Description
Southern classic hummingbird bread with cream cheese frosting brings tropical banana and pineapple flavors together in one delightful quick bread. Spiced with cinnamon and topped with creamy frosting, you’ll savor each moist, nutty slice of this nostalgic dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread Base:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) sugar
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) canola or vegetable oil
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Mix-Ins and Garnish:
- 1/2 cup (40 grams) sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup (80 grams) pineapple, diced and patted dry
- 1/2 cup (60 grams) chopped pecans
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces (115 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (60 grams) butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (60 grams) powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup (40 grams) chopped pecans for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and generously spray a loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed bananas, granulated and brown sugars, egg, and vegetable oil. Whip with an electric mixer until the mixture becomes smooth and well integrated.
- Gradually incorporate flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in shredded coconut, crushed pineapple, and roughly chopped pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, ensuring an even surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean.
- Remove from oven and let the bread cool completely on a wire rack, allowing it to set and develop its full flavor profile.
- For the cream cheese frosting, cream together softened cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.
- Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon to the cream cheese mixture. Beat until smooth and well combined.
- Once the bread has cooled entirely, spread the frosting evenly across the top. Garnish with additional chopped pecans for added texture and visual appeal.
Notes
- Ripeness matters significantly for bananas; use overripe, soft bananas with dark spots for maximum sweetness and moisture in the bread.
- Consider toasting pecans before adding to batter to enhance their nutty flavor and provide a deeper, more complex taste profile.
- Drain pineapple chunks thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the bread soggy or affecting its texture during baking.
- Cream cheese frosting can be adjusted for dietary needs by using low-fat cream cheese or dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream for lactose-intolerant individuals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg