Classic Homemade Fruit Cake Recipe: A Timeless Delight

Introduction
A homemade fruit cake is more than a dessert—it’s a tradition filled with rich flavors and nostalgia. This timeless recipe is packed with dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices, creating a perfectly moist and flavorful cake. Whether for the holidays or a special occasion, this fruit cake is a crowd-pleaser that tastes even better as it ages.

Ingredients
For the Cake:

1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, chopped apricots, etc.)
1/2 cup candied orange peel or mixed peel
1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, or pecans)
1/4 cup orange juice (or apple juice for non-alcoholic)
1/4 cup brandy or rum (optional)
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup milk
For the Glaze (Optional):

2 tablespoons apricot jam, warmed
1 tablespoon water
How to Make
1. Prep the Fruit Mixture: