Enchanting Heavenly Hummingbird Cake Recipe for Sweet Dreamers

Sweet memories of southern kitchens dance through this heavenly hummingbird cake that blends tropical flavors with nostalgic comfort.

Bananas and pineapple create a luscious backdrop for rich cream cheese frosting.

Bakers love how simple ingredients merge into something magical.

Nuts add delightful crunch to each moist, tender slice.

Generations have cherished this classic dessert for its incredible depth of flavor.

Warm spices whisper stories of grandma’s kitchen and weekend gatherings.

You can’t resist the temptation of this decadent Southern treasure that promises pure deliciousness in every bite.

Drinks and Treats That Go with Hummingbird Cake

• Select a smooth vanilla latte or caramel macchiato that complements the cake's rich tropical flavors, balancing the sweetness with warm, roasted coffee notes.
• Opt for a sweet moscato or late harvest riesling that matches the cake's fruity undertones, enhancing the pineapple and banana nuances with delicate wine complexity.
• Mix a rum-based pina colada or banana daiquiri that echoes the cake's Caribbean-inspired ingredients, creating a harmonious flavor profile that celebrates the dessert's tropical spirit.
• Steep a cinnamon-infused chai or ginger tea that highlights the cake's warm spices, providing a light and aromatic counterpoint to the dense, sweet cake texture.

Fresh Twists on Hummingbird Cake Recipes

• Gluten-Free Hummingbird Cake: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the mix contains xanthan gum for better texture and structure.
• Vegan Banana Delight: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil, and create a vegan cream cheese frosting using plant-based cream cheese and vegan butter.
• Low-Sugar Tropical Version: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reduce overall sugar content, and incorporate more fresh fruits for natural sweetness.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Omit pecans completely and replace them with toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch and added nutritional value.

Hummingbird Cake FAQ Hub

• What makes hummingbird cake different from other fruit cakes?

Hummingbird cake is unique because it combines bananas, pineapple, and pecans in one recipe, creating a moist and rich texture that sets it apart from traditional fruit cakes.

• Is hummingbird cake considered a Southern dessert?

Yes, hummingbird cake originated in the Southern United States and is often associated with Southern baking traditions, particularly in states like Alabama and Mississippi.

• Can I make this cake without pecans?

Absolutely! You can omit the pecans or substitute them with walnuts if you prefer. The cake will still be delicious and maintain its signature fruity flavor.

• How can I tell if the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake- if it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done. The top should also be golden brown and slightly springy to the touch.

What Makes Hummingbird Cake a Southern Favorite

• This hummingbird cake recipe transforms complex baking into an effortless experience with minimal technical skills required.
• Packed with tropical pineapple, ripe bananas, and crunchy pecans, the cake delivers an irresistible taste that delights every palate from kids to grandparents.
• Perfect for birthdays, potlucks, holiday gatherings, or weekend family desserts, this cake adapts beautifully to multiple special occasions with its impressive appearance and rich taste.
• With straightforward mixing techniques, one-bowl method, and forgiving ingredients, even novice bakers can create a stunning dessert without complicated steps or specialized equipment.

Ingredients for a Perfect Hummingbird Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and foundation for the cake's texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a tender crumb.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor balance.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic spice to complement the fruit.

• Eggs: Bind ingredients and provide moisture and richness.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances other flavors.

• Ripe Bananas: Create natural sweetness and incredible moisture.
• Crushed Pineapple: Adds tropical flavor and extra moisture.
• Chopped Pecans: Provide crunch and nutty flavor throughout the cake.

• Cream Cheese: Creates smooth, tangy base for frosting.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps stabilize frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall frosting flavor.

How to Assemble a Moist Hummingbird Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Crank oven to 350F. Grab three 9-inch cake pans and coat with cooking spray or butter. Dust with flour or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Create Dry Foundation

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon

Whisk everything together until perfectly blended.

Step 3: Unleash Wet Magic

• Eggs
• Vegetable oil
• Pure vanilla extract

Stir until ingredients just kiss each other. Do not beat aggressively.

Step 4: Welcome Tropical Friends

• Crushed pineapple
• Mashed ripe bananas
• Chopped pecans

Mix with tender loving care, avoiding overmixing.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Distribute batter evenly across prepared pans. Slide into preheated oven. Bake 25-30 minutes until a toothpick emerges clean. Let cakes rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to cooling rack.

Step 6: Craft Dreamy Frosting

In a spacious bowl, marry cream cheese and butter. Beat until silky smooth. Gradually introduce powdered sugar. Whip until fluffy. Splash vanilla extract for extra charm.

Step 7: Build Delicious Layers

Place first cake layer on serving plate. Lavish with frosting. Repeat with remaining layers. Cover entire cake with remaining frosting.

Step 8: Final Flourish

Optional fancy touches: Sprinkle chopped pecans. Garnish with banana or pineapple slices.

Step 9: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate cake for 30 minutes. Slice and serve at room temperature. Watch smiles bloom!

Tips to Keep Hummingbird Cake Light and Flavorful

• Prevent Overmixing: Gently fold ingredients until just combined to maintain the cake's tender, moist texture without developing tough gluten strands.
• Control Moisture Level: Drain crushed pineapple slightly to prevent excess liquid from making the cake too wet and dense.
• Enhance Nut Flavor: Toast pecans before adding to the batter to intensify their nutty, rich flavor and add a delightful crunch.
• Frosting Success: Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for smooth, lump-free frosting that spreads easily.
• Slice Perfectly Chilled: Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before cutting to help the frosting set and create clean, neat slices.

Proper Storage for Fresh Hummingbird Cake

• Store leftover Hummingbird Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Ensure the cake is completely covered to prevent drying out.
• Cover the cake with plastic wrap or place it in a cake carrier to maintain moisture and protect the delicate cream cheese frosting from absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Remove the cake from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to allow it to soften and restore its original texture and flavor.
• Wrap individual slices or the entire cake in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Heavenly Hummingbird Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Rich banana and pineapple notes dance through this classic Southern hummingbird cake, crowned with luxurious cream cheese frosting. Packed with warm spices and nutty pecans, each slice delivers comfort and nostalgia you’ll savor to the last crumb.

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Ingredients

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Cake Ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups (710 ml) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
• 1 ½ cups (340 g) mashed ripe bananas (about 3 large bananas)
• 1 (8 ounces/227 g) can crushed pineapple with juice

Wet Ingredients:

• 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable oil
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

Dry and Spice Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup (100 g) chopped pecans (plus extra for garnish)

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (227 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (1 stick/113 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350F (175C). Carefully grease three round cake pans, ensuring even coverage to prevent sticking.
2. Create a dry ingredient foundation by thoroughly whisking flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a spacious mixing vessel until perfectly integrated.
3. Transform the dry mixture into a cohesive batter by incorporating eggs, oil, and vanilla extract. Gently fold in crushed pineapple with its natural juices, transforming ripe bananas into a smooth mash, and introduce chopped pecans with minimal stirring to maintain the cake’s delicate texture.
4. Distribute the batter evenly across prepared pans, creating a uniform layer in each. Slide the pans into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes. Verify doneness by inserting a toothpick into the cake’s center – it should emerge clean and dry.
5. Allow cake layers to rest in their pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack. Ensure complete temperature reduction before proceeding with frosting.
6. Craft the creamy frosting by whipping cream cheese and butter until silky smooth. Gradually integrate powdered sugar, creating a light and fluffy consistency. Enhance with a splash of vanilla extract for depth of flavor.
7. Construct the cake by positioning the first layer on a decorative serving plate. Generously spread frosting between each layer, ensuring complete coverage. Enrobe the entire cake with remaining frosting, creating a smooth exterior.
8. Optionally embellish the cake’s surface with additional chopped pecans, fresh banana slices, or pineapple chunks for visual appeal and textural contrast.
9. Refrigerate the assembled cake for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow frosting to set. Serve at ambient temperature to maximize flavor complexity and enjoyment.

Notes

• Ensure ingredients like bananas and pineapple are very ripe for maximum natural sweetness and moisture in the cake.
• Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra depth to the overall taste profile.
• Drain pineapple chunks thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making the cake too dense or soggy.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend and add 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum for better texture.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 493
• Sugar: 45 g
• Sodium: 254 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 61 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 51 mg