Ingredients:
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter (softened)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp mixed spice or cinnamon powder
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ cup (60ml) orange juice or rum
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp caramel or browning (optional, for color)
• 2 cups (300g) mixed dried fruits (raisins, sultanas, cherries, currants, etc.)
• ½ cup (70g) chopped nuts (cashew, almond, or walnut)
• ¼ cup (60ml) milk
Instructions:
Cream butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Stir in vanilla, orange juice, and browning if using.
In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices.
Add the dry mixture gradually to the creamed mixture, alternating with milk.
Fold in the dried fruits and nuts until evenly distributed.
Pour batter into a greased and lined 8-inch round cake pan.
Bake in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely in the pan before slicing.