Festive Bliss: A Joyful Holiday Cake Recipe to Sweeten Your Season - Beard and Bonnet

Ingredients

• 850 g (30 oz) mixed dried fruit (sultanas, raisins, cranberries, apricots, mixed peel)
• 100 g (3.5 oz) glace cherries, chopped
• 235 g (8.3 oz) butter or baking spread, softened and unsalted
• 235 g (8.3 oz) dark brown soft sugar
• 235 g (8.3 oz) plain flour
• 100 g (3.5 oz) ground almonds
• 4 large eggs
• 100 ml (3.4 fl oz) brandy
• 2 tbsps brandy (for after baking)
• 1 tbsp cointreau (optional; can be substituted with brandy)
• 1 tbsp kirsch (optional; can be substituted with brandy)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ tsps mixed spice
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• ¼ tsp nutmeg