If you have a soft spot for moist, flavorful desserts that bring a bit of sunshine and warmth to any table, you are going to absolutely adore this Hummingbird Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. This cake is a true Southern classic, bursting with tropical notes from ripe bananas and crushed pineapple, perfectly balanced by a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting. Every bite is an irresistible blend of spice, sweetness, and texture, with crunchy pecans adding a delightful contrast. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers a show-stopping cake that feels like a cozy hug in dessert form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet essential for achieving the perfect texture and flavors that make the Hummingbird Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe so special. Each component plays a key role, from the sweetness of the bananas and pineapple that moistens the cake, to the warm cinnamon spice that gives it that signature Southern charm.
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed: Use overripe bananas for natural sweetness and moisture.
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (with juice): Adds tropical flavor and keeps the cake tender.
- 3 eggs: Binds the ingredients together and contributes richness.
- ¾ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake incredibly moist without heaviness.
- 1¾ cups sugar: Provides balanced sweetness throughout the batter.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the other flavors with warm, aromatic notes.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the cake.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cake rise beautifully, making it light and fluffy.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds a gentle spicy warmth, signature to this cake.
- ½ tsp salt: Amplifies all the sweet and savory elements.
- 1 cup chopped pecans (plus more for garnish): Offers a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Essential for the luscious cream cheese frosting.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Makes the frosting rich and creamy.
- 3 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfect frosting consistency.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds depth to the frosting’s flavor.
How to Make Hummingbird Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is at the perfect temperature once your batter is ready. Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans to keep the cakes from sticking and to help them bake evenly. Taking these preparatory steps sets you up for baking success every time.
Step 2: Mix Your Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, crushed pineapple with its juice, eggs, vegetable oil, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mixing these ingredients together first allows the sugar to dissolve slightly and the fruit flavors to meld, ensuring every bite is packed with that tropical sweetness and richness unique to this cake.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. This step is crucial because evenly blending your dry ingredients prevents clumping and distributes the cinnamon and leavening agent evenly, giving your cake its tender crumb and signature flavor.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Ingredients Together
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into your wet mixture. Then fold in the chopped pecans gently. The pecans add a wonderful crunch and nutty depth amidst the softness of the cake. Once combined, divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans to ensure uniform baking.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake the cakes in your preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready. Let the cakes cool completely in their pans before removing. Cooling prevents your frosting from melting prematurely and maintains the cake’s moisture.
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While your cakes cool, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Then gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, whipping the mixture until it becomes light, fluffy, and perfectly spreadable. This frosting is the irresistible finishing touch that rounds out the flavors of the cake.
Step 7: Frost and Garnish
Once the cakes are cool, layer and cover them generously with your cream cheese frosting. Don’t be shy about adding those extra chopped pecans on top — they add both texture and a lovely decorative touch that makes this dessert as beautiful as it is delicious.
How to Serve Hummingbird Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
The classic garnish for this cake is chopped pecans sprinkled on top of the frosting, adding crunch and visual appeal. For an extra festive touch, you can dust the top lightly with cinnamon or even shard some toasted coconut flakes to echo the tropical flavors inside.
Side Dishes
This cake is luscious enough to be the star, but it pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. If you want to add contrast, serve with a tangy fruit salad featuring berries or citrus to complement the cake’s sweetness and bring brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
To wow your guests, serve individual slices with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprig of fresh mint. Or, consider turning this into cupcakes for a fun twist, frosting each one with cream cheese icing and topping with a single pecan half for a neat presentation that’s great for parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Because this cake contains cream cheese frosting, it’s best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for about 3 to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy that moist, flavorful texture every time you reach for a slice.
Freezing
You can definitely freeze the Hummingbird Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe if you want to prepare it in advance. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Reheating
This cake is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature due to the cream cheese frosting. However, if you prefer a slightly warmer slice, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving as it could change the texture of the frosting and cake.
FAQs
Can I substitute nuts in this Hummingbird Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?
Absolutely! If you have allergies or prefer a different nut, walnuts work just as well as pecans and add a similar texture and flavor profile.
Is it necessary to include the pineapple juice in the batter?
Yes, including the juice from the crushed pineapple adds extra moisture and enhances the cake’s tropical flavor, keeping it delightfully tender.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but be sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binding agent to maintain the cake’s structure.
How long does the batter last before baking?
For best results, bake the batter immediately after mixing. The baking soda begins reacting as soon as it’s combined, so letting it sit can reduce the cake’s rise and lightness.
Can I use a different frosting with this cake?
While cream cheese frosting is traditional and pairs perfectly with the flavors, a simple vanilla buttercream can also work if you prefer a less tangy option.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the joy of biting into a slice of this lovingly baked Hummingbird Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. Its moist, flavorful layers paired with the creamy frosting make it an absolute crowd-pleaser that brings smiles and compliments every time. I encourage you to give this recipe a try, whether for a special occasion or simply to indulge your sweet tooth — it’s a celebration in every bite!
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Hummingbird Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Hummingbird Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert combining ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, and crunchy pecans, all layered with a rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for celebrations or a special treat, this cake offers a delightful balance of sweetness, spice, and creamy texture.
Ingredients
Cake
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (with juice)
- 3 eggs
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 1¾ cups sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans (plus more for garnish)
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, crushed pineapple with juice, eggs, vegetable oil, sugar, and vanilla extract until thoroughly mixed.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Make batter: Gradually combine the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir until just mixed. Fold in the chopped pecans gently to maintain their texture.
- Bake the cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare cream cheese frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, whipping until light and fluffy.
- Assemble and frost: Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over one cake layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides. Garnish with additional chopped pecans as desired.
Notes
- Ensure bananas are very ripe for best sweetness and flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake light and moist.
- Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Storage: Keep the frosted cake refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- For extra flavor, you can toast the pecans before folding them in.
