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Nigel Slater Plum Cake

Nigel Slater Plum Cake

Nigel Slater’s Plum Cake is a moist and buttery cake topped with fresh plums that caramelize beautifully during baking. The combination of soft cake and tart fruit creates a balanced dessert that’s as visually appealing as delicious.

Ingredients

  • Plums: 6-8, halved and pitted
  • Unsalted butter: 175g (¾ cup), softened
  • Caster sugar: 175g (¾ cup), for sweetness
  • Eggs: 3 large, at room temperature
  • Self-raising flour: 175g (1½ cups), sifted
  • Ground almonds: 50g (½ cup), for added texture
  • Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, for flavor
  • Milk: 2 tablespoons, to adjust batter consistency
  • Demerara sugar: 2 tablespoons, for sprinkling on top

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line the cake tin with parchment paper.
  2. Cream the butter and sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the eggs: Gradually add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. Incorporate the dry ingredients: Fold in the sifted self-raising flour and ground almonds gently until combined.
  5. Adjust the consistency: Add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, to achieve a smooth batter.
  6. Prepare the plums: Halve and pit the plums, leaving the skin on for added color and flavor.
  7. Assemble the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the surface. Arrange the plum halves on top, cut side up, pressing them slightly into the batter.
  8. Sprinkle with sugar: Scatter the demerara sugar over the plums for a caramelized topping.
  9. Bake the cake: Place in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  10. Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.