Rich, moist, and bursting with tropical flavors, this Hummingbird Cake is a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of ripe bananas, the tang of pineapple, and the warmth of cinnamon. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting and garnished with chopped nuts, every slice is a celebration of flavors and textures. Perfect for any occasion, this cake promises to impress and satisfy your sweet cravings.
What Makes This Hummingbird Cake Special
The magic of this Hummingbird Cake lies in its unique combination of ingredients. The ripe bananas and crushed pineapple add natural sweetness and moisture, while the cinnamon provides a warm, comforting note. The cream cheese frosting adds a creamy, tangy finish that complements the cake beautifully. It’s a cake that’s both rich and refreshing, with a depth of flavor that’s sure to delight.
A Tropical Delight for Any Time
Picture this: It’s a special occasion, and you’ve just sliced into a beautifully decorated Hummingbird Cake. The layers are moist and rich, the cream cheese frosting is smooth and tangy, and the aroma of banana and pineapple fills the air. As you take a bite, the combination of flavors and textures creates a moment of pure joy. This cake brings a touch of the tropics to your table, making any occasion feel special.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a dinner party, or simply craving a delicious dessert, this Hummingbird Cake is a versatile choice. It’s easy to make ahead and keeps well, so you can enjoy it fresh or serve it the next day. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful combination that’s sure to impress your guests.
Ingredient Notes
All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cake, giving it structure and texture.
Baking Soda & Baking Powder: Leavening agents that help the cake rise to perfection.
Sea Salt: Enhances the overall sweetness and balances the flavors.
Ground Cinnamon: A warm, aromatic spice that complements the sweetness of the cake.
Salted Butter: Adds richness and depth to the flavor of the cake.
Granulated Sugar & Light Brown Sugar: Sweeteners that add sweetness and moisture to the cake.
Crushed Pineapple: Juicy, tangy fruit that contributes to the moistness and tropical flavor.
Bananas: Naturally sweet and moist, adding richness to the cake.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together, adding moisture and structure.
Vanilla: Adds a fragrant, sweet aroma to the cake.
Pecans: A crunchy, nutty addition (optional) that complements the tropical flavors.
Frosting:
Cream Cheese: Provides a rich, tangy base for the frosting.
Salted Butter: Balances the sweetness and creates a smooth texture.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a layer of warmth to the frosting.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting, creating a luscious finish.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your Hummingbird Cake with:
A cup of hot or iced tea to complement the sweet and tangy flavors.
A side of fresh fruit for added freshness and color.
A dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
A sprinkle of chopped nuts for added crunch and flavor.
Tips for Baking Perfection
Use ripe bananas: Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.
Drain the crushed pineapple: This helps prevent the cake from becoming too moist.
Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can make the cake dense; mix just until combined.
Let the cake cool completely before frosting: This ensures the frosting stays smooth and doesn’t melt.
Garnish with nuts and fruit: A garnish of chopped nuts and fresh fruit adds a beautiful finish.
A Delicious Cake Worth Sharing
This Hummingbird Cake is a testament to the beauty of combining simple, natural ingredients to create something truly special. With its rich flavor, moist texture, and beautiful presentation, it’s sure to become a favorite dessert for any occasion. One bite, and you’ll understand why this cake is a cherished classic.
Hummingbird Cake
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup salted butter melted
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 8 oz crushed pineapple
- 3 large bananas mashed about 1 ½ cups
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsps vanilla
- 1 cup pecans finely chopped optional
Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese room temperature
- 1 cup salted butter softened
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Pinch sea salt
- 4 ½ to 5 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Prepare two 6-inch round cake pans by lining them with parchment paper and greasing the sides.
- In a small bowl, mix together the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon. Set this dry mixture aside.
- In a larger bowl, whisk the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until smooth and lump-free. Next, add the pineapple, mashed banana, eggs, and vanilla extract, and stir until well combined.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until the batter is smooth. If you like, fold in some chopped pecans.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans (around 1 ½ cups per pan), spreading it out evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tops are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for at least 30 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat the butter in a stand mixer (or with a handheld mixer) until light and fluffy. Add the cream cheese and beat until smooth, making sure there are no lumps. Mix in the vanilla and sea salt until fully combined. Then, add powdered sugar one cup at a time, beating well after each addition, until you've incorporated 4 cups.
- If you'd like the frosting firmer, gradually add extra powdered sugar in small increments until you reach the desired thickness.
- Once the cakes are fully cooled, spread frosting between the layers, then cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
- Feel free to pipe designs on top and garnish with chopped nuts or your choice of decorations.
- Chill the cake for at least 3 hours or overnight, and then serve it cold or at room temperature.
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