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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350F (175C). Carefully grease three round cake pans, ensuring even coverage to prevent sticking.
- Create a dry ingredient foundation by thoroughly whisking flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a spacious mixing vessel until perfectly integrated.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Optionally embellish the cake’s surface with additional chopped pecans, fresh banana slices, or pineapple chunks for visual appeal and textural contrast.
- 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