Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Grease and line an 8-inch (20 cm) round cake tin with parchment paper.

Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the self-raising flour, mixed spice, and ground nutmeg.

Rub in the Butter: Add the cold butter to the flour mixture. With your fingertips, blend the butter into the flour until the mixture takes on the texture of fine crumbs.

Add Sugar and Fruits: Stir in the soft brown sugar and mixed dried fruits, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Combine with Eggs and Milk: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Add the beaten eggs and milk, stirring gently until everything is well combined.

Transfer to the Tin: Pour the mixture into the prepared cake tin, spreading it evenly.

Oven Bake: Position the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center emerges clean. If the top begins to darken too rapidly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil halfway through the baking time.

Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy with tea, or keep it in an airtight container—it stays moist and delicious for days.