Hands down, the perfect Christmas cake!

#### Instructions

1. **Prepare the Fruit Mixture:**
– In a bowl, combine dried fruits and candied peel. Pour over brandy or orange juice, mix well, and let it soak for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

2. **Preheat and Prepare the Pan:**
– Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.

3. **Mix the Batter:**
– In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated.
– Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture.
– Stir in the soaked fruits (with any remaining liquid) and chopped nuts until evenly distributed.

4. **Bake the Cake:**
– Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Cover the top with a sheet of parchment paper to prevent over-browning.
– Bake for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

5. **Cool and Mature the Cake:**
– Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 20 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Once completely cooled, wrap the cake in parchment paper and foil. Store in an airtight container.
– For a richer flavor, “feed” the cake with a tablespoon of brandy every week for up to a month before serving.

6. **Decorate (Optional):**
– Roll out marzipan and cover the cake, followed by a layer of royal icing. Decorate with festive toppings like holly leaves, snowflakes, or a dusting of edible glitter.

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#### Tips for Success

– **Don’t skip soaking:** This step ensures the fruits are plump and flavorful, making the cake moist.
– **Bake low and slow:** A lower temperature and longer bake time prevent the cake from drying out.
– **Customize it:** Swap brandy for rum, sherry, or even apple juice to suit your preference. Add your favorite nuts or fruits to make it your own.

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#### Why You’ll Love It

This Christmas cake is the ultimate holiday treat. It’s deeply spiced, beautifully moist, and brimming with festive flavors. The best part? You can make it weeks in advance, letting the flavors deepen as it matures. Whether you decorate it elaborately or keep it simple, this cake is guaranteed to be the star of your Christmas celebrations.

Bake it, share it, and savor the joy it brings—this is *hands down* the perfect Christmas cake!