Easy Hummingbird Cake Recipe That Tastes Like Paradise

Baking brings pure joy, and this classic Southern hummingbird cake recipe delivers delectable tropical flavors that dance on your taste buds.

Sweet bananas and crushed pineapple mingle with warm spices to create a moist, irresistible dessert.

Layers of rich, tender cake promise a decadent experience for anyone who loves indulgent treats.

Cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious finish that elevates every single bite.

Pecans provide a delightful crunch that complements the cake soft texture.

This beloved Southern classic turns ordinary moments into memorable celebrations.

Whip up this stunning cake and watch smiles spread across the faces of everyone who takes a bite.

Why Hummingbird Cake Deserves a Spot on Your Table

• Incredibly easy recipe with straightforward mixing technique that doesn't require complicated pastry skills, perfect for home bakers of all experience levels.
• Combines multiple delicious ingredients like bananas, pineapples, and pecans, creating a complex and rich taste profile that surprises and delights taste buds.
• Excellent dessert for gatherings, potlucks, birthdays, and special celebrations, guaranteed to impress guests with its moist texture and incredible homemade charm.
• Flexible recipe allows optional additions like pecans, making it customizable for different preferences and dietary needs while maintaining its delectable core character.

Ingredients for Hummingbird Cake Recipe

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundational ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Ground Cinnamon: Brings a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the fruit ingredients.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide richness to the cake.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender, ensuring a soft texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the cake's flavor profile.

• Crushed Pineapple, Mashed Bananas: Provide natural sweetness, moisture, and a tropical flavor to the cake.
• Chopped Pecans: Add a nutty crunch and complementary texture to the cake.

How to Make Hummingbird Cake at Home

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab two round cake pans and give them a generous spray of non-stick baking spray.

Lay down parchment paper in each pan, then spray the paper again to ensure nothing sticks.

Step 2: Create the Dry Mixture

In a spacious mixing bowl, toss together flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.

Whisk these dry ingredients until they’re perfectly blended and look like a uniform powder.

Step 3: Bring the Batter to Life

Crack in the eggs, pour the vegetable oil, and splash in the vanilla extract.

Mix everything until the batter starts to look smooth.

• Crushed pineapple with its juice
• Mashed ripe bananas
• Chopped pecans (optional)

Stir until the mixture looks rich and well-combined.

The batter will be thick and full of texture.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans.

Slide them into the preheated oven and bake for 24-30 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

After baking, let the cakes rest in their pans for 10-15 minutes.

Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Expert Tips for Hummingbird Cake Success

• Toss crushed pineapple in a bit of flour before adding to the batter to ensure even distribution and stop fruit from settling at the bottom of the cake.
• Let the cake layers cool completely before frosting to lock in maximum moisture and prevent the cake from becoming soggy.
• Toast pecans briefly in a dry skillet before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra depth to the cake's texture.
• Wrap cake layers individually in plastic wrap and freeze up to one month in advance, which helps maintain moisture and makes cake assembly easier later.
• Substitute vegetable oil with applesauce for a lower-fat version or use gluten-free flour blend to make the cake suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.

Storing and Reheating Hummingbird Cake

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Wrap cake layers or slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual slices for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and add small increments of time if needed to prevent overheating.
• Let refrigerated cake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to restore its soft texture and enhance flavor profile.

What to Serve with Hummingbird Cake

• Pair Creamy Cream Cheese Frosting with Smooth Coffee
• The rich, tangy cream cheese frosting of the Hummingbird Cake pairs beautifully with a smooth, medium-roast coffee. The cake's sweet tropical flavors complement the coffee's warm, slightly bitter notes, creating a delightful balance on your palate.
• Enjoy Tropical Rum Cocktail Alongside
• Mix a light rum cocktail with pineapple juice to echo the cake's fruity undertones. The rum's subtle sweetness and tropical essence will enhance the cake's banana and pineapple flavors, making each bite more vibrant and exciting.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
• Scoop a generous portion of vanilla bean ice cream next to a slice of Hummingbird Cake. The creamy, cold ice cream provides a refreshing contrast to the cake's warm spices and nutty pecans, creating a harmonious dessert experience.
• Select Southern-Style Sweet Tea
• Brew a classic sweet tea to complement this Southern-inspired cake. The tea's sugary, refreshing quality matches the cake's rich flavors, offering a traditional Southern dining experience that feels like a warm embrace.

Flavor Ideas for Hummingbird Cake

• Gluten-Free Hummingbird Cake: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for better texture.
• Vegan Tropical Version: Substitute eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil, and replace cream cheese frosting with a dairy-free cashew cream frosting. Add extra tropical fruits like mango for enhanced flavor.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Omit pecans and replace with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch. Use seed butter instead of nut-based ingredients to maintain the cake's texture and nutritional profile.
• Low-Sugar Wellness Edition: Swap granulated sugar with coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener. Reduce overall sugar content and add extra spices like nutmeg to boost flavor complexity without increasing calories.

FAQs

• What is the origin of Hummingbird Cake?

This cake originated in Jamaica and was first published in Southern Living magazine in 1978, becoming a beloved Southern dessert that quickly gained popularity across the United States.

• Why is it called Hummingbird Cake?

The name is a mystery, but some believe it’s because the cake is so sweet that it would attract hummingbirds, or it might be related to how people would hum with delight while eating it.

• Can I make this cake without nuts?

Absolutely! You can easily omit the pecans if you have nut allergies or simply don’t enjoy nuts in your cake. The recipe will still turn out delicious and moist.

• Is Hummingbird Cake similar to banana bread?

While both use bananas, Hummingbird Cake is a more elaborate dessert with additional ingredients like pineapple and cinnamon, and it’s typically frosted with cream cheese icing, making it more of a celebration cake.

Easy Vanilla Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet vanilla cake dreams come alive with this simple yet irresistible dessert that promises pure indulgement. Delicate layers of homemade goodness melt in your mouth, inviting you to savor each heavenly bite of comfort and joy.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters / 12 fluid ounces) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (113 grams / 4 ounces) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup (240 milliliters / 8 fluid ounces) whole milk

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups (240 grams / 8.5 ounces) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Flavor Enhancer:

• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by setting the temperature to 350F (175C) and preparing cake pans with grease, flour, or parchment paper for optimal cake release.
2. Combine dry ingredients including flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
3. Create a smooth butter and sugar mixture by creaming together until the texture becomes light, airy, and significantly increased in volume, approximately 4 minutes.
4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, blending completely after each addition to maintain a consistent emulsion.
5. Add vanilla extract to the egg mixture, stirring until the liquid is fully integrated and the batter appears uniform.
6. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk to prevent over-mixing and maintain a tender cake texture.
7. Distribute batter evenly between prepared cake pans, ensuring smooth surface and equal volume for consistent baking.
8. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, monitoring doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean and dry.
9. Remove cakes from oven and allow to cool completely in pans before removing, preventing potential structural collapse during transfer.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, even mixing and better cake texture.
• Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Replace butter with vegetable oil for a lighter, more moist cake that stays fresh longer.
• Enhance flavor by adding a splash of almond extract or grated lemon zest to the batter for a subtle twist.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 130 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg