Hummingbird Cake is a tropical dream on a plate that brings sunshine to your dessert table. Imagine biting into layers of moist, spiced cake studded with crushed pineapple, ripe bananas, and pecans, all topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting that dances on your taste buds. White Chocolate Raspberry Dream Cake Banana Walnut Cake recipe.
This delightful cake has become a cherished favorite at family gatherings and birthday celebrations. I still remember the first time I tasted it at my grandmother’s kitchen table, where laughter filled the air and the sweet aroma of baking wafted through the house. Every bite of this cake transports me back to those sunny afternoons, making it the perfect centerpiece for any joyful occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Hummingbird Cake is surprisingly easy to whip up, even for novice bakers.
- Its unique flavor profile balances sweetness with tropical undertones that tantalize your taste buds.
- The visual appeal of this layered beauty makes it an impressive dessert for any gathering.
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to enjoy any day of the week or during special occasions.
Ingredients for Hummingbird Cake
For more inspiration, check out this Lemon Poppy Seed Cake recipe.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for giving structure to your cake; ensure it’s fresh for best results.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the cake perfectly; feel free to adjust according to your taste.
- Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps the cake rise beautifully; check expiration dates for effectiveness.
- Baking Soda: Works in conjunction with baking powder for a fluffy texture; make sure it’s fresh.
- Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice; use freshly ground if you can for maximum flavor.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors in the cake; a pinch goes a long way!
- Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender; can substitute with melted butter if desired.
- Eggs: Provide structure and moisture; room temperature eggs are best for mixing.
- Mashed Bananas: The star ingredient that adds sweetness and moisture; ripe bananas work best.
- Canned Crushed Pineapple: Adds tropical flavor and moisture; drain well before adding to batter.
- Pecans: For crunch and nutty flavor; toast them lightly for even better taste.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor; pure extract is preferred for its natural taste.
- Cream Cheese: Used in the frosting for a rich, tangy finish; let it soften at room temperature before using.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting without adding graininess; sift before mixing for smoothness.
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: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two round cake pans so your masterpiece won’t stick like glue when you try to remove it.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined. This step ensures that every bite is as tasty as possible.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix vegetable oil with eggs and vanilla extract until well blended. Add mashed bananas and crushed pineapple (don’t forget to drain!) into this mixture and stir until combined.
Step 4: Blend It All Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl. Gently fold in chopped pecans until everything is just combined—overmixing could lead to dense cake!
Step 5: Bake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake in preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell like a slice of paradise!
Step 6: Cool and Frost
Once baked, let cakes cool in pans for about ten minutes before transferring them onto wire racks. While they cool completely, whip up that luscious cream cheese frosting by beating softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth.
Transfer cooled cakes onto serving plates or stands. Generously spread frosting between layers and over the top of your stunning creation—don’t skimp on this part!
Serve slices of Hummingbird Cake at room temperature as an unforgettable dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds!
You Must Know
- Hummingbird cake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration on a plate.
- With its tropical flavors and delightful texture, this cake brings joy to any gathering.
- It’s incredibly versatile, making it perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or just because you deserve a treat.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven and preparing your cake pans. Mix the dry ingredients first, then add the wet ones gradually. Fold in the fruits and nuts last for an evenly distributed flavor explosion. Flavor Explosion Earthquake Cake Bake until golden brown and your kitchen smells like a paradise!
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the crushed pineapple for mashed bananas or add some shredded coconut for an extra tropical kick. You can also experiment with different nuts or even toss in some chocolate chips if you’re feeling wild.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10 seconds—just enough to soften that delicious cream cheese frosting!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use ripe bananas for better sweetness and flavor; they make all the difference in this cake.
- Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps in your frosting.
- Always double-check your baking powder’s freshness for a perfect rise!
I once brought hummingbird cake to a family gathering, and it vanished faster than I could say “slice.” Everyone begged me for the recipe, claiming it was their new favorite dessert—proof that love really does come from the kitchen! Classic Simnel Cake recipe.
FAQs :
What is Hummingbird Cake made of?
Hummingbird Cake features a delightful combination of ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, and finely chopped pecans. The cake is typically flavored with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s a moist, flavorful dessert that often includes cream cheese frosting, which complements its sweetness beautifully. This Southern classic is perfect for celebrations or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee.
How do I store leftover Hummingbird Cake?
To store leftover Hummingbird Cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Keep the cake in the refrigerator if you’ve already frosted it, as the cream cheese frosting needs to be kept cool. Unfrosted cake can be stored at room temperature for a few days but will last longer in the fridge. Enjoy it within a week for optimal freshness.
Can I make Hummingbird Cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Hummingbird Cake ahead of time. You can bake the layers and allow them to cool completely before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and storing them in the fridge or freezer. If frozen, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before frosting. This allows the flavors to develop further, making your cake even more delicious when served.
Is Hummingbird Cake gluten-free?
Traditional Hummingbird Cake contains all-purpose flour, making it unsuitable for those following a gluten-free diet. However, you can easily adapt this recipe by substituting regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure other ingredients, like baking powder and frosting, are also gluten-free to maintain the integrity of your dessert while catering to dietary needs.
Conclusion for Hummingbird Cake :
Hummingbird Cake is a delightful treat that combines tropical flavors and warm spices for a unique dessert experience. With ingredients like bananas and pineapple, this cake offers moisture and sweetness that everyone loves. Its creamy frosting adds the perfect finishing touch. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging at home, this Southern classic is sure to please any crowd. Enjoy every slice!
Hummingbird Cake
Hummingbird Cake is a tropical delight that transforms any gathering into a celebration. This moist and flavorful cake features layers filled with ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, and crunchy pecans, all topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or simply as a sweet treat during the week, Hummingbird Cake is sure to make your taste buds dance with joy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
- 1 cup canned crushed pineapple (drained)
- 1 cup chopped pecans (lightly toasted)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla until blended. Stir in mashed bananas and crushed pineapple.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and fold in chopped pecans until just combined.
- Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool for ten minutes in pans before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. Frost cooled cakes generously.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
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