Classic Moist Fruit Cake (Old-Fashioned Holiday Style)

Ingredients
Dry ingredients
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp salt
Fruits & nuts
1 cup raisins
½ cup dried cranberries or cherries
½ cup mixed candied fruit (red & green peel)
½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds)
Wet ingredients
½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
¾ cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
½ cup milk (or orange juice for extra flavor)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of 1 orange or lemon (optional but recommended)
👩‍🍳 Instructions
Prep
Preheat oven to 170°C (340°F)
Grease and line a round cake pan (20–22 cm)
Mix dry ingredients
In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, spices, and salt
Prepare fruits
Lightly toss all dried fruits and nuts with 1 tbsp flour (prevents sinking)
Cream butter & sugar
Beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well
Combine
Add vanilla, zest, and milk
Gradually fold in dry ingredients
Fold in fruits and nuts gently
Bake
Pour batter into pan
Bake for 60–70 minutes
Cover loosely with foil if top browns too quickly
Toothpick should come out clean
Cool
Let cool 15 minutes in pan, then transfer to rack
⭐ Tips
Tastes even better the next day
Can be brushed with a little warm orange juice or honey for shine
Keeps well for several days wrapped tightly