The Hummingbird Cake is a beloved Southern classic that brings together the natural sweetness of pineapple and banana with the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans. Known for its irresistibly moist texture, this cake is layered with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting that perfectly complements its fruity richness. It’s the kind of dessert that feels both nostalgic and indulgent, perfect for any celebration or just a special treat to share.

With origins in the South, this cake has a unique blend of tropical flavors that sets it apart from traditional desserts. The combination of mashed bananas and crushed pineapple, mixed directly into the batter, gives it a delicate, natural sweetness without needing too much sugar. The hint of cinnamon adds warmth, while the pecans bring a delightful texture and a toasty nuttiness in every bite.

Whether you’re a fan of classic Southern recipes or simply looking to bake something extraordinary, this Hummingbird Cake is a show-stopping dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make. Let’s dive into the details to bring this crowd-pleaser to life in your own kitchen!

Key Ingredients for Hummingbird Cake Layers

All-purpose flour – Provides the sturdy base for a dense yet soft cake that holds up well under the rich frosting.
Granulated sugar – Balances the natural sweetness of the fruits for a perfectly sweet cake.
Vegetable oil – Keeps the cake moist and tender, adding a subtle richness without overpowering the fruity flavors.
Baking soda – Helps the cake rise just enough for a light, fluffy texture.
Ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and depth, complementing the tropical flavors.
Vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor, bringing a sweet, fragrant note.
Chopped bananas – Adds natural sweetness and moisture, creating the signature texture of a Hummingbird Cake.
Crushed pineapple with juice – Adds a tangy tropical flavor while keeping the cake tender and moist.
Toasted pecans – Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, perfect alongside the sweet fruits.

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

Cream cheese – Provides the tangy, creamy base for the frosting, complementing the cake’s sweetness.
Unsalted butter – Adds richness and helps create a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting without making it too heavy.
Vanilla extract – Infuses the frosting with a lovely, aromatic sweetness.

Simple Steps to Make the Hummingbird Cake

Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon. Add the eggs and vegetable oil, stirring just until the dry ingredients are moistened. Mix in the vanilla, pineapple (with juice), bananas, and chopped pecans until well combined.
Divide and Prepare Cake Pans
Grease three 9-inch round cake pans with vegetable shortening and dust with flour. Divide the batter evenly among the pans.
Bake the Cake Layers
Place the cake pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pans on wire racks for 10 minutes, then transfer the cakes to the racks to cool completely, about 1 hour.
Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter on medium speed until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, blending well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla, then beat the frosting until light and fluffy.
Assemble the Cake
Place the first cake layer on a serving plate and spread 1 cup of frosting over the top. Add the second layer and spread with another cup of frosting. Place the final layer on top, covering the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
Decorate with Pecans
Arrange the toasted pecan halves on top in a decorative pattern of your choice.

Recipe Tips for Perfect Hummingbird Cake

Toast the Pecans – Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor, adding a rich, toasty note that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the cake.
Use Overripe Bananas – Overripe bananas are ideal for this recipe as they bring extra sweetness and moisture to the cake.
Room Temperature Ingredients – For a smoother batter and frosting, make sure ingredients like cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before mixing.
Check the Cake for Doneness – Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the cakes are ready to cool.

Recipe Variations

For a fun twist, consider adding a handful of shredded coconut to the batter to deepen the tropical flavors. Or, if you’re a chocolate lover, toss in a few mini chocolate chips for a decadent upgrade. You can also experiment by replacing pecans with walnuts for a slightly different nutty profile, or add a hint of nutmeg to intensify the spice flavor.

Storing Leftovers for Freshness

To keep your Hummingbird Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. The cream cheese frosting benefits from refrigeration, maintaining its texture and flavor. Before serving, allow the cake to sit at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes to soften the frosting. If you’d like to freeze the cake, wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight and enjoy a slice whenever a craving hits.

Indulge in this rich and comforting cake, and don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes a favorite for any occasion!

Hummingbird Cake Recipe

The Hummingbird Cake is a classic Southern favorite, known for its moist texture and rich flavor, featuring pineapple and banana with a touch of toasted pecans.

No votes so far! Sei der Erste, der diesen Beitrag bewertet.

Rezept drucken Merken

Gericht: Dessert

Land: Southern

Keyword: Hummingbird Cake Recipe

Zubereitung: 30

Active Time: 30

Gesamtzeit: 1

Portionen:

Zutaten

Cake Layers:

3 cups all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting pans
2 cups granulated sugar
1 ½ cups vegetable oil
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon table salt
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
3 large eggs lightly beaten
1 cup chopped pecans toasted
2 cups chopped bananas about 4 medium bananas
1 8-oz can crushed pineapple with juice, undrained
Vegetable shortening for greasing pans

Cream Cheese Frosting:

2 8-oz packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup unsalted butter softened
2 16-oz packages powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Additional Ingredient:

1 cup pecan halves toasted

Anleitungen

Prepare Cake Batter:

Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon. Add the eggs and vegetable oil, stirring gently until the dry ingredients are just moistened. Mix in the vanilla extract, pineapple (with juice), bananas, and toasted chopped pecans until evenly combined.

Divide and Prepare Pans:

Grease three 9-inch round cake pans with vegetable shortening, then dust them with flour. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans.

Bake Cake Layers:

Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans on wire racks for 10 minutes, then remove from pans and let them cool completely on the racks, approximately 1 hour.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter on medium-low speed until smooth and creamy. Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar, mixing at low speed until each addition is fully blended. Stir in the vanilla extract, then increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy, 1 to 2 minutes.

Assemble the Cake:

Position the first cake layer on a serving platter and spread 1 cup of frosting evenly across the top. Add the second layer and spread with another 1 cup of frosting. Place the third layer on top, then use the remaining frosting to coat the top and sides of the entire cake.

Decorate with Pecans:

Arrange the toasted pecan halves on the top of the cake in a circular design, or in a pattern of your choice, to garnish.