eggs and beat well. Turn mixer on low speed and add vanilla extract and applesauce. Add raisins and walnuts-keeping the mixer at low speed start adding the dry ingredients. DO NOT over-mix. Just make sure the flour is all in, then stop mixing. Pour into the pan and bake in the middle of the oven for 45 minutes or until the center tests done.

Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 ounces cream cheese softened
4 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
1/3 cup milk
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Beat well, adding more milk or confectioners sugar to make it smooth and easy to spread.