Delightful Easter Hummingbird Cake Recipe

Easter just got a whole lot sweeter with this Delightful Easter Hummingbird Cake. This cake is the perfect balance of moist, tender layers filled with the natural sweetness of bananas, pineapple, and walnuts, all smothered in a rich cream cheese frosting. It’s an absolute showstopper that brings joy to every bite—ideal for holiday gatherings or any spring celebration!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A Unique and Flavorful Cake: The combination of bananas, pineapple, and walnuts creates a cake that’s fruity, nutty, and just sweet enough to satisfy your dessert cravings.
• Perfect for Easter: With its vibrant flavors and pretty layers, this cake is festive enough to be the star of your Easter dessert table.
• Super Moist: Thanks to the bananas and pineapple, this cake stays incredibly moist and tender, making each slice a true treat.
• Easy to Make: Don’t let the layers fool you—this cake comes together relatively easily. No complicated techniques, just straightforward baking that yields a gorgeous, flavorful result.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to gather for this delicious Easter Hummingbird Cake. No special ingredients needed, just good-quality pantry staples and fresh produce for maximum flavor!

• Bananas: They are the heart of this cake’s moisture and sweetness. Make sure they’re overripe for the best flavor and texture.
• Pineapple: Use crushed pineapple, drained well, to infuse the cake with natural sweetness and a little tropical flair. The juice also helps keep the cake moist.
• Walnuts: Chopped walnuts add a nice crunch and depth of flavor to this cake. If you’re not a fan of walnuts, feel free to substitute with pecans or even leave them out entirely.
• Flour: All-purpose flour is the base of the cake. For a slightly healthier option, you can use whole wheat flour, but the texture might be a bit denser.
• Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These help the cake rise and get that perfect fluffy texture.
• Spices: Ground cinnamon and nutmeg add warm, comforting flavors that complement the tropical fruitiness.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the cake, while brown sugar adds a rich depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the fruits.
• Eggs: Eggs help bind everything together and provide moisture.
• Vegetable Oil: Adds richness and ensures the cake stays tender. You can substitute with coconut oil for a slight tropical twist.
• Cream Cheese: The cream cheese frosting is key to balancing the sweetness of the cake. It gives a tangy, creamy richness that makes this dessert irresistible.
• Butter: A little bit of butter helps the frosting set and adds a luxurious texture.
• Powdered Sugar: For sweetness and smoothness in the frosting.

Variations

Feel free to get creative with this cake! Here are a few variations to suit your preferences:

• Tropical Twist: Add shredded coconut to the cake batter for a bit of extra tropical flavor.
• Different Frosting: If you prefer a less tangy frosting, substitute the cream cheese with mascarpone for a lighter texture.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this cake gluten-free. Just make sure the other ingredients (like the baking powder) are also gluten-free.
• Nuts: If you’re not a fan of walnuts, try chopped pecans or even skip them altogether for a nut-free version.
• Spices: You can increase the cinnamon and nutmeg for a more intense spice flavor, or even add some ground ginger for a little extra warmth.

How to Make the Delightful Easter Hummingbird Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal. Gather all your ingredients so you can mix them together seamlessly.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set it aside for later.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another large bowl, beat the sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil until they’re well combined and a bit fluffy. Add the mashed bananas, crushed pineapple, and vanilla extract. Stir in the chopped walnuts until everything is mixed together evenly.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Don’t overmix; you want a nice, soft batter.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cakes are cooling, beat together the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Step 7: Frost the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of the first cake. Place the second cake on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake. If desired, decorate with extra chopped walnuts on top or some candied fruit for a festive touch.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Skimp on Ripeness: The riper the bananas, the better. Overripe bananas have more natural sweetness and moisture, which make a huge difference in the cake’s texture.
• Drain the Pineapple Well: You don’t want excess juice in the batter, as it could make the cake too soggy. Drain the pineapple thoroughly before adding it.
• Chill the Frosting: If your frosting feels too soft or runny, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes to firm it up before spreading it on the cake.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, make sure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing.

How to Serve

This Easter Hummingbird Cake is best served at room temperature. Pair it with a refreshing spring beverage, like iced tea or a fruity mocktail, to complement the tropical flavors. It’s perfect for dessert after an Easter meal, or to bring to any springtime gathering. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The cake will stay moist and flavorful thanks to the pineapple and bananas.

Freezing

You can freeze this cake as well. Slice the cake and wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If you prefer a warm slice, simply microwave it for 15-20 seconds, or heat it gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! The cake can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just frost it before serving.

Can I use a different nut?
Yes, you can swap walnuts for pecans or skip the nuts entirely if you prefer a nut-free version.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, you can make this cake gluten-free. Be sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.

How can I make the frosting less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet frosting, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar or add a bit of sour cream to balance out the sweetness with some tang.

Final Thoughts

This Delightful Easter Hummingbird Cake is everything you want in a spring dessert—fluffy, moist, and bursting with tropical flavors. Whether you’re celebrating Easter or simply looking for a delicious treat, this cake is a winner every time. Easy to make and impossible to resist, it’s a must-try recipe that will become a favorite in your dessert rotation!

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