Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’ve ever tried a hummingbird cake, then you already know how magical the combination of banana, pineapple, and spices can be. But, imagine turning that delicious, tropical-inspired cake into a perfectly moist, quick bread, topped with a velvety cream cheese frosting. Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting is a sweet, fragrant treat that’s great for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Each bite offers a sweet, comforting blend of banana, pineapple, cinnamon, and a subtle hint of vanilla, all wrapped up in a soft, tender loaf.

Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be adding it to your regular baking rotation. It’s a total crowd-pleaser, and the cream cheese frosting makes it feel just a little bit extra special. You’ll love it.

Why You’ll Love Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting

This bread is everything you want in a homemade treat. Here’s why:

Bursting with Flavor: The mix of bananas, pineapple, and cinnamon gives this bread a sweet and warm flavor that’s irresistible.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re treating yourself to a breakfast indulgence, serving it at a brunch, or sharing it at a gathering, this bread fits in perfectly.

Moist and Tender: This bread stays soft and tender for days—perfect for snacking or serving guests.

Topped with Cream Cheese Frosting: That creamy, tangy frosting is the perfect contrast to the sweet bread, adding a deliciously rich finish.

Easy to Make: With just a few basic ingredients, you’ll have this bread baking in no time!

Ingredients in Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting

This recipe blends classic banana bread flavors with a tropical twist. Let’s break down the ingredients:

Bananas

Ripe bananas are key to keeping this bread moist and adding natural sweetness. The more overripe, the better!

Pineapple

Crushed pineapple adds moisture and a sweet, tropical flavor. Make sure to drain the excess liquid for the best texture.

Brown Sugar

Brings a subtle molasses flavor and sweetness, giving the bread its depth.

Eggs

Help bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the bread.

All-Purpose Flour

The backbone of the bread, giving it the right texture and consistency.

Baking Soda

Helps the bread rise and ensures a fluffy crumb.

Cinnamon

A warm spice that pairs perfectly with the tropical ingredients and gives the bread its cozy flavor.

Salt

Just a pinch helps balance out the sweetness and bring out the flavors.

Vanilla Extract

Adds a lovely fragrance and depth to the overall flavor of the bread.

Vegetable Oil

Keeps the bread moist and tender without making it greasy.

Cream Cheese

The base of the rich frosting, giving it a creamy, slightly tangy flavor.

Butter

Adds richness and helps the frosting achieve that perfect smooth consistency.

Powdered Sugar

Sweetens and thickens the frosting, giving it the perfect texture for spreading.

Milk

Used to thin out the frosting to the right consistency.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Here’s how you can create this tasty bread step-by-step:

Preheat Your Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas. Add the crushed pineapple, eggs, oil, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

Mix Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix!

Pour into Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.

Bake

Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the bread is cooling, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy. Add milk, a little at a time, until you reach your desired frosting consistency.

Frost the Bread

Once the bread is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top. You can swirl it or spread it evenly—your choice!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12 slices
Calories per serving: 325
Total Fat: 18g

• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 45mg
  Sodium: 180mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 38g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 27g
  Protein: 3g
  Calcium: 40mg
  Iron: 1.1mg
  Potassium: 220mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60–70 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: About 2 hours

How to Serve Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting

This bread is just as delightful on its own as it is with frosting, but here are a few serving ideas to make it even more special:

For Breakfast: Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful morning treat.

For Brunch: Serve alongside fresh fruit, eggs, or yogurt for a tropical-inspired brunch spread.

As Dessert: This is perfect for dessert, especially with that rich, sweet cream cheese frosting.

With a Drizzle of Honey: If you’re craving a little extra sweetness, drizzle a bit of honey over the top for a beautiful touch.

Serve Chilled: If you’re in the mood for a refreshing treat, chill the bread slightly before serving—it makes the frosting even more indulgent.

Additional Tips

Don’t Overmix the Batter: To ensure a light, tender crumb, mix the dry and wet ingredients until just combined—overmixing can make it dense.

Use Very Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Blackened bananas are perfect.

Drain the Pineapple Well: To avoid excess moisture, drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly before adding it to the batter.

Storage: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Make Mini Loafs: You can easily divide the batter into mini loaf pans for individual servings. Just reduce the bake time to 30–40 minutes.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I freeze Hummingbird Bread?
A1: Yes! Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Q2: Can I make this bread without frosting?
A2: Absolutely! The bread is delicious on its own, but if you’re skipping the frosting, you might want to drizzle it with a little honey or serve with whipped cream.

Q3: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
A3: Yes! If you use fresh pineapple, chop it finely and be sure to squeeze out the excess liquid.

Q4: How can I make this bread gluten-free?
A4: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure your other ingredients, like baking soda, are also gluten-free.

Q5: Can I add nuts to the bread?
A5: Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans would be a fantastic addition to the batter. Fold them in gently before baking.

Q6: Can I substitute the cream cheese frosting?
A6: If you want a lighter option, you could top the bread with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. It won’t be as rich as cream cheese frosting, but it’s still delicious.

Q7: How long does the frosting last?
A7: The frosting can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before spreading on the bread.

Q8: Can I make this bread in muffin form?
A8: Yes! Just divide the batter into muffin tins and bake for about 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Q9: Can I use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil?
A9: Yes! Coconut oil will add a hint of coconut flavor and work just as well in this bread.

Q10: Can I use a different type of frosting?
A10: Definitely! You could try a buttercream frosting, a cinnamon glaze, or even whipped cream for a different twist.

Conclusion

Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting is a deliciously moist and flavorful treat that’s as perfect for a cozy morning as it is for a special occasion. The tropical flavors, warm spices, and creamy frosting come together to create a comforting, irresistible loaf that’s sure to impress. Whether you make it for yourself or share it with friends, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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