Festive Spiced Steamed Christmas Cake

1.In a mixing bowl, combine the mixed dried fruits and chopped nuts. Set aside.

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

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

4.In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, ground cloves, and salt.

5.Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined.

6.Stir in the lemon juice, orange zest, dark rum (if using), and vanilla extract until well incorporated.

7.Fold in the prepared dried fruits and nuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

8.Grease a 20cm (8-inch) round cake tin and line the bottom with parchment paper.

9.Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin, smoothing the top with a spatula.

10.Prepare a steamer by filling it with water and bringing it to a gentle simmer.

11.Place the cake tin in the steamer, cover it with a lid, and steam for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

12.Once cooked, carefully remove the cake from the steamer and let it cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.