There’s something magically whimsical about hummingbird cake. Imagine a moist, tender slice filled with the sweetness of ripe bananas and crushed pineapple, topped with creamy, dreamy cream cheese frosting that makes you feel like you’re in dessert heaven. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, whispering sweet nothings while you anticipate the first bite. Whether it’s for a birthday party or just because it’s Tuesday, this cake turns any occasion into a celebration, promising a delightful experience for your taste buds.
This cake holds a special place in my heart, reminding me of family gatherings where laughter blended with warm memories. I can still hear my Grandma telling stories as she served up slices of this delicious treat. It’s perfect for springtime picnics or cozy winter nights, offering a flavor explosion that leaves everyone asking for seconds. Get ready to join me on this delicious journey filled with flavors that dance on your palate!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Hummingbird cake is incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for beginners and seasoned bakers alike
- The combination of fruits gives it a unique flavor profile that will surprise and delight your guests
- Its stunning layers and creamy frosting make it visually impressive on any dessert table
- Perfect for any celebration or simply as an afternoon treat with coffee
The first time I made hummingbird cake, my friends devoured it in record time and begged for the recipe. They even claimed I had some magical baking powers!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
All-Purpose Flour: Make sure to sift your flour to keep the cake light and fluffy.
Granulated Sugar: A must for sweetness; don’t be shy—this is a dessert after all!
Baking Soda: Essential for that perfect rise; ensure it’s fresh for best results.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors beautifully.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth; use fresh ground cinnamon for maximum flavor.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist; I prefer using light oil to avoid overpowering flavors.
Eggs: These act as binders; go for large eggs at room temperature.
Mashed Bananas: Ripe bananas are key here—they provide natural sweetness and moisture.
Canned Crushed Pineapple: Drain well; it adds moisture without being overly wet.
Chopped Walnuts or Pecans: Optional but recommended for delightful crunch and flavor contrast.
Cream Cheese: Perfect for frosting; bring to room temperature before mixing.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting; sift it first to avoid lumps.
Vanilla Extract: Use pure extract if possible; it makes all the difference in flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together!
Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans—this ensures easy removal later.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until combined. The warm scent of cinnamon will fill your kitchen!
Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the oil, eggs, mashed bananas, and crushed pineapple until smooth. This mixture should look like sunshine in a bowl!
Blend It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture while gently stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing—it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
Add Nuts (Optional)
If you’re using nuts, fold them into the batter now. This adds texture and nutty goodness throughout each slice.
Bake
Pour batter evenly into prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
Cool & Frost
Let cakes cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. While cooling, whip up your cream cheese frosting by beating cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
Once cooled completely, generously frost between layers and around the sides of each cake.
And there you have it—a stunning hummingbird cake that not only tastes incredible but also looks like it belongs on the cover of a magazine! Enjoy every sweet bite with friends or family (or keep it all to yourself—you deserve it!).
You Must Know
- Hummingbird cake is a delightful blend of bananas and pineapples, offering a tropical twist
- The cake’s moist texture and cream cheese frosting make it an irresistible treat at any gathering
- Perfect for birthdays or just because, this cake will charm your taste buds
Perfecting the Cooking Process
The best cooking sequence starts with mixing the dry ingredients, then adding wet ones, followed by folding in fruits and nuts for even distribution.
Add Your Touch
Consider swapping crushed pineapple for fresh mango or adding walnuts instead of pecans for a unique flavor twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover hummingbird cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to reheat, pop it in the microwave for about 10 seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness; they make the cake extra moist
- Mix ingredients slowly to avoid overworking the batter, which can lead to a dense texture
- Lastly, let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting
Sharing my first experience baking hummingbird cake was both hilarious and chaotic; my kitchen looked like a tropical storm hit it, but everyone loved it!
FAQ
What makes hummingbird cake special?
Its unique combination of bananas, pineapple, and spices creates a flavorful experience that delights.
Can I use other fruits in hummingbird cake?
Absolutely! Try using apples or peaches for a different fruity twist.
How do I ensure my hummingbird cake is moist?
Use ripe bananas and don’t overbake; check with a toothpick around 25 minutes.
Hummingbird Cake
Hummingbird cake is a delightful, tropical-inspired dessert that combines the sweetness of ripe bananas and crushed pineapple, topped with rich cream cheese frosting. This moist and flavorful cake is perfect for any occasion, transforming simple gatherings into festive celebrations. With its stunning layers and irresistible taste, hummingbird cake promises to be the star of your dessert table, leaving everyone craving more.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 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 walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
- 4 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, combine oil, eggs, mashed bananas, and crushed pineapple until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture while gently stirring until just combined; do not overmix.
- If using nuts, fold them into the batter.
- Pour the batter evenly into prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow cakes to cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- While cooling, prepare frosting by beating cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
- Once cooled, generously frost between layers and around the sides of each cake.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
