For the Fruit & Nut Mix:

• • 3 cups Mixed Dried Fruit: Use a blend you love: raisins, sultanas, currants, chopped dates, apricots, figs, or prunes.

• • 1 cup Dried Cherries or Cranberries: For a touch of tartness.

• • 1 cup Chopped Toasted Nuts: Walnuts, pecans, or almonds.

• • Zest of 1 Orange & 1 Lemon: For bright, essential citrus notes.

• • 1 ½ cups Dark Spirit: Such as bourbon, brandy, dark rum, or strong black tea for a non-alcoholic version.

For the Cake Batter:

• • 1 cup (2 sticks) Unsalted Butter, softened

• • 1 cup Packed Dark Brown Sugar: For molasses depth.

• • 4 Large Eggs, room temperature

• • ½ cup Molasses or Dark Treacle: The heart of the dark, traditional color and flavor.

• • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour

• • 1 tsp Baking Powder

• • 2 tsp Ground Cinnamon

• • 1 tsp Ground Allspice

• • ½ tsp Ground Nutmeg

• • ½ tsp Ground Cloves

• • ½ tsp Salt