Budín inglés

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 170 °C and butter a loaf pan about 25 cm long, then lightly flour it.
2. Beat the softened butter with the sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes with an electric whisk.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each, then the vanilla and lemon zest.
4. Mix the flour, baking powder and pinch of salt, then fold them in two batches into the mixture, alternating with the milk.
5. Add the candied fruit and drained raisins, folding gently with a spatula so you don't overwork the batter.
6. Pour the batter into the pan, smooth the top and sprinkle with slivered almonds if using.
7. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until a knife inserted comes out dry.
8. Let it cool for 10 minutes in the pan before turning it out onto a rack.