Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C top/bottom heat (160°C fan oven).

2. Beat the butter and sugar: Beat the butter at room temperature with the sugar and vanilla sugar in a large bowl until fluffy.

3. Add the eggs: Gradually add the eggs and mix in well.

4. Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, ground almonds (if using) and pinch of salt.

5. Make the dough: Stir the dry ingredients into the butter and egg mixture, alternating with the milk, until a smooth batter forms.

6. Pour thebatter onto the baking tray: Spread the batter evenly onto a greased baking tray or one lined with baking paper.

7. Spread the apricots: Spread the pitted and halved apricots, cut side up, close together on the dough.

8. Bake: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the pastry.

9. Cool and dust: Remove the cake from the oven and leave to cool on the tray. Dust with icing sugar before serving.