Heavenly Hummingbird Cake Recipe: Sweet Tropical Paradise

Baking a heavenly hummingbird cake brings pure joy to my kitchen every single time.

Tropical banana and pineapple dance together in this Southern classic, creating magic with each slice.

Warm spices whisper stories of comfort and tradition.

Cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious touch that makes everyone smile.

Rich pecans provide delightful crunch against the moist, tender crumb.

Memories of grandmother’s baking flood back with each heavenly bite.

You’ll want to savor every delectable moment of this irresistible dessert.

Why Hummingbird Cake Is a Slice of Southern Heaven

• Requires minimal baking skills, perfect for beginners and casual home bakers wanting a delightful dessert without complex techniques.
• Combines classic ingredients like bananas, pineapple, and pecans, creating a rich, moist cake that delivers an explosion of tropical taste sensations.
• Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, and celebrations where you want to impress guests with a homemade treat that looks and tastes professionally made.
• Simple mixing method and straightforward instructions allow you to whip up this delectable cake in just a few easy steps, making it a convenient option for spontaneous baking moments.

All the Must-Have Ingredients for Hummingbird Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: The main base that provides structure for the cake.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic spice to complement the fruity ingredients.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with the cake's texture.

• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
• Mashed Bananas: Contribute natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.
• Crushed Pineapple: Adds tropical flavor and extra moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides depth and enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Pecans: Offer a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the cake.
• Cream Cheese: Creates a tangy and creamy base for the frosting.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth frosting texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese frosting.

Step-by-Step Guide to Heavenly Hummingbird Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350F (175C).

Grab two round cake pans and give them a generous coating of grease to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Granulated sugar

Blend these ingredients until they’re well combined and look like a uniform mixture.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

• Vegetable oil
• Eggs
• Ripe mashed bananas
• Crushed pineapple (make sure to drain excess liquid)
• Vanilla extract

Whisk these ingredients until they form a smooth, creamy consistency.

Step 4: Create the Cake Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.

Gently mix until just combined – avoid overmixing.

Fold in chopped pecans to add a delightful crunch.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool the Cake Layers

Let the cakes rest in the pans for 10 minutes.

Carefully transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 7: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy.

Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract.

Continue mixing until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.

Step 8: Frost and Serve

Once the cake layers are completely cool, generously spread the cream cheese frosting between layers and over the entire cake.

Slice, serve, and watch everyone’s eyes light up with joy!

Baker’s Tips for Hummingbird Cake Perfection

• Use exact measurements for foolproof cake texture and consistent results every time.
• Select very ripe, almost black bananas for maximum sweetness and deeper flavor profile.
• Ensure eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature to create smoother, more evenly mixed batter and frosting.
• Remove excess moisture from pineapple chunks to prevent soggy cake and maintain perfect consistency.
• Lightly toast pecans before adding to batter to enhance their nutty flavor and add delightful crunch to the cake.

Keeping Your Hummingbird Cake Soft and Fresh

• Store wrapped cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping frosting fresh and preventing dryness.
• Wrap completely cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, storing for 23 months in freezer.
• Wrap single slices separately in plastic wrap, place in freezer bag, preserve for 1 month.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then bring to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving for optimal texture and flavor.

Great Pairings for Slices of Hummingbird Cake

• Pair Tropical Rum Cocktail: Craft a pineapple-banana rum punch that complements the cake's sweet tropical flavors, enhancing the dessert's fruity essence.
• Serve Creamy Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Scoop rich, smooth vanilla bean ice cream alongside each cake slice to balance the cake's warm spices and add delightful temperature contrast.
• Match Southern Sweet Tea: Brew a classic Southern sweet tea with a hint of cinnamon, creating a refreshing beverage that echoes the cake's warm, comforting notes.
• Explore Caramel Macchiato: Prepare a creamy caramel macchiato that mirrors the cake's rich, sweet profile and provides a luxurious coffee undertone.

Hummingbird Cake: Fun Mix-Ins and Twists

• Gluten-Free Hummingbird Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version. Use gluten-free baking powder and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Banana Delight: Swap eggs with flax eggs or applesauce. Use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil. Replace cream cheese frosting with cashew-based cream cheese alternative made from soaked cashews and lemon juice.
• Low-Sugar Tropical Treat: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Reduce overall sugar content by using less powdered sugar in frosting. Add extra spices like nutmeg to enhance flavor without adding calories.
• Nut-Free Celebration Cake: Eliminate pecans completely or replace with sunflower seeds for crunch. Use seed butter instead of nut-based alternatives to maintain moisture and texture.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients that make hummingbird cake unique?

Ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, and pecans give this cake its distinctive tropical flavor and rich texture, creating a moist and delicious dessert that sets it apart from traditional cakes.

• Is hummingbird cake difficult to prepare?

Not at all! This cake is quite straightforward and forgiving. Even novice bakers can successfully make it by following the simple mixing and baking instructions, which don’t require advanced baking skills.

• Can I make this cake without pecans?

Yes, you can omit pecans if you have nut allergies or simply don’t enjoy them. The cake will still be delicious and moist, maintaining its signature flavor from the bananas and pineapple.

• Why is it called hummingbird cake?

The cake originated in Jamaica and was named to attract attention, much like how bright flowers attract hummingbirds. It became popular in the southern United States in the 1970s and has since been a beloved dessert.

Heavenly Hummingbird Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delightful Hummingbird Cake celebrates Southern baking magic with ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, and warm spices. Rich cream cheese frosting crowns this classic dessert, promising pure comfort in each memorable slice you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
• 1 cup canned crushed pineapple (drained)
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Flavoring and Frosting Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) softened cream cheese
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter (softened)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and thoroughly coat two round cake pans with cooking spray or butter.
2. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and sugar in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of dry ingredients.
3. Create a smooth wet mixture by whisking vegetable oil, eggs, thoroughly mashed bananas, well-drained pineapple chunks, and vanilla extract until completely integrated.
4. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring until just combined to maintain cake’s tender texture. Incorporate chopped pecans evenly throughout the batter.
5. Distribute the cake batter equally between the prepared pans, using a spatula to spread smoothly and eliminate air pockets.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean with no raw batter.
7. Remove cakes from oven and let rest in pans for 10 minutes to prevent structural breakdown during removal.
8. Transfer cake layers to wire cooling racks, allowing complete temperature reduction before frosting.
9. Prepare cream cheese frosting by whipping cream cheese and butter until light and airy, gradually blending in powdered sugar and vanilla until silky smooth.
10. Generously spread frosting between cake layers and over entire surface, creating an even, luxurious coating.

Notes

• Adapt the cake for gluten-free diets by substituting all-purpose flour with a reliable gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the texture remains moist and tender.
• Control moisture by thoroughly draining pineapple chunks to prevent excess liquid from making the cake soggy or dense.
• Toast pecans before adding to the batter to enhance their nutty flavor and provide a deeper, more complex taste profile for the cake.
• Achieve the perfect cream cheese frosting consistency by ensuring cream cheese and butter are at room temperature, which helps create a smooth, spreadable texture without lumps.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 435
• Sugar: 36 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 56 mg