Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe

Heavenly Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe

Sweet and moist hummingbird bread with cinnamon frosting brings tropical flavors right to your kitchen table.

Southern bakers have long adored this delectable treat that combines bananas, pineapple, and pecans into one irresistible loaf.

The classic dessert carries a rich heritage of comfort and warmth with every slice.

Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness while crushed pineapple adds unexpected moisture to the bread.

Toasted pecans scattered throughout create delightful crunch and nutty depth in each bite.

The crowning glory arrives with a smooth, creamy cinnamon frosting that perfectly complements the bread complex flavors.

Let this delightful recipe transport you to a world of pure baking bliss and indulgence.

How to Make Hummingbird Bread With Frosting

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to a cozy 350 degrees.

Grab your 8×5 loaf pan and give it a quick spray with non-stick magic or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Create a Sweet Symphony

In a large mixing bowl, dance together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil until they’re best friends.

Invite eggs and vanilla to join the party, mixing until smooth and harmonious.

Step 3: Bring in the Dry Team

Gently introduce flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt to the mix.

Stir until everything is perfectly blended and no lumps remain.

Step 4: Welcome Fruity Friends

Time to fold in the star ingredients with love:
  • Mashed bananas
  • Shredded coconut
  • Crushed pineapple
  • Chopped pecans

Use a spatula or wooden spoon to softly incorporate these delightful mix-ins.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan.

Send it to the oven for 60-65 minutes.

The bread is ready when a toothpick comes out clean – no sticky batter allowed!

Step 6: Whip Up Dreamy Frosting

In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until they’re smooth as silk.

Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Mix until the frosting becomes creamy and irresistible.

Step 7: The Grand Finale

Let the bread cool completely.

Spread that heavenly frosting across the top like a cloud.

Sprinkle remaining chopped pecans for a crunchy, nutty crown.

Tips for Luscious Frosted Bread

  • Use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness and deeper flavor in your bread.
  • Toss pecans in a bit of flour before adding to batter to keep them evenly distributed throughout the bread.
  • Insert a toothpick in the center at 55 minutes to avoid overbaking and ensure a moist, tender loaf.
  • Refrigerate the bread for 30 minutes before slicing to get neat, clean pieces without crumbling.
  • Wrap the unfrosted bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months to enjoy later.

Hummingbird Bread Flavor Enhancements

  • Gluten-Free Hummingbird Bread: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Vegan Tropical Loaf: Swap eggs with mashed bananas or flax eggs. Use coconut oil instead of butter and dairy-free cream cheese for frosting.
  • Low-Sugar Wellness Bread: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Reduce overall sugar content while maintaining rich flavor profile.
  • Nut-Free Tropical Delight: Omit pecans and replace with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch. Use alternative garnish like toasted coconut flakes.

Plating Cinnamon Cream Cheese Bread

  • Tropical Brunch Delight: Serve slices alongside fresh tropical fruit like mango or papaya for a vibrant breakfast experience.
  • Afternoon Tea Elegance: Pair with a light chai or cinnamon tea, creating a delightful mid-day treat that showcases the bread's rich flavors.
  • Dessert Transformation: Warm slightly and top with a scoop of coconut or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent after-dinner dessert that highlights the bread's moist texture.
  • Gifting Goodness: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon for a homemade gift that spreads sweet tropical joy to friends and family.

How to Keep Cinnamon Bread Moist

  • Store covered in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping frosting intact and preventing bread from drying out.
  • Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag, preserving freshness for 2-3 months.
  • Keep loosely covered at room temperature for 2-3 days if planning to consume quickly, maintaining soft texture.
  • Remove frozen slices and let defrost at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before enjoying, ensuring optimal taste and moisture.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients that make Hummingbird Bread unique?

The key ingredients are bananas, pineapple, coconut, and pecans, which give the bread its signature tropical and nutty flavor profile.

  • Is this bread similar to traditional banana bread?

While similar, Hummingbird Bread differs by incorporating additional ingredients like pineapple and coconut, creating a more complex and rich taste compared to classic banana bread.

  • Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but you might need to adjust the leavening agents slightly to maintain the bread’s texture.

Cinnamon Frosting Takes Hummingbird Bread Up a Notch

  • Dive into a delightful blend of bananas, pineapple, and coconut that transports your taste buds to a sunny paradise.
  • Whip up this bread using simple ingredients and basic baking techniques, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
  • Enjoy a moist, rich bread that appeals to both kids and adults, ideal for family gatherings or casual get-togethers.
  • Savor the heavenly cinnamon cream cheese topping that elevates this bread from good to absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients for Heavenly Cinnamon Bread

Wet Ingredients:
  • Granulated Sugar: A sweetener that helps create a tender and moist texture in the bread.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds depth of flavor and moisture to the bread.
  • Oil: Provides richness and helps keep the bread soft and tender.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the bread's structure.
  • Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the bread.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The main structural component of the bread.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the bread rise and become light.
  • Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic flavor to the bread.
  • Salt: Balances and enhances the sweetness of the other ingredients.
Fruits and Nuts:
  • Bananas, Pineapple: Provide natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.
  • Shredded Coconut, Pecans: Add texture, crunch, and nutty flavor to the bread.
Frosting Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese, Butter: Create a rich and creamy base for the frosting.
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps thicken the frosting.
  • Vanilla, Cinnamon: Add depth and warmth to the frosting's flavor.

Baking Tools Needed for This Bread

  • 8×5 loaf pan: Essential for baking the bread with the right shape and size.
  • Parchment paper or non-stick spray: Ensures easy bread removal without sticking.
  • Electric mixer or stand mixer: Perfect for beating sugar, oil, and creaming frosting ingredients smoothly.
  • Spatula or wooden spoon: Great for gently folding fruits and nuts into batter.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Mixing bowls: Needed for combining wet and dry ingredients separately.
  • Toothpick: Helps check bread doneness by testing for clean insertion.
  • Cooling rack: Allows bread to cool evenly and prevent soggy bottom.
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Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe

Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe


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4.5 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Luscious hummingbird bread celebrates Southern baking traditions with ripe bananas, pineapple, and pecans. Cream cheese frosting with warm cinnamon completes this irresistible sweet bread perfect for sharing with friends and family.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple, undrained
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 2 large eggs

Sugars and Oils:

  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil

Spices, Leavening Agents, and Flavorings:

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:

  • 6 ounces (170 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare an 8×5 loaf pan with non-stick spray or parchment paper.
  2. Whisk granulated and brown sugars with oil until smooth, then incorporate eggs and vanilla extract thoroughly.
  3. Gently fold flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt into the wet mixture until just combined.
  4. Carefully fold mashed bananas, shredded coconut, crushed pineapple, and chopped pecans into the batter using a spatula.
  5. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, ensuring even distribution.
  6. Bake for 60-65 minutes, rotating pan halfway through, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Allow bread to cool completely on a wire rack for approximately 1 hour.
  8. Whip cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy, then gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon.
  9. Spread the creamy frosting evenly across the top of the cooled bread.
  10. Garnish with additional chopped pecans for extra crunch and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Ripening Bananas Choose overripe, spotted bananas for maximum sweetness and deeper flavor development in the bread.
  • Moisture Control Drain pineapple chunks thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making the bread soggy or dense.
  • Nut Substitution Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds for different texture and flavor profiles while maintaining crunch.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum to maintain bread’s structural integrity.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 16 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

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