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Three-layer Hummingbird Cake with cream cheese frosting, garnished with chopped pecans and toasted coconut, displayed on a rustic wooden cake stand with a cozy background.

Hummingbird Cake Recipe

Jana Rae
Discover how to make a classic Hummingbird Cake with pineapple, bananas, and pecans, topped with cream cheese frosting. Perfect for anytime!
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 slices
Calories 550 kcal

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.