Michelle Darmody: How to bake the perfect plum cake and the mistakes to avoid

Vanilla adds a depth of flavour to the cake and is the classic ingredient in Chantilly cream

Plum cake will help use up a bounty of fruit

As plums and damsons are turning dusky on the branches it is time to start planning a few bakes with the upcoming bounty.

This cake is nicely made with any stone fruit, I have tried apricots and peaches, and both are delicious.