Hummingbird Cake Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and a penchant for nostalgic Southern desserts, this Hummingbird Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. Bursting with flavors of ripe bananas, juicy crushed pineapple, and crunchy pecans, all wrapped up in a moist, tender crumb, this cake delivers a delightfully tropical twist that makes it feel like a mini vacation with every bite. The cream cheese frosting adds the perfect creamy balance to the symphony of sweet and spiced flavors, making this cake an irresistible showstopper for any occasion. Trust me, once you make this Hummingbird Cake Recipe, it might just become your new favorite dessert tradition!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Hummingbird Cake Recipe is beautifully straightforward, relying on simple ingredients that come together to create a cake with incredible texture, flavor, and visual appeal. Each item plays a key role whether it’s providing moisture, sweetness, or that signature gentle spice that makes the cake so memorable.

• 3 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cake structure and softness.
• 2 cups granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cake’s tender crumb.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: The leavening agent that ensures a light, airy texture.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses a warm, subtle spice to complement fruity notes.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances other flavors.
• 3 large eggs: Binds ingredients and adds richness.
• 1 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender with every bite.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Deepens flavor with floral, sweet undertones.
• 1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple with juice: Brings natural tropical sweetness and moisture.
• 2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 4 bananas): Adds creaminess, flavor, and natural sweetness.
• 1 cup chopped pecans (plus extra for topping): Provides crunchy texture and buttery, nutty notes.
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened: The star of the frosting, adding tangy creaminess.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Combines with cream cheese to create luscious frosting.
• 4 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect consistency.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Enhances the frosting’s sweetness and aroma.

How to Make Hummingbird Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Preheat the Oven

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans, or alternatively, line them with parchment paper. This step is crucial to ensure your cakes release easily after baking and keep their perfect shape, ready to be stacked and frosted.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. These dry ingredients create the flavorful base of your Hummingbird Cake Recipe, combining the sweetness with just a hint of spice for that signature Southern charm.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth. This wet mixture will add moisture and richness, ensuring the cake remains tender and luscious once baked.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir gently until just moistened. Be careful not to overmix, as you want a tender crumb rather than a dense cake. This is the magical moment where your Hummingbird Cake Recipe starts to come alive.

Step 5: Fold in the Pineapple, Bananas, and Pecans

Gently fold in the crushed pineapple with its juice, mashed ripe bananas, and chopped pecans. These add-ins create layers of flavor, moisture, and texture that make this cake unmistakably delightful and wonderfully moist.

Step 6: Divide and Bake

Evenly divide the batter into your prepared pans, smoothing the tops. Place them in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This delicious aroma wafting through your kitchen is just the prelude to pure yumminess.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before turning them out onto wire racks to cool completely. Proper cooling is essential to avoid melting your luscious cream cheese frosting later!

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable. This frosting brings the perfect balance of tangy and sweet to your Hummingbird Cake Recipe.

Step 9: Assemble and Frost the Cake

Place one cake layer on your serving plate, spread with a generous amount of frosting, then repeat with the remaining layers. Finally, cover the entire cake with frosting on the top and sides. Sprinkle additional chopped pecans on top if you like that extra crunch and that pretty, rustic look.

How to Serve Hummingbird Cake Recipe

Garnishes

While the frosting and pecans make this cake look stunning, adding a few extra garnishes can elevate your presentation. Try a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or a few banana slices arranged artistically! Fresh mint leaves or even a drizzle of honey could add a fresh twist and a pop of color for serving guests.

Side Dishes

Hummingbird Cake Recipe is so rich and flavorful that it often shines best on its own, but if you want to complement it, consider light sides like a citrusy fruit salad, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a dollop of lightly whipped cream with a hint of cinnamon. These will keep the meal balanced and refreshing.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, try turning this cake into individual mini cakes or cupcakes using the same batter and frosting recipe. You can layer the frosting creatively with fresh fruit inside or even create a trifle by layering chunks of cake with pudding and whipped cream. This way, your Hummingbird Cake Recipe takes on an entirely new and playful personality.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover cakes tightly covered in an airtight container or wrapped with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. The cream cheese frosting means it’s best kept cool, and your cake will stay moist and delicious for up to 4 days.

Freezing

You can freeze this Hummingbird Cake Recipe if you’d like to prepare it in advance. Wrap cooled, un-frosted layers tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before placing them in the freezer. Frozen cake layers can last up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before frosting.

Reheating

This cake tastes fantastic even after storing, but if you want to enjoy it slightly warm, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating the frosted cake as it may melt the frosting unevenly.

FAQs

Can I substitute the vegetable oil with butter?

Yes, you can use melted butter instead of vegetable oil for a richer flavor, but keep in mind it may slightly change the moistness and texture of the cake.

Is this Hummingbird Cake Recipe gluten-free?

Unfortunately, no. This recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. You can experiment with gluten-free flour blends, but results may vary.

Can I make this cake into cupcakes?

Absolutely! The batter works beautifully as cupcakes. Bake them at 350°F for about 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

What is the best way to ensure my cake layers bake evenly?

Using the same size pans, not overfilling them, and rotating the pans halfway through baking usually results in even layers. Also, make sure your oven temperature is accurate with an oven thermometer.

Can I toast the pecans before adding them?

Definitely! Toasting pecans gently enhances their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch to your Hummingbird Cake Recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Hummingbird Cake Recipe feels like a sweet embrace from Southern tradition with every tender, fragrant bite. It’s the perfect blend of tropical fruit, warm spices, and creamy frosting that’s guaranteed to win hearts and create memories. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this cake is a delightful project and a surefire crowd-pleaser. So go ahead, dive into this joyous baking experience — you won’t regret it!

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