I have been making the most of the array of outstanding plums this season has offered.  This cake will make a show stopping dessert or a delicious afternoon tea cake.

Serves 9-12

Ingredients

12 plums, cut in half and stones removed

3 Tbsp sugar

3 eggs

1 orange, zest

1 tsp vanilla paste or extract

250g sugar

180g butter, melted

250g flour

1 tsp baking powder

Method

Preheat the oven to 180C

Line a 20x20 cm (approx) cake tin with baking paper and lightly greased.

Place the plums, cut side down neatly on the bottom of the lined tiin, sprinkle over the 3 tablespoons of sugar.

Whisk the eggs, sugar, zest and vanilla until pale and double in volume.

Sift together the dry ingredients and fold alternately with the melted butter into egg batter.  Do not over mix.

Pour the batter over the plums and spread evenly.

Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.

If serving as a dessert it is good to do this whilst warm with whipped cream and if serving as afternoon tea cool in the tin for before cutting.