Hummingbird Cake Recipe

Hummingbird cake is one of those desserts that feels like a hug in every bite—moist, flavorful, and downright comforting. This cake is everything you want in a dessert: light, fluffy, and bursting with tropical flavors. Picture a cake made with ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, and a touch of cinnamon, all wrapped up in a rich, creamy cream cheese frosting. Trust me, when you take your first bite, you’ll be hooked. It’s like a party in your mouth that you’ll want to have over and over again.

The sweet aroma of this cake baking in the oven is enough to make you feel like you’re on a tropical getaway, and when it’s all finished, the combination of fruity flavors and creamy frosting will have everyone coming back for more. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because you need something to brighten your day, hummingbird cake is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love Hummingbird Cake

Moist & Flavorful:

Bananas, pineapple, and cinnamon come together in this cake to create a combination of flavors that’s irresistible. It’s incredibly moist and soft, making each bite melt in your mouth.

Perfectly Balanced:

The cream cheese frosting is the perfect topping, adding a tangy richness that pairs beautifully with the sweet cake. It’s a flavor harmony you didn’t know you needed in your life.

Crowd-Pleasing:

This cake is always a hit! Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a birthday, or a potluck, you can be sure it will disappear fast. It’s one of those desserts that makes you the star of the kitchen.

Easy to Make:

Even though it looks fancy and tastes like something you’d find in a bakery, this cake is simple to make. It’s the kind of recipe that’s perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros.

Ingredients in Hummingbird Cake

Now, let’s talk about the key players that make this cake so special. You won’t need anything too fancy—just a few pantry staples and some fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cake:

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cake that gives it structure.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture to the cake.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and gives it a light texture.
• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with the fruit.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and make the cake nice and fluffy.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
• Mashed Bananas: The perfect base for the cake, giving it that lovely sweetness and moist texture.
• Crushed Pineapple: Adds sweetness, moisture, and a touch of tropical flavor.
• Chopped Pecans: For a bit of crunch and nuttiness. (You can leave these out if you prefer a nut-free cake.)
• Vanilla Extract: For that extra bit of flavor that brings everything together.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Cream Cheese: The star of the frosting, adding that rich and creamy texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps the frosting come together smoothly and adds richness.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting to perfection, giving it the right consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds flavor to the frosting.
• Milk or Cream: A small splash helps thin out the frosting to the right spreadable consistency.

Instructions

Ready to bake? Here’s how to make this dreamy hummingbird cake step by step:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. You can also line the bottoms with parchment paper to ensure easy removal later on.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set this aside.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir in the mashed bananas and crushed pineapple (make sure to drain the pineapple a bit before adding to avoid excess moisture). Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until combined.

Step 4: Add the Nuts

Fold in the chopped pecans, if using, for a lovely crunch and nutty flavor. You can also substitute with walnuts or leave them out completely if you prefer a nut-free cake.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake cools, make the frosting by beating the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and mix until the frosting is smooth and creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract and a splash of milk or cream to reach the desired consistency.

Step 7: Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are fully cooled, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Add the second cake layer, then spread frosting all over the top and sides. Be generous with the frosting—it’s the best part!

Step 8: Decorate (Optional)

For a little extra flair, you can sprinkle some chopped pecans on top of the frosting or add a few decorative edible flowers for a fun touch.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Cut yourself a big slice and dig in! This cake is perfect for any occasion, or just to enjoy on a cozy afternoon with a cup of tea.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12-16 slices
Calories per serving: ~350-400 (varies based on serving size)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve Hummingbird Cake

This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual get-together or a special celebration. Here are a few ideas on how to serve it:

With a Hot Beverage:

Enjoy this cake with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. The richness of the cream cheese frosting pairs wonderfully with a warm beverage.

For Dessert at a Dinner Party:

Serve it as the grand finale of a nice dinner. It’s a showstopper that will leave your guests raving about your baking skills.

For Breakfast or Brunch:

Hummingbird cake is so moist and flavorful that it can almost pass for a breakfast treat. It’s sweet enough to feel like a dessert but not too heavy for the morning.

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: This cake actually gets better the next day, so feel free to make it a day in advance. Store it covered at room temperature or in the fridge, and let it come to room temperature before serving.
• Freezing: If you have leftovers (which is rare!), you can freeze slices of the cake. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing them in a freezer bag. To serve, thaw in the fridge overnight.
• Cake Variations: If you want to get creative, you can add shredded coconut to the batter for extra tropical flavor or mix in some other nuts like walnuts for a different texture.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make hummingbird cake with a different frosting?
A1: Yes! While cream cheese frosting is traditional, you could use whipped cream frosting or even a simple buttercream if you prefer.

Q2: Can I make this cake in a 9×13 pan?
A2: Absolutely! If you prefer to make it in a 9×13 pan, just adjust the baking time. It may take a little longer to bake—around 35-40 minutes—so keep an eye on it.

Q3: Can I freeze hummingbird cake?
A3: Yes, you can freeze the cake! You can freeze the cake layers wrapped individually in plastic wrap or freeze the frosted cake. Just thaw in the fridge before serving.

Q4: Can I make hummingbird cake without bananas?
A4: Bananas are a key ingredient for the texture and flavor of this cake, but if you need a substitute, you could try using applesauce, though the flavor may be a bit different.

Q5: Can I use a different nut besides pecans?
A5: Yes, walnuts or even macadamia nuts would be a great substitution! If you want to keep it nut-free, just leave them out altogether.

Q6: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
A6: Yes! Just make sure to finely chop the fresh pineapple and drain any excess juice before adding it to the batter.

Q7: Can I make a gluten-free version?
A7: Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for the regular flour in the cake batter.

Q8: How should I store leftover hummingbird cake?
A8: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you prefer it cold, you can refrigerate it for up to a week.

Q9: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A9: Definitely! This cake actually improves in flavor as it sits for a day. You can make it a day ahead, store it in an airtight container, and frost it just before serving.

Q10: How do I make sure the cake doesn’t dry out?
A10: Make sure you don’t overbake the cake, and let it cool completely before frosting. The bananas and pineapple provide a lot of moisture, so the cake will stay moist as long as you don’t overbake it.

Conclusion

Hummingbird cake is one of those timeless, feel-good desserts that everyone will love. The moist, flavorful cake combined with rich cream cheese frosting makes for the perfect treat, whether you’re celebrating something special or just craving a sweet bite. It’s a beautiful balance of fruity, nutty, and creamy, making it a dessert that truly sings. Happy baking!

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