I’ll never forget the first time I stumbled across Jamie Oliver’s Hummingbird Cake recipe. I was scrolling through social media, looking for something unique to bake for a family gathering. Most of the cakes I bake are traditional – think chocolate or classic carrot cake – but I was in the mood for something more exotic. Then I found it: Jamie Oliver’s twist on the beloved Hummingbird Cake. I remember reading the ingredients, and my mouth watered just imagining how it would taste. The combination of tropical fruits and spices was irresistible. I knew this cake was something special, and after trying it for the first time, it quickly became one of my go-to recipes.
Hummingbird cake, with its rich texture and layers of flavor, has its roots in the American South. It’s known for its tropical sweetness, coming from the pineapple and bananas. What really sets Jamie Oliver’s version apart, though, is how he simplifies the process without sacrificing flavor. If you’re after a cake that’s decadent, moist, and packed with flavor, you’re in for a treat.
Jamie Oliver’s Hummingbird Cake Recipe
Jamie’s version of Hummingbird Cake is as easy as it is delicious. It’s one of those recipes that makes you feel like a baking pro, even if you’re a beginner. And the best part? It’s a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or a weekend get-together, you’ll be met with praise.
Ingredients Needed
If you’ve ever baked before, you’ll notice this cake uses simple ingredients. But when you put them all together, something magical happens.
- Self-raising flour – Gives the cake its soft, light texture.
- Ground almonds – Adds richness and keeps the cake moist.
- Caster sugar – Sweetness, but not too much. You’ll want that balance of flavors.
- Bananas – The key to making the cake moist and naturally sweet.
- Pineapple – Fresh or tinned, it adds the tropical kick the cake is famous for.
- Eggs – Bind everything together and add to the soft crumb.
- Sunflower oil – Keeps the cake moist and prevents it from being too heavy.
- Cinnamon – Warm spice to complement the fruit flavors.
- Vanilla extract – Adds depth and sweetness to the cake.
For the frosting:
- Cream cheese – Tangy and creamy to balance the sweetness.
- Butter – Rich and helps with smooth texture.
- Icing sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- Lime juice – A fresh burst of citrus to elevate the frosting.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Hummingbird Cake
Making this cake is a breeze. Here’s how I usually do it:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line your cake tins.
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift the self-raising flour, ground almonds, cinnamon, and sugar together.
- Mash the bananas: I like to mash mine until smooth with a fork. A little texture is fine but try to keep it even.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the oil and vanilla. Then fold in the mashed bananas and pineapple (drain off any juice if using tinned pineapple).
- Combine: Slowly fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Don’t over-mix; you want to keep the air in the batter.
- Bake: Divide the batter between your prepared tins and bake for 25-30 minutes. A skewer should come out clean when it’s done.
- Cool: Let the cakes cool completely before frosting. This is the hardest part for me because the smell is so tempting!
- Frosting: Beat together the cream cheese, butter, icing sugar, and lime juice until smooth. Spread generously over the cooled cakes.
- Serve and enjoy! You can decorate with a few extra banana slices or even toasted coconut for some crunch.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
There’s a bit of food science magic behind why this cake works so well. Take the bananas, for example – they don’t just add sweetness, but also help to keep the cake moist. Bananas are high in water content and, when baked, they trap moisture in the cake, preventing it from drying out. Pineapple is acidic and helps break down the batter, making it even more tender. The ground almonds absorb moisture but also contribute to the rich texture.
Then there’s self-raising flour. It’s a blend of regular flour and baking powder, which helps the cake rise beautifully. This combination of ingredients leads to a cake that’s light yet moist, dense yet fluffy. Pretty perfect, right?
Expert Tips
If you want to make your Hummingbird Cake even more special, here are a few tips from the pros:
- Use ripe bananas: Overripe bananas are the best for this recipe because they’re sweeter and easier to mash.
- Don’t skimp on the pineapple: Whether you use fresh or tinned, make sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture. This helps keep the texture just right.
- Let the cake cool completely: As tempting as it is to frost a warm cake, it’s important to let it cool first. Otherwise, the frosting will melt right off.
- Adjust the frosting: If you want a tangier frosting, add a little more lime juice. For extra sweetness, increase the icing sugar.
- Don’t over-mix the batter: Stir the ingredients until just combined. Overmixing leads to a denser texture, and you want that airy, light crumb.
Recipe Variations
This cake is already a flavor powerhouse, but you can play around with it to suit your taste:
- Spices: Add nutmeg or ginger for a deeper, spicier kick.
- Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- Coconut: Add shredded coconut to the batter or sprinkle some on top for a tropical twist.
- Caramelized banana: For an extra layer of flavor, top the cake with caramelized banana slices before frosting.
- Tropical fruit: Switch the pineapple for mango or papaya for a different tropical vibe.
Final Words
Jamie’s Hummingbird Cake is the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to. It’s one of those that seems fancy, but is surprisingly easy to make. With its balance of sweet, tart, and spicy flavors, it’s sure to impress. Every time I make it, there’s something comforting about how the ingredients work together. Whether you’re sharing it with family, friends, or indulging in a slice by yourself, it’s always a hit.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For Jamie Oliver’s Hummingbird Cake?
You’ll need flour, sugar, eggs, mashed bananas, pineapple, walnuts, and a bit of cinnamon, along with cream cheese for the frosting.
How Long Does It Take To Bake Jamie Oliver’s Hummingbird Cake?
It usually takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour to bake, depending on your oven.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Hummingbird Cake Ahead Of Time?
Yes! You can make it a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge, keeping it moist and fresh.