Copycat Jamie Oliver’s Hummingbird Cake Recipe

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I stumbled across Jamie Oliver’s Hummingbird Cake recipe while looking for something indulgent yet uber-comforting to bake on a lazy weekend. Its combination of mashed bananas, crushed pineapple, and warm cinnamon had me hooked before I even preheated the oven! Not to mention, the promise of a luscious cream cheese frosting was the perfect cherry on top (or should I say frosting on top!).

How to make Jamie Oliver’s Hummingbird Cake

Jamie Oliver’s Hummingbird Cake is a rich, moist Southern-style layer cake that Jamie Oliver makes with tropical fruit flavors and a creamy frosting. It’s based on the classic Hummingbird Cake, a dessert that became popular in the southern United States and is known for combining fruit, spice, and nuts in one soft cake.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 300g (2½ cups) self-raising flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 300g (1½ cups) soft brown sugar
• 125ml (½ cup) sunflower oil (or melted butter)
• 3 large eggs
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 small can (227g) crushed pineapple (include the juice)
• 50g (½ cup) chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• A pinch of salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 200g (7oz) cream cheese, softened
• 100g (3.5oz) unsalted butter, softened
• 300g (2½ cups) icing (confectioner’s) sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for added tanginess)

To Decorate:

• A handful of chopped pecans or walnuts
• Shredded coconut or dried fruits (optional)
• Edible flowers (for a beautiful, rustic presentation)

Instructions

Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to make Jamie Oliver’s Hummingbird Cake:

Step 1: Prepare Your Tools and Ingredients

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F or Gas Mark 4).
2. Grease and line two 20cm (8-inch) round cake tins with parchment paper. Ensure they’re ready to prevent sticking.
3. Gather all your ingredients and chop nuts or prep fruits as needed.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the self-raising flour, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir in the soft brown sugar to combine evenly.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the wet ingredients: whisk the eggs, then add the sunflower oil, mashed bananas, and the crushed pineapple with its juice.
3. Gradually fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until fully combined, taking care not to overmix (this helps keep the cake light and airy).
4. If you’re using nuts, gently fold them into the batter at this stage.

Step 3: Bake the Cake Layers

1. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared tins. Use a spatula to smooth the top.
2. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the tins for 10 minutes. Then transfer the layers to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a medium-sized bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy.
2. Gradually add the sifted icing sugar, beating until the frosting is creamy and well combined.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract and optional lemon zest for a flavorful kick.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one of the cake layers on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting across the top.
2. Gently place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake (top and sides) with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
3. For a final touch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top, along with shredded coconut or dried fruit if desired.

Tips for the Best Hummingbird Cake

• Ripe Bananas Matter: Use bananas with plenty of brown spots for the sweetest and most flavorful cake.
• Don’t Skip the Pineapple Juice: The juice from the crushed pineapple keeps the cake extra moist and adds tropical flavor.
• Make Ahead: The cake layers can be baked a day in advance and stored in an airtight container. Assemble with frosting just before serving.
• Toast Your Nuts: For extra depth in flavor, lightly toast your pecans or walnuts before incorporating them.
• Chill the Frosting: If your frosting feels too soft to work with, pop it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to firm up before spreading.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s Hummingbird Cake is the perfect mix of sweetness, spice, and refreshingly tangy flavors. It’s rich yet light, and the cream cheese frosting really rounds it all out. Whether you’re making it for a birthday, a tea party, or just because you’re in the mood for baking, this cake will quickly become one of your go-to favorites.

What to serve with

Jamie Oliver’s Hummingbird Cake is the ultimate crowd-pleaser: decadent, moist, and bursting with tropical flavors like banana and pineapple. While it’s perfect on its own, pairing it with complementary elements can elevate this dessert even further.

1. A Hot Cup of Tea or Coffee

The warm spices from the cinnamon and the richness of the cake pair wonderfully with a comforting beverage. Consider these options:

• Tea: Choose black teas like Earl Grey or Darjeeling for a delicate, aromatic pairing, or go bold with chai to accentuate the spiced notes in the cake.
• Coffee: Opt for medium to dark-roasted coffee for a balanced bitterness that complements the cake’s sweetness. If you’re feeling indulgent, serve lattes or cappuccinos with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top.

2. Fresh Tropical Fruits

Tropical fruits naturally complement the cake’s banana and pineapple base, adding a fresh and slightly tangy contrast to the richness. Serve slices of:

• Mango
• Kiwi
• Papaya
• Passionfruit
• Fresh pineapple chunks

3. Whipped Cream or Ice Cream

To elevate indulgence, pair the Hummingbird Cake with creamy accompaniments like:

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A simple scoop of vanilla ice cream balances the fruity flavors of the cake while adding extra richness.
• Coconut Ice Cream: Embrace the tropical theme with coconut ice cream, which pairs beautifully with the pineapple and banana notes.
• Lightly Sweetened Whipped Cream: Whip up some cream with a splash of vanilla extract or even a hint of rum for a luxurious touch.

Final Thoughts

Jamie Oliver’s Hummingbird Cake is already a show-stopper, but serving it alongside intentional sides or drinks makes the experience even better.

More Dessert Recipes:

• Copycat Jamie Oliver’s Tarte Tatin Recipe
• Copycat Jamie Oliver’s Eggs Benedict Recipe