diff --git a/packages/cli/templates/default-plugin/package.json.hbs b/packages/cli/templates/default-plugin/package.json.hbs
index 6e416f3287..b2bd6f2c82 100644
--- a/packages/cli/templates/default-plugin/package.json.hbs
+++ b/packages/cli/templates/default-plugin/package.json.hbs
@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@
     "jest-fetch-mock": "^3.0.3"
   },
   "dependencies": {
+    "@backstage/core": "^{{version}}",
     "@material-ui/lab": "4.0.0-alpha.45"
   }
 }