Fruit cakes

📦 Ingredients:
Dried Fruits (mix to taste):

1 cup raisins

1 cup sultanas

¾ cup chopped dried apricots

½ cup chopped dried dates

½ cup chopped glacé cherries

Zest of 1 lemon and 1 orange

½ cup orange juice (or dark rum/brandy) for soaking

Cake Batter:

1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened

1 cup (200 g) brown sugar

4 large eggs

2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour

1 tsp ground cinnamon

½ tsp ground nutmeg

½ tsp ground allspice

1 tsp baking powder

Pinch of salt

½ cup ground almonds (optional for richness)

2–3 tbsp milk (if needed to loosen batter)

🔄 Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Soak the Fruit (Overnight Preferred):
Place all dried fruit and citrus zest in a bowl. Pour orange juice or alcohol over the fruit. Cover and let soak overnight or for at least 2–3 hours.

2. Preheat & Prepare: