Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
Flour 2 cups (250g)
Baking powder 1 tsp
Baking soda ½ tsp
Mixed spice or all-spice 1 tsp
Cinnamon 1 tsp
Nutmeg ½ tsp
Salt a pinch
Wet Ingredients
Unsalted butter 170g (¾ cup), softened
Brown sugar 1 cup (200g)
Eggs 3 large
Vanilla flavor 1 tsp
Fruit Mix
Mixed dried fruits 1½ cups (raisins, currants, chopped dates, cherries, prunes)
Orange zest 1 tbsp
Orange juice ½ cup (120ml)
Black treacle/molasses 2 tbsp (optional but gives dark flavor)
Extras
Chopped nuts (almonds or cashews) ½ cup (optional)
Instructions
Soak the mixed dried fruits in orange juice and set aside for at least 30 minutes so they soften and absorb flavor.
In a bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy and light. Add the eggs gradually and mix until smooth, then stir in vanilla and molasses.
Sift the dry ingredients — flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, mixed spice, and salt.
Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently. Add the soaked dried fruits and nuts, including any leftover juice.
Mix until the batter is well combined and thick.
Pour into a lined and greased baking pan.
Bake at 160°C for 55–65 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool fully before slicing to keep it moist and firm.