Dark Fruit Cake

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, mixed spice, and orange zest. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until well combined. Stir in the mixed dried fruits and black treacle. Pour the batter into a greased and lined cake tin. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the tin for 10 minutes. Transfer the cake to a wire rack and let it rest for at least 2 hours before serving.