Discover how to make a classic Hummingbird Cake with pineapple, bananas, and pecans, topped with cream cheese frosting. Perfect for anytime! If you’re looking for a cake that’s bursting with flavor, moist, and rich, the Hummingbird Cake is a must-try. This Southern classic combines the sweetness of ripe bananas, the tropical flair of crushed pineapple, and the crunch of pecans, all tied together with a luscious cream cheese frosting. With its unique combination of ingredients and easy preparation, it’s no wonder this cake has become a favorite at gatherings and celebrations.
What Makes Hummingbird Cake So Special?
The Hummingbird Cake stands out for its irresistible combination of flavors and textures. Each bite is a delightful balance of fruity sweetness, warm spices, and nutty crunch. It’s a versatile dessert that feels just as at home at a family dinner as it does at a holiday table. Its origin traces back to the South, where it has long been a symbol of hospitality and indulgence. The cream cheese frosting adds a rich and tangy contrast to the naturally sweet cake layers, making it a dessert that truly stands out.
The Ingredients That Make It Unique
The magic of Hummingbird Cake lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients:
- Crushed Pineapple: Adds a juicy sweetness and helps keep the cake moist.
- Ripe Bananas: The natural sugars in overripe bananas enhance the flavor and texture.
- Chopped Pecans: Provide a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth to the cake.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: A tangy, rich topping that perfectly complements the fruity, nutty cake layers.
These ingredients work together to create a dessert that’s as flavorful as it is visually stunning.
Step-by-Step Process
1. Preparing the Cake Layers
The cake batter comes together quickly with pantry staples and fresh ingredients like bananas and pineapple. After mixing the dry and wet ingredients separately, they’re combined to create a smooth, luscious batter. Dividing the batter into three pans ensures even baking and perfect layers.
2. Making the Frosting
The cream cheese frosting is a simple mixture of softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. The key to a smooth frosting is using room-temperature ingredients and beating them together until creamy.
3. Assembling the Cake
Once the cake layers are cooled, they’re stacked with generous amounts of frosting in between. The sides are frosted for a classic layered cake look, and the top can be decorated with additional pecans for a rustic yet elegant touch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: No special equipment or advanced techniques are needed, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The unique flavors and textures are universally loved, making it a hit at any gathering.
- Versatile: While traditionally made as a layer cake, this recipe can also be adapted into cupcakes or a sheet cake.
Tips for the Perfect Hummingbird Cake
- Use Overripe Bananas: The browner the bananas, the better. They’ll add sweetness and moisture to the cake.
- Don’t Skip the Pecans: For added flavor, toast the pecans before mixing them into the batter.
- Let the Cake Cool Completely: Warm cake layers will melt the frosting, so patience is key.
- Customize the Garnish: While pecans are traditional, you can also use coconut flakes or pineapple pieces to decorate the top.
The Perfect Cake for Any Occasion
Hummingbird Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a centerpiece for celebrations. Its vibrant flavors and inviting appearance make it a standout at birthdays, anniversaries, and holiday dinners. Even on an ordinary day, baking this cake brings a sense of warmth and nostalgia to your kitchen.
Whether you’re making it for loved ones or just for yourself, the Hummingbird Cake is a dessert that never fails to impress. With every bite, you’ll be reminded of the beauty of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly extraordinary.
Hummingbird Cake Recipe
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour 360g
- 2 cups granulated sugar 400g
- 1 teaspoon baking soda 5g
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 2.6g
- 1/2 teaspoon salt 2.5g
- 3 large eggs beaten
- 1 cup vegetable oil 240ml
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 7.5ml
- 1 can crushed pineapple undrained (8 ounces or 227g)
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas about 2 large bananas
- 1 cup chopped pecans 120g
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 package cream cheese softened (8 ounces or 226g)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened (115g)
- 4 cups powdered sugar sifted (480g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 5ml
Instructions
Prepare the Cake Layers
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans or line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Add the beaten eggs and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, crushed pineapple with juice, mashed bananas, and chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
- Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting over the top.
- Add the second cake layer and repeat the frosting process.
- Place the third cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
- For an optional garnish, sprinkle additional chopped pecans over the top of the cake.
Notes
Tips for the Best Hummingbird Cake
- Use Ripe Bananas: Overripe bananas with brown spots provide natural sweetness and enhance the cake’s flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter until the ingredients are just combined to ensure a tender crumb.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the cream cheese and butter for the frosting are at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free frosting.
- Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
