Preheat the oven to 325 degrees

Lightly grease a standard springform plan or 9x5 inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper

Measure the flour and remove 2 tbsp to dust the fruit with later

Add the baking powder, spices and salt to the remaining flour and set aside

Cream the butter, sugars and cream cheese, until smooth and fluffy

Next, add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition

Beat in the vanilla and almond extracts

Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until almost fully incorporated. A few streaks of flour in the batter should remain at this point.

Toss the dried fruit mixture with the reserved 2 tbsp flour. This will prevent the pieces from sticking to each other.

Fold the flour coated fruit and sliced almonds into the batter

Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan

Decorate the top with the cup of pecan halves if desired

Bake for 1 hour and 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.

Remove from the oven and let cool completely before removing from the pan