I remember the first time I tasted a Hummingbird Cake. It was at a friend’s birthday party and the aroma hit me before I even saw the cake. Soft layers, sweet pineapple, and a hint of banana made me feel like I had discovered a hidden treasure in the baking world. That day, I promised myself I would master it.
- Hummingbird Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of tropical flavors and textures.
- Originally from the southern United States, it combines fruits, nuts, and spices in a way that feels both comforting and exotic.
- Jamie Oliver’s version adds his signature style, making it approachable for home bakers while still impressing guests.
Jamie Oliver’s Hummingbird Cake Recipe
I first stumbled upon Jamie Oliver’s Hummingbird Cake recipe in one of his cookbooks. His approach made it feel less intimidating. He breaks it down so even if you’re new to baking, you can succeed.
- Layers of moist cake packed with pineapple, banana, and a touch of spice.
- Sweet cream cheese frosting that balances the tropical flavors.
- A cake that’s perfect for birthdays, gatherings, or even an indulgent weekend treat.
Ingredients Needed
I remember standing in the grocery store aisle, staring at the ingredients list. Some felt familiar, others were little surprises. Here’s what you’ll need:
-
For The Cake
- 300g self-raising flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 200g light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 100ml vegetable oil
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 200g canned pineapple, chopped and drained
- 100g crushed pineapple, optional for extra moisture
- 50g desiccated coconut
- 100g chopped pecans or walnuts
-
For The Frosting
- 200g cream cheese
- 100g unsalted butter, softened
- 300g icing sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Hummingbird Cake
The first time I baked it, I made a mess, but the taste was worth it. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make it smoother:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F.
- Prepare your pans by greasing them and lining with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl: flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and sugar.
- Blend wet ingredients in another bowl: eggs, oil, mashed banana.
- Combine the two gently, folding until just mixed.
- Add pineapple, coconut, and nuts. Stir lightly so the batter stays fluffy.
- Divide batter between prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. Use a toothpick to check doneness.
- Cool completely before frosting.
- Make the frosting by whipping butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add icing sugar and vanilla.
- Assemble the cake by layering with frosting in between and on top.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
The first time I really understood why this cake is so special was when I studied the ingredients. Science makes baking magical:
- Bananas: Provide natural sweetness and moisture. Overripe bananas are best because they break down easily and blend into the batter.
- Pineapple: Adds acidity which balances the sugar and activates the baking soda for a light texture.
- Coconut: Adds subtle texture and a tropical aroma.
- Cream cheese frosting: The fat content stabilizes the frosting while adding tanginess to cut through the sweetness.
- Baking soda & powder: These work together to make the cake rise and stay soft.
Expert Tips
I learned a few tricks the hard way. These can take your Hummingbird Cake from good to amazing:
- Always use ripe bananas for natural sweetness.
- Drain pineapple well to prevent a soggy cake.
- Fold wet and dry ingredients gently to keep the cake light.
- Toast nuts for extra depth of flavor.
- Chill the frosting slightly before spreading to avoid sliding layers.
Recipe Variations
Once I felt confident, I started experimenting. Hummingbird Cake is versatile:
- Chocolate twist: Add 50g cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolate-pineapple-banana combination.
- Tropical delight: Fold in shredded mango or passionfruit pulp.
- Nut-free version: Replace nuts with extra coconut or seeds for crunch.
- Mini cupcakes: Perfect for parties and easier to serve.
Final Words
Making this cake taught me patience and creativity. Each layer feels like a reward. The sweet smell, the soft texture, the tangy frosting – it’s an experience, not just a dessert.
- Treat each ingredient with respect.
- Don’t rush the mixing or baking.
- Have fun with variations.
FAQs
What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Hummingbird Cake Unique?
The cake is packed with tropical flavors like banana, pineapple, and coconut. It’s moist and delicious with a light cream cheese frosting.
Can I Substitute Ingredients In Jamie Oliver’s Hummingbird Cake Recipe?
Yes, you can swap pineapple for apple sauce or use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative if needed. Just be mindful of the texture changes.
How Long Does It Take To Make Jamie Oliver’s Hummingbird Cake?
It typically takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 40 minutes to bake. You’ll need some extra time to cool the cake before frosting.