Chinese Christmas Cake

1.Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a cake pan with butter and flour.

2.In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

3.Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

4.Stir in the vanilla extract.

5.In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.

6.Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, and mix until well combined.

7.Fold in the chopped walnuts and dried fruits.

8.If using, stir in the rum or brandy.

9.Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

10.Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

11.Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

12.Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar before serving.

13.Enjoy your delicious Chinese Christmas Cake!