If you’re on the lookout for a showstopping dessert that tastes as beautiful as it looks, you simply must try this Hummingbird Cake Recipe. This Southern classic is famous for its moist, tender crumb packed with ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, and crunchy pecans—all embraced in a tangy cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to brighten someone’s day, this cake captures pure joy in every slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward yet vibrant ingredients. Each one adds a distinct note to the symphony of flavors and textures that make the Hummingbird Cake Recipe so delightful. Gather everything on this list for a truly unforgettable dessert.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy yet tender structure essential for those lofty layers.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens every bite perfectly and helps create a lovely golden crust.
- Baking soda: Ensures a beautiful rise and soft crumb, so don’t skip it!
- Ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy, aromatic warmth that makes the cake truly irresistible.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness to the cake batter.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake incredibly moist—much more so than butter alone.
- Crushed pineapple (with juice): Gives the cake a juicy, fruity flavor that’s uniquely tropical.
- Ripe bananas (mashed): Infuse sweetness, body, and a signature flavor—use bananas with plenty of brown spots!
- Chopped pecans: Add a satisfying crunch and buttery flavor, plus look beautiful as garnish.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors for that classic, comforting aroma.
- Cream cheese (softened): Essential for the tangy, dreamy frosting that pairs so well with the cake’s sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Gives the frosting richness and a velvety texture—make sure it’s room temp for easy blending.
- Powdered sugar: Creates a perfectly smooth and sweet frosting.
- Milk (if needed): Just a splash will help you reach the ideal frosting consistency for spreading and swirling.
How to Make Hummingbird Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Cake Pans
Get things started by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans—this step is crucial for easy release and picture-perfect layers. Take your time dusting the pans because nothing’s sadder than a cake sticking at the finish line!
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Use a whisk to blend everything together evenly. The cinnamon creates a subtle warmth that makes every bite comforting—almost like a cozy hug!
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Then stir in the vegetable oil, crushed pineapple (juice and all), mashed bananas, chopped pecans, and vanilla extract. Folding in the pineapple and bananas at this stage guarantees a super-moist cake with those signature, almost tropical notes.
Step 4: Combine and Fill the Pans
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be gentle here—overmixing can make the cake tough. Once your batter is ready, divide it evenly among the prepared cake pans, ensuring each pan gets its fair share of pineapple, banana, and pecan goodness.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the pans in your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The cakes are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the layers cool in their pans for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely—patience pays off with perfectly textured layers!
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While your cake layers cool, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until fluffy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is luxuriously creamy. If your frosting’s a bit thick, a splash of milk will help you hit just the right spreading consistency.
Step 7: Assemble and Frost
On your prettiest cake stand, layer the cakes with generous swoops of frosting between each one and a thick coat over the top and sides. Smooth it out or create artistic swirls—either way, it’s going to be gorgeous. Sprinkle extra chopped pecans on top for that final crunch and eye-catching finish. For neat slices, chill the cake for 20 to 30 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Hummingbird Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To dress up this Hummingbird Cake Recipe, scatter a handful of chopped pecans over the frosted top, or arrange a few thin banana or pineapple slices for a touch of elegance. A light dusting of ground cinnamon or even a single edible flower will make your cake a true centerpiece. Don’t be shy—this cake loves to be shown off!
Side Dishes
Since the cake is quite rich and luscious, a cup of strong coffee or a tall glass of iced tea is a classic pairing that complements the flavors beautifully. If you want something a bit more festive, offer fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side to cut through the sweetness and balance your dessert table.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking the batter as cupcakes for adorable, single-serve treats—just reduce the baking time to about 20 minutes. Another fun idea: layer cubes of Hummingbird Cake Recipe and frosting in glasses for a stunning trifle. No matter how you slice—or stack—it, this cake is always the star of the party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Hummingbird Cake Recipe will stay moist and flavorful for up to 4 days when tightly covered and stored in the refrigerator. The cream cheese frosting helps lock in moisture, so each slice remains delectable even a couple of days after baking.
Freezing
If you want to get a head start, wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw them overnight in the fridge. You can also freeze fully frosted slices—wrap well and store in an airtight container for a lovely treat anytime you crave something special.
Reheating
Although Hummingbird Cake Recipe is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, you can take slices out of the fridge 30 to 60 minutes before serving to let them soften slightly. Avoid microwaving, as this may affect the cream cheese frosting’s texture.
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day or two in advance, wrap them tightly, and store at room temperature or in the fridge. Assemble and frost just before serving for the freshest flavor and presentation.
What if I don’t have three cake pans?
No worries at all. Simply bake the batter in two larger pans and increase the baking time by a few minutes. You can also make a single tall cake and slice it into layers once cooled.
Can I substitute walnuts for pecans?
Definitely! Walnuts bring their own toastiness and crunch, so feel free to swap them in if that’s what you have on hand or prefer the flavor. The results will still be scrumptious and true to the spirit of Hummingbird Cake Recipe.
Is there a dairy-free option for the frosting?
Yes, you can make a dairy-free version by using vegan cream cheese and plant-based butter. Just be sure to taste and adjust for sweetness and consistency since some alternatives vary in flavor and texture.
Why is it called “Hummingbird Cake”?
It’s believed the name comes from the cake’s sweet, tropical aroma and ingredients—like bananas and pineapple—that attract hummingbirds. Regardless of its origins, the Hummingbird Cake Recipe continues to delight and bring people together with a single, irresistible slice.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason this Hummingbird Cake Recipe is beloved far and wide—every bite is packed with flavor, nostalgia, and cheer. Gather your ingredients, invite some friends, and give it a whirl. I promise, it’s a celebration in cake form—and you’ll be glad you tried it!
Print
Hummingbird Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of the South with this classic Hummingbird Cake recipe. Moist layers of banana and pineapple cake are sandwiched together with a luscious cream cheese frosting, creating a perfect dessert for any celebration.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple (with juice)
- 2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 4 bananas)
- 1 cup chopped pecans (plus more for topping)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the cream cheese frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (if needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs, then stir in the oil, pineapple (with juice), mashed bananas, chopped pecans, and vanilla.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until creamy. Add a splash of milk if needed to reach desired spreading consistency.
- Assemble the cooled cake layers with frosting between each layer and on top and sides. Garnish with chopped pecans if desired.
- Chill slightly before slicing for neater pieces.
Notes
- This Southern classic is moist, flavorful, and perfect for celebrations.
- Cake layers can be made ahead and frozen.
- Let the frosted cake chill slightly before slicing for cleaner cuts.
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