A&P Spanish Bar

### Instructions for Making A&P Spanish Bar:

#### 1. **Preheat the Oven:**
Begin by preheating your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars after baking.

#### 2. **Cream the Butter and Sugar:**
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the butter and sugar mixture, creating a soft texture in your bars.

#### 3. **Add Wet Ingredients:**
To the butter and sugar mixture, add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined. This will form the base of your batter, and the vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic flavor.

#### 4. **Combine Dry Ingredients:**
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and helps avoid clumps in the batter.

#### 5. **Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:**
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until well combined. The dough should be thick but easy to spread in the baking pan. If you’re using chopped nuts, fold them into the batter at this stage for added texture and flavor.

#### 6. **Spread the Batter:**
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

#### 7. **Bake the Spanish Bars:**
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bars will have a beautiful, crisp top with a soft and buttery interior.

#### 8. **Cool and Slice:**
Once the bars are baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. After cooling, transfer the bars to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into squares.

#### 9. **Dust with Powdered Sugar (Optional):**
For an extra touch of sweetness and elegance, you can dust the top of the cooled bars with powdered sugar. This adds a delicate finishing touch and makes the bars even more visually appealing.

### Tips for Perfecting Your A&P Spanish Bar:

– **Customize the Nuts:** While walnuts or pecans are the traditional choice, you can experiment with other nuts such as almonds or hazelnuts to give the bars your own unique twist.
– **Add a Frosting:** If you want a richer dessert, you can frost the bars with a simple cream cheese frosting or a light glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
– **Make it Gluten-Free:** For those who are gluten intolerant, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to use a flour that’s designed for baking to maintain the right texture.
– **Serve Warm:** For a comforting treat, try serving the Spanish Bars slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

### Why You’ll Love A&P Spanish Bar:

– **Perfect Balance of Sweet and Spicy:** The cinnamon flavor pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the brown sugar and the richness of the butter, making each bite utterly delicious.
– **Crispy and Buttery:** The slightly crisp top contrasts beautifully with the soft, buttery interior, creating the perfect texture in every bite.
– **Quick and Easy to Make:** With minimal ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers alike.
– **A Family Favorite:** A&P Spanish Bars are perfect for sharing with friends and family, and they’re sure to become a favorite at gatherings, holiday parties, or just as an everyday treat.

### Final Thoughts:

The **A&P Spanish Bar** is a dessert that offers a delightful combination of rich, sweet flavors and a satisfying, buttery texture. Whether you’re reminiscing about the past or discovering this treat for the first time, the Spanish Bar is a must-try recipe for any occasion. With its simplicity, versatility, and delicious taste, it’s a classic dessert that will always have a place in your kitchen.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a piece of baking history. The A&P Spanish Bar is more than just a treat—it’s a little slice of nostalgia and a whole lot of flavor!