The Hummingbird Cake. It's perhaps one of the most iconic cakes and a fan favourite beloved by professional bakers and home cooks. It's blessed countless garden parties and celebration tables - an elegant classic with tropical flair. It should come as no wonder that it's roots are distinctly Jamaican.

This unique and flavourful cake first emerged in the 1970s through the efforts of Jamaica's tourism industry. We dug down into the archives and rediscovered one of the first apprearances of the original recipe for what is now known as Hummingbird Cake. In this blog we share that recipe as well as the best places to enjoy iconic desserts and cakes in Jamaica.

 

Where did the Hummingbird Cake come from?

Jamaica's beloved national airline, Air Jamaica, published the Doctor Bird Cake recipe in February 1971 in The Daily Gleaner; the island's oldest continuously published newspaper. The article was part of a feature on the dishes offered as part of the in-flight menus of Air Jamaica. The article described Doctorbird Cake this way,

a moist rich dessert loaf made with pineapples and bananas and named after the national bird, and the airline's symbol; the twin-tailed hummingbird native to Jamaica.

From 'Air Jamaica Cuisine', The Daily Gleaner, Thursday, February 4, 1971

 

Why is it called a Hummingbird Cake?

The original recipe for Doctorbird cake was named after Jamaica's national bird, the red-billed swallow-tail or streamer-tail hummingbird (Trochilus Polytmus). Endemic to Jamaica, the bird's beautiful feathers produce iridescent colours. For years, the Doctor bird has been immortalized in Jamaican folklore and song. The Air Jamaica logo prominently featured the Doctor Bird, a true symbol of national pride.

Following the original publication of the recipe, the name was adapted to 'Hummingbird Cake' by North American magazines, still, its connection to Jamaica remains.

As for the Doctor bird itself, it can be observed in areas across the island, but especially in the Blue Mountains, an area known for its biodiversity and an excellent site for birdwatching. At Rockland's Bird Sanctuary in Montego Bay, you can feed one by hand - if you can sit still enough for one to land on your finger. 

 

 

 

What is the flavour of the Hummingbird cake?

Back in the 70s, Air Jamaica and the Jamaica Tourist Board promoted the recipe for Doctor Bird cake to showcase the island's tropical flavours and spices. Today, Hummingbird cake is still loved for its sweetness of ripe bananas and pineapple, moist texture, and notes of warming cinnamon.

We have a saying in Jamaica, All fruits ripe. It's something you say when things are going well and the imagery couldn't be more fitting. You'll find a seemingly endless array of fresh and exciting fruits across the island - many of which you may have never heard of. As for bananas and pineapples, there are so many varieties and Jamaicans take pride in telling you about their favourites. Visit Pisgah Pineapple Farm on the south coast or the beautiful Croydon in the Mountains Estate for a deep dive into the deliciously sweet fruits. In the mountains above Montego Bay, Croydon's organic farm tour will allow you to sample 16 varieties of pineapple and other fruits grown on the property.

 

Fruit Stall

The pineapple is a symbol of Jamaican hospitality and warmth

 

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Where can I eat Jamaican Hummingbird Cake?

As the original Doctorbird recipe states, the cake can be refrigerated and will remain fresh for some time, making it a good make-ahead dessert option. This also meant it would hold its freshness for in-flight service on Air Jamaica. While Air Jamaica no longer operates, you can still enjoy Jamaican Hummingbird cake on your next visit to the island. In Kingston, you'll find it at popular eateries like Pastry Passions and Devon House Bakery. While you're at Devon House don't miss out on the sumptuous gourmet patties and world famous Devon House Ice Cream.

 

 

How do I make Jamaican Hummingbird Cake?

Here's the original and official Doctorbird Cake recipe, the Jamaican predecessor of Hummingbird Cake. 

 

Doctorbird Cake Recipe

Ingredients

 

3 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

2 cups sugar

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 cup milk

1 8 ounce can crushed pineapple

1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 eggs

2 cups diced bananas

 

Method

 

  1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees
  2. Grease and lightly flour the bottom and sides of a 3 quart bundt cake pan
  3. Into a large mixing bowl sift flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and sugar. Pour in oil and milk. Add pineapple and eggs. Mix well with a large wooden spoon or rubber scraper. When all ingredients have been combined, stir in diced bananas.
  4. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 60 minutes. Test for doneness and if cake is not completely baked allow an additional five to ten (5-10) minutes.
  5. Cool in pan on cake rack for 20 minutes before turning out onto serving platter. If desired, sprinkle with confectioner's sugar and garnish with slices of bananas and pineapple chunks. Cake will remain fresh for some time if wrapped and stored in refrigerator. Serves 12 -14.

 

Hummingbird Cake

Hummingbird cake certainly isn't the only Jamaican dessert to gain global attention. (We'll save the story of the beloved Lychee Cake for another day) Tell us your favourite Jamaican treat and what recipe we should share next!