Creating Grandma’s Christmas Cake can be a joyous and fulfilling experience. Follow these simple steps for a delicious result:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the orange juice. Mix until just combined.
6. Add Fruits and Nuts: Gently fold in the mixed dried fruits, chopped nuts, orange zest, and vanilla extract until evenly distributed.
7. Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 30 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Decorate (Optional): Once cooled, you can frost or dust the cake with powdered sugar or serve it plain.

By following these steps, you will create a wonderful Grandma’s Christmas Cake that everyone will love!