The Most Luscious Hummingbird Cake Recipe You’ll Ever Try

Tropical flavors dance on the palate with this classic hummingbird cake recipe that blends sweet bananas and pineapple into a moist, decadent dessert.

Southern bakers have cherished this delightful treat for generations, passing down its rich, nutty charm.

Ripe bananas and crushed pineapple create a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.

Toasted pecans add a delightful crunch, complementing the cake soft texture perfectly.

Cream cheese frosting crowns this delectable creation with its smooth, tangy embrace.

Each slice promises a symphony of flavors that transports you to a sunny afternoon of pure indulgence.

Prepare to fall in love with every single bite of this irresistible Southern classic.

Hummingbird Cake Reasons to Bake It Again

• Dive into a classic Southern dessert that brings warmth and nostalgia to your table with its rich, comforting flavors.
• Swap ingredients like adding nuts or adjusting spices to make this cake uniquely yours, perfect for personal touch and creativity.
• Follow simple mixing steps that make this recipe approachable for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned home cooks.
• Wow friends and family with a delectable cake that combines sweet bananas, tangy pineapple, and creamy cream cheese frosting in one delightful treat.

Key Ingredients for Hummingbird Cake Delight

• All-Purpose Flour: The main structure and foundation for the cake's texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with cake's caramelization.
• Brown Sugar: Adds rich moisture and deep caramel flavor to the cake.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise.
• Salt, Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Enhance and balance the overall flavor profile.

• Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and creates a tender cake crumb.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and provide structure to the cake.
• Mashed Bananas: Contribute natural sweetness and soft texture.
• Crushed Pineapple: Adds tropical flavor and additional moisture.

• Pecans: Optional ingredient that provides a pleasant crunch and nutty flavor.
• Cream Cheese, Butter: Create a rich and creamy base for the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize the cream cheese frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the frosting's flavor.

Baking Tools for Classic Hummingbird Cake

• Large mixing bowls: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending dry ingredients smoothly.
• Electric mixer: Great for beating cream cheese frosting to creamy perfection.
• 9-inch round cake pans: Key for baking cake layers evenly.
• Wire cooling rack: Helps cakes cool completely without getting soggy.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Spatula: Useful for folding nuts and smoothing batter.
• Toothpick: Helps check cake doneness.

Steps for a Moist Hummingbird Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Warm up your oven to 350F (175C).

Grab two 9-inch round cake pans and coat them with a light layer of grease and flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

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

Ensure all dry ingredients are well combined and lump-free.

Step 3: Mix Wet Components

• Vegetable oil
• Eggs
• Mashed ripe bananas
• Crushed pineapple

Stir until the wet ingredients create a smooth, unified mixture.

Step 4: Create Cake Batter

Slowly pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients.

Gently mix until just combined.

If desired, fold in chopped pecans for extra crunch and flavor.

Step 5: Fill Cake Pans

Evenly distribute the batter between the prepared pans.

Smooth the surface with a spatula to ensure uniform baking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place pans in the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes.

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

Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Step 7: Whip Up Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until silky smooth.

Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Finish by stirring in vanilla extract for a delightful flavor.

Step 8: Assemble and Serve

Once cakes have cooled completely, generously spread cream cheese frosting between layers and over the entire cake.

Slice, serve, and savor your homemade hummingbird cake!

Expert Tips for a Heavenly Hummingbird Cake

• Select overripe bananas with dark brown spots for maximum sweetness and deeper flavor in your cake.
• Squeeze excess liquid from crushed pineapple to prevent a soggy cake texture and maintain the right consistency.
• Ensure eggs, cream cheese, and butter are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
• Incorporate chopped pecans with a light hand to distribute evenly without deflating the cake batter.
• Use the toothpick test by inserting it into the cake's center; if it comes out clean with a few moist crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked.

Fun Hummingbird Cake Variations to Explore

• Gluten-Free Hummingbird Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Tropical Version: Swap eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil, and create dairy-free frosting using cashew cream.
• Low-Sugar Southern Style: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reduce total sugar content while maintaining classic flavor profile.
• Nut-Free Friendly Option: Eliminate pecans and replace with toasted sunflower seeds or skip nuts entirely for those with nut allergies.

Serving Hummingbird Cake at Its Best

• Tropical Party Platter: Arrange cake slices on a vibrant wooden board with fresh pineapple chunks, banana slices, and toasted pecans scattered around for a stunning dessert presentation.
• Brunch Showstopper: Serve alongside fresh mimosas or strong coffee, making it a delightful centerpiece for weekend gatherings with friends and family.
• Celebration Accent: Garnish each slice with a light dusting of cinnamon, a few whole pecans, or a delicate edible flower to elevate the cake's visual appeal and flavor complexity.
• Southern Comfort Style: Pair with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the cake's rich, moist texture and create a decadent dessert experience.

Hummingbird Cake Storage You Can Trust

• Store frosted cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Wrap individual cake slices tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Keep unfrosted cake layers at room temperature, wrapped in plastic wrap, for 1-2 days. Ensure the cake is completely cooled before storing.
• Warm refrigerated cake slices for 10-15 seconds in the microwave. For frozen slices, thaw completely before gently warming to preserve texture and flavor.

FAQs

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

The cake combines ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, and pecans, creating a moist and flavorful Southern dessert that sets it apart from traditional cakes.

• Is Hummingbird Cake difficult to make for beginners?

Not at all! This cake is surprisingly simple to prepare. The recipe requires basic baking skills and uses straightforward mixing techniques that even novice bakers can successfully execute.

• Why is it called Hummingbird Cake?

The cake originated in Jamaica and was named to attract attention, much like how bright colors attract hummingbirds. It became popular in the Southern United States in the 1970s after being published in Southern Living magazine.

Hummingbird Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

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

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Description

Southern bakers treasure this classic Hummingbird cake loaded with bananas, pineapple, and pecans. Creamy cream cheese frosting completes this beloved dessert that delights guests with rich, moist layers and complex flavors.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (190 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) packed brown sugar
• 1 cup (230 grams) mashed ripe bananas (about 2 bananas)

Spices and Leavening Agents:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients and Extras:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup (120 grams) crushed pineapple (drained)
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) chopped pecans (optional)
• 8 ounces (225 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups (480 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and thoroughly coat two 9-inch round cake pans with grease and flour.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine all dry ingredients, ensuring an even mixture of flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In a separate container, vigorously blend vegetable oil, eggs, thoroughly mashed bananas, and crushed pineapple until well incorporated.
4. Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring minimally to prevent over-mixing. Incorporate chopped pecans if desired, mixing until just combined.
5. Distribute batter evenly between prepared pans, carefully smoothing the surface to create uniform layers.
6. Place pans in preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean and dry.
7. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to reach room temperature completely.
8. Prepare cream cheese frosting by whipping softened cream cheese and butter until silky and well-blended, gradually incorporating powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
9. Once cakes have cooled entirely, generously apply cream cheese frosting between layers and across the entire cake surface, creating a smooth, even coating.
10. Slice and serve the decadent hummingbird cake, enjoying its rich, tropical flavors.

Notes

• Check banana ripeness by using very soft, almost black bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture in the cake.
• Drain pineapple thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making the cake soggy or dense.
• Toast pecans briefly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide extra crunch to the cake.
• Avoid overmixing batter to maintain a tender, light cake texture – stop mixing as soon as ingredients are just combined.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 45 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 57 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg