Irresistible Hummingbird Cake Recipe for Tropical Bliss

Name: Hummingbird Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 2 cups granulated sugar; 2-3 ripe bananas, mashed; 1 cup canned pineapple chunks, drained and chopped; 1 cup chopped pecans; 1 cup vegetable oil; 3 large eggs; 16 oz cream cheese, at room temperature; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Published: May 20, 2025

by Amelia

Why You'll Love This Recipe

The ease of preparation makes this cake perfect for bakers of all levels.
Its flavor profile is a delightful mix of fruity and nutty, ensuring that every bite is memorable.
Visually stunning with its vibrant colors, it’s sure to catch the eye at any gathering.
Versatile enough for celebrations or just a Tuesday afternoon treat, this cake will become a go-to favorite.

Ingredients for Hummingbird Cake

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

All-Purpose Flour: Use about 3 cups for the base of your cake; sifted flour ensures a light and airy texture.
Baking Soda: A vital ingredient that helps your cake rise beautifully; make sure it’s fresh for best results.
Granulated Sugar: About 2 cups will sweeten your cake perfectly; it balances the tanginess from other ingredients.
Ripe Bananas: Use about 2-3 mashed bananas for natural sweetness and moisture; the riper, the better!
Canned Pineapple Chunks: Drain and chop one cup; they add juiciness and tropical flavor to your cake.
Chopped Pecans: A cup adds crunch and richness; you can toast them lightly for an extra layer of flavor.
Vegetable Oil: About a cup keeps your cake moist; it also helps in blending all ingredients smoothly.
Eggs: Use three large eggs to bind everything together; they add structure and richness to the batter.
Cream Cheese: For frosting, use two packages (8 oz each) at room temperature for easy spreading.
Powdered Sugar: About four cups will sweeten your frosting perfectly while keeping it smooth and creamy.

For flavoring:

Vanilla Extract: A teaspoon enhances all flavors in both the cake and frosting; always opt for pure vanilla if possible.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Hummingbird Cake

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two round cake pans generously with nonstick spray or butter, then dust them with flour. This helps ensure that your beautiful cakes won’t stick!

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and granulated sugar until well combined. This creates the perfect foundation for our flavorful adventure.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mash those ripe bananas until smooth. Add in drained pineapple chunks (don’t forget to chop them), vegetable oil, and eggs. Stir until you have a lovely mixture that smells like summer!

Step 4: Combine Everything

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Gently fold in chopped pecans using a spatula until everything is just combined—over-mixing can lead to a dense cake!

Step 5: Bake

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen will have everyone begging for samples!

Step 6: Frost Your Cake

Let cakes cool completely before removing them from pans. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy before gradually adding powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Spread this heavenly frosting generously between layers and on top.

Serve slices adorned with additional pecans or pineapple chunks if you’re feeling fancy! Transfer to plates and enjoy every last crumb of this tropical delight!

You Must Know

This delectable Hummingbird Cake recipe is a tropical delight that combines flavors like banana and pineapple, making it a perfect centerpiece for any gathering.
The vibrant frosting not only pleases the eyes but also adds a divine sweetness, ensuring your guests will swoon with every bite.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, mix your dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ones in another. Combine them gently before pouring into prepared cake pans. Bake until golden brown and let cool while you whip up that creamy frosting.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to switch things up! Add chopped pecans for crunch or swap the traditional cream cheese frosting for coconut whipped cream. You could even create layers with additional fruits like mango or passion fruit for an exotic twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Hummingbird Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. Just bring it back to room temperature before serving; no one likes a cold slice of cake!

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use ripe bananas for deeper flavor; they make the cake moist and sweet.
Don’t overmix the batter, as this can lead to a dense cake instead of light and fluffy goodness.
Always check your cakes a few minutes before the suggested baking time; ovens vary!

Nothing beats watching my friends’ faces light up when I serve them this cake at my birthday party last year. It was gone before I could get a second slice!

FAQs :

What is a Hummingbird Cake?

Hummingbird Cake is a delightful dessert that combines flavors of ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, and chopped nuts, typically walnuts or pecans. This moist cake is often layered with cream cheese frosting, making it rich and indulgent. The unique blend of tropical fruits and spices creates a delicious harmony that many love. Originating from the Southern United States, this cake has become a beloved classic, perfect for celebrations or as a sweet treat any day of the week.

How can I make a Hummingbird Cake without gelatin?

To prepare a Hummingbird Cake without animal-derived gelatin, focus on using plant-based alternatives for any gelling needs. For example, if you want to incorporate fruit preserves or jellies into your recipe, consider using pectin or agar-agar instead. These ingredients will provide a similar texture without compromising the cake’s integrity. When creating your frosting, opt for cream cheese combined with powdered sugar and use vegetable-based ingredients to maintain the cake’s flavor profile.

Can I substitute the nuts in Hummingbird Cake?

Yes, you can easily substitute nuts in Hummingbird Cake if desired. If you have allergies or prefer not to use them, simply omit them from the recipe. Alternatively, you can replace traditional walnuts or pecans with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version. This will still give your cake added texture while keeping it enjoyable for those with dietary restrictions.

What are some variations of Hummingbird Cake?

There are several delightful variations of Hummingbird Cake that you might want to try. You can add coconut flakes for an extra tropical twist or incorporate spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to enhance its flavor profile. Another option is to create mini Hummingbird Cakes in cupcake form for individual servings. Additionally, experimenting with different frostings such as whipped coconut cream can also provide an exciting change while maintaining the essence of this beloved cake.

Conclusion for Hummingbird Cake

Hummingbird Cake is a delicious dessert that celebrates flavors of banana and pineapple while offering versatility in preparation. By opting for plant-based alternatives for gelatin and customizing ingredients like nuts, anyone can enjoy this delightful treat. Whether served at special occasions or enjoyed as an everyday dessert, its moist texture and vibrant taste make it a favorite among many. This cake truly captures the essence of comfort food while accommodating various dietary preferences.

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