Jamie Oliver Hummingbird Cake Recipe [GUIDE]

Jamie Oliver’s Hummingbird Cake is an absolute celebration of flavor! It’s a moist, fruity cake packed with tropical flavors, with a rich cream cheese frosting to top it off. Originating from the Southern U.S., it’s a bit of a quirky, delightful dessert often associated with warm weather, tropical gardens and happy gatherings. Jamie’s twist on this classic incorporates a beautiful balance of banana, pineapple and a touch of spice. Each bite is like a little tropical vacation. It’s not just a cake; it’s an experience that stands out with its balance of sweetness and tang. And the name? Well, it’s said that the cake is so sweet, even hummingbirds would flock to it!

Jamie Oliver Hummingbird Cake Recipe

Ingredients Needed

Now, onto the goodies that make this cake so special. Here’s what you’ll need for Jamie’s version:

• Bananas – The riper, the better. You want them super soft and sweet, adding moisture and richness.
• Pineapple – Fresh is best but you can use canned pineapple in juice. It’ll provide a burst of tropical flavor.
• Flour – All-purpose flour works perfectly here.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda. These help the cake rise and stay light and airy.
• Spices – Ground cinnamon is essential for that warm, comforting touch.
• Sugar – Both caster and brown sugar give it sweetness and a bit of caramel flavor.
• Eggs – These bind everything together and add moisture.
• Vegetable Oil – Keeps the cake moist and it’s a bit lighter than butter.
• Vanilla Extract – For that deep, fragrant undertone.
• Chopped Walnuts – These add a lovely crunch and depth of flavor. You can also use pecans if you prefer.
• Cream Cheese – For the frosting, of course. It adds that signature tangy creaminess.
• Icing Sugar – To sweeten the frosting without making it too heavy.
• Lemon Juice – For the frosting; it brightens everything up and balances the richness.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need a ton of specialized equipment here, just some basics:

• Mixing Bowls – One for the dry ingredients, one for the wet. Easy.
• Whisk and Spoon – A whisk to mix your dry ingredients and a spoon for folding in the wet.
• Cake Tin – A round or square tin will do but make sure it’s lined or greased properly to avoid sticking.
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer – This is a nice-to-have but not necessary. You can also mix by hand if you’re in the mood for a bit of an arm workout.
• Cooling Rack – Helps your cake cool evenly and prevents sogginess at the bottom.
• Spatula – To spread that gorgeous cream cheese frosting.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Hummingbird Cake

Making this cake is straightforward but you do need a little patience to get everything just right. Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat your oven to 170°C (325°F). Grease and line your cake tin to avoid sticking.
2. Mix the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine your flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Give it a good whisk to evenly distribute everything.
3. Combine the wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, beat your eggs and sugars together until light and fluffy. Add the oil, bananas, pineapple and vanilla extract. Stir it all in to create a beautifully rich batter.
4. Fold the wet and dry together. Add the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently. Be careful not to overmix. you want everything to combine smoothly without being too dense.
5. Add the walnuts. Gently fold in the chopped nuts to add texture and flavor to the cake.
6. Bake the cake. Pour the batter into your prepared cake tin, smoothing the top. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted.
7. Cool down. Once your cake is done, let it cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack. Let it cool completely before frosting.
8. Make the frosting. While the cake cools, beat together the cream cheese, icing sugar and lemon juice. You’ll want it smooth and creamy, with just the right balance of sweetness and tang.
9. Frost the cake. Once your cake is cool, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top. You can go as heavy or light as you like with it.
10. Serve and enjoy! Slice it up and let the tropical flavors do their thing.

What I Learnt

Making Jamie Oliver’s Hummingbird Cake is a perfect lesson in patience and balance. The key takeaway for me was how much the ripeness of the bananas influences the cake. When they’re really ripe, they add so much natural sweetness and moisture that you don’t need to overdo the sugar. The addition of pineapple was another surprise. it adds just the right amount of acidity and brightness without being overpowering. And let’s not forget the walnuts. those little crunchy bits bring texture and a deep, earthy flavor that balances the sweetness.

The frosting is a game-changer, too. The tang from the cream cheese, paired with the zesty lemon juice, elevates the cake from just being sweet to something much more sophisticated.

Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Hummingbird Cake

Jamie Oliver’s Hummingbird Cake is a tropical treat bursting with flavors from bananas, pineapple and a bit of spice. We all want to put our own spin on things! Here are a few tweaks that can elevate the cake or add a personal touch:

1. Swap the Pineapple: If you’re not a fan of pineapple or prefer a less tangy cake, you can try substituting it with grated apples or even mango. It’ll still be fruity and moist but with a different kind of sweetness.
2. Use Different Nuts: While Jamie’s recipe often calls for walnuts, you could experiment with pecans, macadamia nuts or even pistachios for a unique crunch. Toasting the nuts before folding them into the batter brings out an even deeper flavor.
3. Make it Vegan: To make this cake dairy-free and egg-free, use flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water per egg), swap the butter for a plant-based version and use coconut yogurt instead of the traditional dairy yogurt.
4. Add Spices: Cinnamon is a classic but a dash of nutmeg or ginger could really take it up a notch. If you like a spicier flavor profile, a touch of ground cardamom or allspice could make the cake feel even more cozy.
5. Frosting Finesse: The cream cheese frosting is a key part of the Hummingbird Cake but you can play around with it. Try adding lemon zest for a zesty twist or fold in a little bit of coconut cream to complement the tropical flavors. You could even swap the cream cheese for mascarpone if you’re feeling extra indulgent.

Storage Tips For Leftovers

After all that baking, you’ll probably have some cake left over-lucky you! Here’s how to store it properly to keep it fresh:

1. Room Temperature Storage: If you’re planning to finish off the cake within a couple of days, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps keep it moist without the frosting hardening. Just be sure to keep it in a cool spot, away from direct sunlight or heat.
2. Refrigeration: If you want it to last longer, keep it in the fridge. The cream cheese frosting can be a bit sensitive to warmth, so chilling the cake will help preserve its freshness. Just make sure to cover it well so it doesn’t dry out. Wrap it in plastic wrap or pop it into an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to a week.
3. Freezing: Hummingbird cake freezes surprisingly well! Slice it into individual portions, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then place the slices in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just let it thaw at room temperature for about an hour or so.

Tip: If you want to keep the frosting from becoming too soft or gooey, you can freeze slices without the frosting and frost them fresh when you’re ready to serve.

What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Hummingbird Cake?

This cake is already a dessert in its own right but if you’re looking for something to pair it with, you’ve got some delicious options:

1. A Cup of Coffee: The rich, creamy frosting and the spices in the cake balance perfectly with a good cup of coffee. The flavors play off each other wonderfully.
2. Coconut Whipped Cream: To lean even more into the tropical vibe, top the cake with some coconut whipped cream. It’s light and fluffy, adding a slightly sweet coconut flavor that pairs beautifully with the cake’s banana and pineapple notes.
3. Fresh Fruit: You could serve it alongside fresh tropical fruits like sliced mango, papaya or passion fruit. The sweetness of the fresh fruit contrasts nicely with the cake’s spiciness.
4. Vanilla Ice Cream: For those who enjoy their cake with a scoop of ice cream, vanilla works wonders here. The simplicity of vanilla allows the flavors of the Hummingbird cake to shine while adding a creamy element.
5. Sparkling Wine: If you’re feeling a bit more festive, pair your slice with a glass of chilled sparkling wine. Something light, like Prosecco or a fruity Moscato, will cut through the richness of the cake and add a fun, celebratory feel.

FAQs

What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Hummingbird Cake Special?

It’s a moist, tropical-inspired cake packed with ripe bananas, pineapple, and a touch of cinnamon. Plus, the cream cheese frosting gives it a rich, tangy finish!

Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Hummingbird Cake Gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to check the rest of the ingredients for hidden gluten!

How Do I Store Leftover Hummingbird Cake?

Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep fresh for 3-4 days, and the flavors get even better as it sits!