Christmas Special Plum Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (around 1624 kcal)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (around 800 kcal)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 cup dark rum (optional)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, chopped dates, etc.)
• 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, etc.)
• Additional nuts and fruits for decorating (optional)

Cooking Steps:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a cake pan.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

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

Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.

Step 6: If using, stir in the dark rum.

Step 7: Fold in the mixed dried fruits and chopped nuts until evenly distributed in the batter.

Step 8: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.

Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 10: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 11: Optionally, decorate the Christmas Special Plum Cake with additional nuts and fruits.

Step 12: Slice and enjoy the heartwarming flavors of this festive Plum Cake, a delightful tradition that adds sweetness to your holiday celebrations.