Hummingbird Cake

If you’ve never tasted a Hummingbird Cake, then you’re in for a real treat. This Southern classic is a slice of heaven—moist, sweet, and filled with bananas, pineapple, and warm spices. Topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, it’s the kind of cake that will have you going back for seconds (or thirds!). Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself, this cake is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved dessert.

Why You’ll Love Hummingbird Cake

This cake is pure joy in every bite, and here’s why:

Tropical Flavors: Bananas and pineapple bring the most delightful sweetness and moisture to this cake. It’s like a tropical vacation in every bite!

Moist and Flavorful: The combination of oil and fresh fruit makes the cake incredibly moist, and the addition of cinnamon and vanilla adds warmth and depth of flavor.

Cream Cheese Frosting: Smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting balances the sweetness of the cake and takes it to the next level.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re baking for a birthday, holiday, or just a Sunday treat, this cake is perfect for any occasion. It’s festive, impressive, and oh-so-delicious.

Easy to Make: Don’t worry, even though it’s packed with flavor, this cake is surprisingly easy to make. You don’t need to be a pro baker to pull it off!

Ingredients

Now, let’s talk about what goes into this showstopper of a cake:

Bananas: Mashed ripe bananas provide the base for the moist texture and sweet flavor that makes Hummingbird Cake so irresistible.

Pineapple: Crushed pineapple adds moisture and a light, tropical sweetness that complements the bananas beautifully.

Flour: All-purpose flour gives structure to the cake and helps create that perfect crumb.

Sugar: A combination of granulated sugar and brown sugar gives the cake just the right amount of sweetness and a touch of richness.

Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together and help create a light, airy texture for the cake.

Oil: Vegetable oil keeps the cake incredibly moist, making each slice melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Baking Soda & Baking Powder: These help the cake rise and become light and fluffy.

Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds a warm, cozy spice that makes the cake feel extra comforting.

Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the sweetness and flavor of the cake.

Chopped Pecans: These nuts add a lovely crunch and depth of flavor that really rounds out the cake.

Salt: Just a pinch helps balance the sweetness and bring out all the other flavors.

Cream Cheese: The cream cheese frosting is the star topping of this cake, providing a tangy, rich finish that balances the sweetness of the cake.

Powdered Sugar: This sweetens the frosting and helps create the smooth, creamy texture.

Butter: Butter adds richness and a smooth texture to the frosting.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make the best cake you’ve ever tasted? Let’s get started!

Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans. This ensures the cake comes out easily and doesn’t stick.

Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine your mashed bananas, crushed pineapple (with juice), eggs, oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well combined and smooth.

Add the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix!

Fold in the Pecans: Gently fold in the chopped pecans. This adds a bit of crunch and flavor to each slice.

Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. The cakes should be golden brown and spring back when touched.

Cool the Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking apart.

Make the Frosting: While the cakes are cooling, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. The frosting should be thick and easy to spread.

Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a cake stand or serving plate. Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting over the top. Place the second cake layer on top, and frost the entire cake, smoothing it out with a spatula.

Decorate: Garnish with extra chopped pecans around the edges or on top for a pretty finish.

Serve and Enjoy: Slice, serve, and enjoy this sweet, tropical treat with family and friends. You might want to make two cakes—one will never be enough!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12 slices
Calories per serving: 400

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 50-60 minutes

How to Serve Hummingbird Cake

This cake is a showstopper on its own, but here are a few ideas to make it even more amazing:

With Coffee or Tea: A slice of Hummingbird Cake pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea. The richness of the cake and the tanginess of the frosting are a great match with a hot beverage.

Tropical Fruit: For an extra burst of tropical flavor, serve this cake with fresh fruit like mango, pineapple, or even a scoop of sorbet.

As a Dessert Buffet: If you’re hosting a party, slice the cake into small pieces and serve as part of a dessert buffet with other Southern treats, like pecan pie or banana pudding.

With a Dollop of Whipped Cream: Top each slice with a little bit of fresh whipped cream for an extra indulgence.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to make your Hummingbird Cake even better:

Ripe Bananas: Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor. They should be soft and speckled with brown spots to bring out the sweetness.

Don’t Overmix the Batter: Be sure to fold in the dry ingredients gently to avoid overmixing. Overmixing can result in a dense cake, and we want it light and fluffy!

Add Coconut: If you love coconut, add shredded coconut to the batter for an extra tropical twist. It’s a fun addition that complements the pineapple and banana.

Chill the Frosting: If your frosting is too soft to spread, chill it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to make it more manageable.

Storage Tips: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, store it in the fridge for up to a week. Let the cake come to room temperature before serving.

Make It Ahead: You can bake the cake ahead of time and freeze the layers. Wrap the cooled layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and frost when ready to serve.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can bake the cake ahead of time and store the layers in the fridge or freezer. Just frost it right before serving.

Q2: Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
A2: Yes, canned pineapple works great in this recipe. Be sure to drain the juice before adding it to the batter.

Q3: Can I make the frosting without cream cheese?
A3: You can substitute the cream cheese with buttercream frosting, but the tangy flavor of the cream cheese is part of what makes this cake so delicious!

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate the cake for up to a week.

Q5: Can I freeze this cake?
A5: Yes! You can freeze the cake layers before frosting. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

Q6: Can I use a different nut instead of pecans?
A6: Yes, you can substitute the pecans with walnuts or macadamia nuts if you prefer.

Q7: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A7: Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may vary slightly.

Q8: Can I use a different frosting?
A8: Absolutely! You can swap the cream cheese frosting for a whipped cream or buttercream frosting if you prefer.

Q9: How do I know when the cake is done?
A9: The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

Q10: Can I add coconut to the cake?
A10: Yes, shredded coconut is a great addition to this cake. Just fold it into the batter with the pecans for extra flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Hummingbird Cake is one of those recipes that’s a crowd-pleaser, and it’s sure to become a new favorite. With its sweet, tropical flavors and decadent cream cheese frosting, this cake brings joy with every bite. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just because, this cake will never disappoint. Go ahead, treat yourself—and share the love with friends and family!

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