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Mary Berry Plum Cake Recipe

Mary Berry Plum Cake

Mary Berry Plum Cake is a tender sponge cake topped—or layered—with fresh plums that bake into the batter, releasing their juices and giving the cake a fruity, jam-like finish. It’s a classic British-style bake that highlights seasonal fruit while keeping the preparation simple and quick.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 175g soft butter

  • 175g caster sugar

  • 3 large eggs

  • 175g self-raising flour

  • 1 tsp baking powder

  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 56 ripe plums (halved and stoned)

  • 12 tbsp demerara sugar (for sprinkling)

Instructions

  • Prepare the tin: Line an 8-inch round cake tin with baking parchment.

  • Cream butter and sugar: Beat until pale and fluffy for maximum lift.

  • Add eggs one at a time: Mix well after each addition to prevent curdling.

  • Fold in dry ingredients: Add flour, baking powder, and cinnamon gently.

  • Add vanilla: Stir lightly to enhance the flavour.

  • Spread batter in tin: Smooth the top with a spatula.

  • Arrange the plums: Place plum halves cut-side up across the surface.

  • Sprinkle demerara sugar: Adds sweetness and a slight crunch.

  • Bake the cake: Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 45–50 minutes until golden.

  • Check doneness: A skewer should come out clean from the cake portion.

  • Cool properly: Allow the cake to cool in the tin before slicing.