Hummingbird Cake – Southern Pineapple Banana Cake

If you’re searching for a dessert that embodies the warmth and hospitality of Southern baking, look no further than the Hummingbird Cake. This iconic Southern Pineapple Banana Cake is a moist, spiced layer cake bursting with crushed pineapple, ripe bananas, and pecans, all slathered in a luscious cream cheese frosting. It’s a delightful blend of tropical flavors and comforting spices that will transport your taste buds straight to a sun-drenched porch. Often called the national cake of Jamaica due to its tropical ingredients, its true origins are deeply rooted in American Southern kitchens, making it a beloved classic that continues to charm dessert lovers everywhere.

Key Ingredients for Hummingbird Cake

To create this delectable Southern Pineapple Banana Cake, gather the following ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour: (360g) Unbleached and sifted for a lighter texture.
• 2 cups granulated sugar: (400g) For sweetness and moisture.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Essential for leavening and tenderness.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and classic hummingbird cake flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances other flavors.
• 1 ½ cups vegetable oil: (360ml) Or other neutral-flavored oil, contributes to the cake’s incredible moisture.
• 3 large eggs: Room temperature, for binding and structure.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor.
• 1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained: (227g) The juice is crucial for moisture and flavor.
• 1 ½ cups ripe mashed bananas: (about 3 medium-sized bananas) The riper, the better for sweetness and flavor.
• 1 cup chopped pecans: (110g) Toasted lightly for extra crunch and nutty flavor (optional, but highly recommended).

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened: (227g) Full-fat for best flavor and texture.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: (113g or 1 stick)
• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted: (480g) To prevent lumps and ensure smooth frosting.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For warmth and depth of flavor.
• ¼ cup chopped pecans, for garnish: (optional) Toasted or raw.

How to Make Hummingbird Cake

This Hummingbird Cake is an incredibly easy, delicious, and satisfying dessert that comes together with minimal fuss. Its simple preparation belies a complex, comforting flavor profile, featuring a perfectly moist crumb infused with sweet banana, tangy pineapple, and warm cinnamon, all crowned with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting.

Get ready to impress with this classic Southern treat – you’ll need about 50 minutes of active prep time, plus baking and cooling.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans, or two 9-inch round cake pans. You can also line the bottoms with parchment paper for easier removal.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined and lump-free.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix with a hand mixer on low speed, or a wooden spoon, until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Fold in Pineapple and Banana: Gently fold in the undrained crushed pineapple and mashed bananas. Incorporate until just combined, being careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
5. Stir in Pecans: If using, fold in the chopped pecans.
6. Divide and Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans.
7. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes for 8-inch pans, or 30-35 minutes for 9-inch pans, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of a cake comes out clean.
8. Cool: Let the cakes cool in their pans on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before inverting them onto the rack to cool completely. Ensure cakes are entirely cool before frosting, otherwise, your frosting will melt.
9. Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
10. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until combined, then increasing to medium-high until smooth.
11. Stir in Vanilla: Beat in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated. If the frosting is too thick, you can add a tiny splash of milk or cream (about a teaspoon at a time) until desired consistency is reached.
12. Assemble the Cake: Place one cooled cake layer on a serving platter. Spread about one-third of the frosting evenly over the top. Repeat with the second cake layer, adding another one-third of the frosting. Place the final cake layer on top and use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake.
13. Garnish: If desired, press additional chopped pecans around the sides or sprinkle them on top of the cake.
14. Serve: Slice and serve! The flavors meld beautifully if allowed to chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Hummingbird Cake

You’re going to fall head over heels for this Hummingbird Cake because its main highlight is its unbelievably moist and tender crumb, unlike any other cake you’ve ever tasted. The natural sweetness from the ripe bananas and the bright tang of crushed pineapple create a symphony of flavors that sings with every bite, perfectly complemented by the warm hint of cinnamon. Making this at home is a fantastic way to save on those expensive bakery prices, plus you get the joy of a homemade treat that tastes infinitely better.

The rich, tangy cream cheese frosting and optional crunchy pecans aren’t just toppings; they’re essential elements that elevate this cake from delicious to absolutely divine. If you enjoy the fruity richness of our Classic Banana Bread, you’ll adore the amplified flavors in this cake. Why not whip up a batch this weekend and taste the Southern charm for yourself?

What to Serve Hummingbird Cake With

While Hummingbird Cake is a showstopper all on its own, here are a few ideas to complement its rich flavors and make your dessert experience even more delightful:

• A Simple Cup of Coffee or Tea: The warmth of coffee or a classic Southern iced tea cuts through the sweetness and richness of the cake beautifully.
• Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: A scoop of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream adds a creamy, cool contrast that’s simply heavenly.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad with berries, kiwi, and melon can provide a refreshing counterpoint, especially if you find the cake very rich.
• A Glass of Milk: For a comforting, nostalgic treat, a cold glass of milk is always a perfect pairing with any cake.
• Melted Caramel Drizzle: For an extra decadent touch, a light drizzle of homemade or good quality caramel sauce can enhance the banana notes.

Top Tips for Perfecting Hummingbird Cake

Achieving the perfect Hummingbird Cake is easier than you think with these expert tips:

• Use Ripe Bananas: This is crucial! Bananas should be very ripe, with plenty of brown spots, for the best sweetness and banana flavor. Green bananas won’t yield the same results.
• Don’t Drain the Pineapple: The juice from the crushed pineapple is essential for the cake’s incredible moisture. Do not drain it!
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs, cream cheese, and butter are at room temperature for the frosting. This helps them emulsify properly, creating a smooth, lump-free frosting and a well-incorporated cake batter.
• Do Not Overmix: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough, dry cake.
• Toast Your Pecans (Optional but Recommended): Lightly toasting the pecans before adding them to the batter or using them as garnish brings out their natural nutty flavor, adding depth to the cake. Spread them on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
• Cool Cakes Completely: This cannot be stressed enough! Attempting to frost warm cakes will result in melted, messy frosting. Patience is key.
• Sift Powdered Sugar: For the smoothest cream cheese frosting, always sift your powdered sugar. This prevents any unwanted lumps.
• Alternate Frosting Technique: If you prefer a less sweet frosting, you can reduce the powdered sugar slightly, or add a tiny pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
• Even Layers: For perfectly even cake layers, use a kitchen scale to divide the batter evenly among the pans.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Proper storage is key to keeping your Hummingbird Cake fresh and delicious.

• At Room Temperature: Due to the cream cheese frosting, this cake is best stored in the refrigerator. However, if serving within a few hours, it can sit at room temperature covered with a cake dome.
• Refrigeration: Store any leftover Hummingbird Cake in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This keeps the cake moist and the frosting fresh.
• Freezing Frosted Cake: For longer storage, you can freeze the entire frosted cake or individual slices. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil, or place slices in an airtight freezer-safe container. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
• Thawing/Reheating:
  • From Refrigerator: Simply take the cake out of the fridge about 30-60 minutes before serving to allow it to come closer to room temperature. This enhances its flavors and softens the frosting to a perfect consistency.
  • From Freezer: If thawing an entire cake, transfer it to the refrigerator overnight. For individual slices, you can thaw them in the refrigerator for a few hours, or on the countertop for about an hour. Do not attempt to microwave the frosted cake, as it will melt the frosting and alter the texture. Always let it thaw naturally for optimal taste and texture.

Final Thoughts

The art of baking truly comes alive with a cake like the Hummingbird Cake. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of Southern charm, tropical flavors, and the simple joy of sharing something truly delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe offers a rewarding experience, from the fragrant aroma filling your kitchen to the first blissfully moist bite.

It’s a reminder that some of the best culinary treasures are born from humble ingredients and a touch of passion. So go ahead, preheat that oven, mash those bananas, and get ready to create a masterpiece that will have everyone humming with delight.

try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest

Hummingbird Cake FAQs

Q1: Why is it called Hummingbird Cake?
A1: The most popular theory is that the cake is so delicious, it makes you “hum.” Another theory is that its sweetness is so appealing, it attracts hummingbirds! It was originally called “Doctor Bird Cake,” named after Jamaica’s national bird, the swallow-tailed hummingbird.

Q2: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
A2: Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but make sure to finely crush or mince it and retain all the juices. Canned crushed pineapple is convenient and provides plenty of moisture due to being packed in syrup, which contributes to the cake’s tenderness.

Q3: My cake came out dry. What went wrong?
A3: This is usually due to overmixing the batter (which develops gluten and makes the cake tough) or overbaking. Ensure you mix only until combined and check for doneness at the lower end of the baking time range. Also, make sure your bananas are very ripe for maximum moisture.

Q4: Can I make this cake egg-free or dairy-free?
A4: Egg-free: You can try using a flax egg substitute (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water per egg, let sit for 5 minutes). Note that the texture may be slightly different.
Dairy-free: For the cake, use a dairy-free oil. For the frosting, use dairy-free cream cheese and dairy-free butter alternatives. Ensure all other ingredients are dairy-free.

Q5: How far in advance can I make Hummingbird Cake?
A5: You can bake the cake layers up to 2 days in advance, wrap them tightly, and store at room temperature or in the refrigerator. The cream cheese frosting can also be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator; bring to room temperature and re-whip before frosting. Once assembled, the cake is best served within 3-4 days when stored in the refrigerator.