Step 1

Place the mixed dried fruit in a bowl with the cold tea. Cover and leave to soak overnight.

Step 2

Preheat the oven to 170°C. Grease a 25 x 10cm loaf pan.

Step 3

Drain the dried fruit and discard the soaking liquid. Place in a saucepan with the sugar, butter and 150ml of water. Bring the mixture to the boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes. Allow to cool, then sift in the flour and mixed spice and add the egg, stirring well to combine.

Step 4

Place in the prepared loaf pan and bake for 90 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the cake comes out clean. If the top of the fruit cake is browning too quickly, cover with baking paper or foil. Cool for 20 minutes before turning onto a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve with butter.