Never-Fail Fruit Cake

Never-Fail Fruit Cake
 Description
A timeless fruit cake packed with dried fruits, warm spices, and a tender crumb. This version is moist, flavorful, and beginner-friendly—no complicated steps, just guaranteed success.
 Ingredients
Fruit Mix
1 ½ cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, sultanas, chopped dates, candied peel)
½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds)
½ cup orange juice (or apple juice)
Cake Batter
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
½ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup milk
 Instructions

1. Soak the Fruit
   In a bowl, combine dried fruits and orange juice.
   Let soak for 30 minutes (or longer for extra flavor).
2. Preheat Oven
   Preheat to 170°C (340°F).
   Grease and line a loaf or round cake pan.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients
   In a bowl, whisk together:
   Flour
   Baking powder
   Baking soda
   Cinnamon
   Nutmeg
   Salt
4. Cream Butter & Sugar
   In another bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
5. Add Eggs & Vanilla
   Beat in eggs one at a time.
   Add vanilla extract.
6. Combine Everything
   Add dry ingredients to the batter alternately with milk.
   Fold in soaked fruits (with any remaining juice) and nuts.
7. Bake
   Pour into prepared pan and smooth the top.
   Bake for 60–75 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean.