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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and thoroughly coat two 9-inch round cake pans with grease and flour.
- 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.
- In a separate container, vigorously blend vegetable oil, eggs, thoroughly mashed bananas, and crushed pineapple until well incorporated.
- Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring minimally to prevent over-mixing. Incorporate chopped pecans if desired, mixing until just combined.
- Distribute batter evenly between prepared pans, carefully smoothing the surface to create uniform layers.
- 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.
- Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to reach room temperature completely.
- Prepare cream cheese frosting by whipping softened cream cheese and butter until silky and well-blended, gradually incorporating powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
- Once cakes have cooled entirely, generously apply cream cheese frosting between layers and across the entire cake surface, creating a smooth, even coating.
- 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