If you’re searching for a dessert that radiates Southern charm and pure comfort, Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is the one you need to bake. This gorgeous loaf brings together the sweet flavors of banana and pineapple, toasty pecans, and the warm embrace of cinnamon, all draped in a velvety spiced cream cheese frosting. Every bite feels like a cozy celebration, whether you serve it for brunch, an afternoon treat, or a show-stopping finish to your meal. The best part? It’s easy to make, stays moist for days, and somehow tastes even more delicious as the flavors mingle overnight.

Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe for Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is as straightforward as it is delicious. Every ingredient has its starring role, adding either moisture, sweetness, crunch, or that irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes.

All-purpose flour: The foundation of your bread, creating a tender, sturdy crumb that holds all the mix-ins beautifully.
Granulated & brown sugar: Both sugars bring sweetness, but brown sugar also adds a touch of moistness and depth.
Baking soda: Ensures a light lift in the loaf, avoiding any dense bites.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance all the sweet and bring the flavors forward.
Ground cinnamon: For that unmistakable warmth both in the bread and swirled through the frosting.
Eggs: They bind the batter while adding richness and structure.
Vegetable oil: Keeps everything gloriously moist without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Vanilla extract: Adds fragrant, cozy notes that make every bite memorable.
Mashed ripe bananas: The signature flavor and unbeatable moisture maker in this bread.
Crushed pineapple (drained): Sweet, tart, and juicy—pineapple brightens up every bite.
Chopped pecans: For a nutty crunch that pairs perfectly with the fruit and spice (try them toasted for extra flavor!).
Shredded sweetened coconut (optional): Adds a chewy texture and tropical flair, totally optional but so worth it.
Cream cheese (softened): The key to that dreamy, tangy-sweet frosting.
Unsalted butter (softened): Makes the frosting ultra creamy and smooth.
Powdered sugar: Brings sweetness and loft to the luxurious topping.
More ground cinnamon (for frosting): Ensures a spiced, aromatic finish.
More vanilla extract (for frosting): A touch more vanilla rounds out the flavors.
Pinch of salt (for frosting): Just enough to sharpen all the flavors in that luscious crown of frosting.

How to Make Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing and flouring it. This little bit of prep ensures that your bread will release perfectly golden and intact when it’s finished baking. Trust me, for a loaf as special as this, the extra minute of prepping your pan is always worth it.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, both sugars, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This step helps distribute the leavening and spice evenly, so you’ll get beautifully flavored bites in every slice of your hummingbird bread.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Grab a separate bowl and whisk the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir in your mashed bananas and drained crushed pineapple. You’ll notice how fragrant this mixture is already! It should look silky but with plenty of banana and pineapple texture.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour your wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix; a few streaks of flour are fine. Then, gently fold in the chopped pecans and shredded coconut if you’re using it. These little pockets of crunch and sweetness are absolute bliss in the finished loaf.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

Spoon your batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Slide it into the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. The bread is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, with maybe a few moist crumbs. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack to finish cooling—patience is key so the bread sets up perfectly!

Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

While your hummingbird bread cools, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until super smooth (no lumps allowed!). Add the powdered sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and a pinch of salt, beating until fluffy and decadent. Resist the urge to eat it by the spoonful—it’s worth waiting until it tops your bread!

Step 7: Frost and Slice

Once the bread is completely cool, generously spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting over the top. Don’t be shy—the generous swoops of frosting make every bite a little celebration. Slice, serve, and watch everyone’s faces light up!

How to Serve Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

The lovely, spiced aroma and creamy topping are already eye-catching, but you can take your Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting up a notch with a sprinkle of toasted pecans, a dusting of extra cinnamon, or a little shower of sweetened coconut. A few fresh edible flowers or banana slices can add a festive, fresh finish for special occasions.

Side Dishes

This bread plays beautifully as the star of a casual brunch spread—pair it with fresh, juicy berries, a bowl of Greek yogurt, or even a crisp fruit salad. If you’re enjoying it as dessert, a cup of good coffee or a hint of freshly steeped tea turns every slice into a cozy affair. It’s also delightful with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For something extra-special, cut the loaf into thick cubes and layer them with frosting and fruit in parfait glasses for a stunning trifle. Mini loaves or muffins made from the same batter are perfect for gifting. For parties, serve on a rustic wooden board with stacks of napkins, big swirls of frosting on each slice, and let guests help themselves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

One of the joys of Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is how wonderfully it keeps! Store the bread, covered, in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavors meld and deepen over time, making it a treat you’ll look forward to again and again. Always bring slices to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

Freezing

Need to plan ahead? This bread freezes beautifully, even frosted. Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then tuck into a zip-top bag or airtight container. Thaw slices at room temperature or overnight in the fridge for an easy treat anytime.

Reheating

If you like your Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting just slightly warm (highly recommended!), simply microwave an unfrosted slice for 10–15 seconds, or gently warm in a low oven. If frosted, let it come to room temp on the counter; the frosting turns perfectly creamy and luscious.

FAQs

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free baking flour for the all-purpose flour, and your loaf will still turn out moist and flavorful. Just keep an eye on the bake time, as it may need a couple of extra minutes.

What if I don’t have pecans?

No pecans? No problem! Walnuts make a lovely swap, or you can omit the nuts entirely for a bread that’s a little softer but just as delicious. Sunflower seeds can also add a unique crunch if you like.

Is there a substitute for pineapple?

Canned crushed pineapple adds moisture and tang but if you don’t have any, finely chopped fresh pineapple (drained well) is a fantastic substitute. You can also try unsweetened applesauce, but the flavor will be a bit different.

Can I make the Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting as muffins?

Definitely! Divide the batter among lined muffin cups and bake at 350°F for about 18–22 minutes. They’re perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts or lunchbox treats, with all the same delicious charm as the original loaf.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

This loaf is ready when a toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs (but no raw batter). The top will look golden and might have a gentle crack down the center—that’s your sign it’s perfectly baked!

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re baking for a family brunch, sharing with friends, or simply treating yourself, Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting brings joy to any occasion. Every slice delivers dreamy, nostalgic flavor and just the right amount of indulgence. Go on—give this Southern classic a try and let your kitchen (and your taste buds) rejoice!