prep time: 25 minutes │ cook time: 1.5 - 2 hours │ total time: 2 hours, 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 6 oz (175 g) softened butter, plus extra for greasing

• 6 oz (175 g) light brown sugar (soft)

• 3 tbsp orange marmalade

• 3 eggs, beaten

• 8 oz (225 g) self-rising flour

• 1 oz (25 g) ground almonds

• 1 heaped tsp ground mixed spice (alternative: pumpkin spice)

• 14 oz (400 g) mixed dried fruit

• 3 oz (75 g) glacé (candied) cherries, halved

• 2 tbsp whisky or milk

• 1 1/2 oz (40 g) blanched almonds to decorate

• 1 tsp super-fine sugar to decorate (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 300F/150C. Line 8-inch springform cake pan with parchment paper and grease lightly with butter.

2. Beat the butter and soft light brown sugar in a food processor for 3–4 minutes, or until very light and fluffy.

3. Add the marmalade and mix for a few seconds. Slowly add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

4. Add the flour, almonds and spices to the batter. Mix slowly until well combined, then stir in the mixed dried fruit and cherries with a large metal spoon. Add the whisky or milk and mix until well combined.

5. Spoon the mixture into the cake tin, smooth the surface and carefully arrange the blanched almonds in circles on top.

6. Bake for 1½–2 hours, or until well risen, firm and golden-brown. (Test the cake by inserting a skewer into the center. If the skewer comes out clean, the cake is done.)

7. Leave the cake to cool for 10 minutes, then remove from the tin, peel off the lining paper and set aside to cool on a wire rack. Sprinkle with granulated sugar. Store in airtight container and eat within 4–5 days.

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