Step 1

Preheat oven to 180C/160C fan-forced. Grease a 7cm-deep, 20cm cake tin and line with baking paper.

Step 2

In a stand mixer or using hand-held beaters, cream butter and sugars until pale. Add eggs one at a time, beating well between each addition. Add flour, spices, vanilla, dried fruit and milk, and mix until just combined. Pour into prepared tin and smooth the top. Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for a further 5-10 minutes until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

Step 3

Remove from oven and brush the top with melted jam, if using. Cool slightly in the tin, then turn out and allow to cool completely. Serve.