Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch loaf pan or cake tin.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add vanilla extract and mix.
Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture.
Fold in Fruits and Nuts: Gently fold in the dried fruits and chopped nuts (if using). Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.