If you’ve never tried this delightfully moist, flavorful, and nostalgic dessert, you are in for a treat with this Hummingbird Cake Recipe. Bursting with the tropical sweetness of ripe bananas and crushed pineapple, enhanced by warm cinnamon and crunchy pecans, this Southern classic brings layers of joy in every bite. Topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, it’s a showstopper for any occasion and quickly becomes a beloved favorite that everyone asks for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Hummingbird Cake Recipe uses simple yet robust ingredients that come together beautifully to create incredible taste and texture. Each element serves a purpose, from the moistening sweetness of fruit to the spicy warmth of cinnamon and the rich, creamy frosting that ties it all together.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for a soft and tender crumb.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Adds necessary sweetness balanced by the natural sugars in the fruit.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cake rise to a light and airy perfection.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Imparts a gentle warmth that complements the tropical notes.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors for a balanced taste.
- 3 large eggs: Binds the ingredients and supports the cake’s moisture.
- 1 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the texture tender and extra moist.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, fragrant depth.
- 1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple in juice (do not drain): Brings juiciness and a tropical buzz to every layer.
- 2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 4 medium): Adds moistness and natural sweetness with a creamy texture.
- 1 cup chopped pecans (plus extra for topping, optional): Introduces delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
For the cream cheese frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Gives the frosting its tangy smoothness.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Delivers richness and helps achieve the perfect spreadable consistency.
- 4 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting luxuriously without overpowering it.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a delicate aroma and flavor boost.
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed): Adjusts frosting texture for easy spreading.
How to Make Hummingbird Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preparing Your Pans and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and preparing three 9-inch round cake pans. Either grease and flour the pans or line them with parchment paper to ensure your cakes release easily after baking. Having your workspace prepped early saves you from scrambling later and helps keep the process smooth.
Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This combination blends the foundation flavors and raises the cake just right, so mixing these dry components well ensures an even distribution of taste and leavening throughout your batter.
Step 3: Combining the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the vegetable oil and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and smooth. This wet mixture adds moisture and richness that complements the fruit beautifully. Next, stir in the crushed pineapple (with its juice!), mashed bananas, and chopped pecans carefully without overmixing, preserving the texture and ensuring every bite has a tropical burst.
Step 4: Bringing It All Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, gently folding them together until just combined. Overmixing at this stage can lead to a dense cake, so stop once you no longer see dry flour. Divide the batter evenly into your prepared pans, smoothing the tops gently to help the cakes bake uniformly.
Step 5: Baking to Perfection
Place your pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. After baking, let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely—this keeps them from breaking apart during frosting.
Step 6: Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
While your layers cool, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing on medium speed until fluffy and luscious. If the frosting feels too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach a smooth, spreadable consistency perfect for frosting those layers.
Step 7: Assembling Your Hummingbird Cake Recipe
Now for the fun part! Place one cake layer on your serving plate, spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting over it, then repeat with the next layers. Once stacked, coat the entire cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing it evenly over the top and sides. For a final touch, sprinkle extra chopped pecans on top to add texture and a beautiful finish that guests will adore.
How to Serve Hummingbird Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Though the classic chopped pecans on top are a forever favorite, you can elevate your cake’s presentation by adding a few toasted coconut flakes for an extra tropical flair or even a dusting of ground cinnamon that complements the cake’s spice. Fresh banana slices or pineapple tidbits on the side also make for a lovely decorative and edible touch.
Side Dishes
This luscious cake pairs wonderfully with a fresh cup of coffee or tea, balancing its sweetness perfectly. If you’re serving a full meal, consider light, refreshing sides such as a citrusy green salad or fruit platters with berries and melon to cleanse the palate and keep the meal feeling bright and summery.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual gathering, try making cupcakes from the same batter and frosting, offering individual servings decorated with mini pecan halves or edible flowers. Another fun idea is layering the cake in a trifle bowl with extra pineapple chunks and whipped cream for a stunning, crowd-pleasing dessert that showcases the flavors beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You’ll be thrilled to know that this Hummingbird Cake Recipe tastes even better the next day, as the flavors deepen and the cake becomes even more moist. Store any leftovers in an airtight container or cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap, then refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent the frosting from spoiling.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance or save some for later, this cake freezes well. Wrap individual layers tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw the layers overnight in the fridge and frost as usual for a fresh-tasting treat.
Reheating
Since Hummingbird Cake is best enjoyed at room temperature, remove it from the fridge about 30 minutes before serving to let the frosting soften and the cake regain its tender texture. Avoid microwaving as this can melt the frosting unevenly and affect the cake’s delicate balance of flavors.
FAQs
What makes a Hummingbird Cake unique?
This cake’s uniqueness comes from its blend of tropical fruits—pineapple and banana—with warm spices and chopped pecans, creating a moist, richly flavored cake that’s beautifully balanced with cream cheese frosting.
Can I substitute the nuts in this recipe?
Yes! If pecans aren’t your favorite or you have allergies, walnuts work well as a substitute. For a nut-free version, simply omit them or add toasted shredded coconut for texture without nuts.
Is this Hummingbird Cake Recipe gluten-free?
The traditional recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can try substituting a gluten-free flour blend crafted for baking in equal amounts to make a gluten-free version.
How long will the cake stay fresh?
When properly stored in the refrigerator, the cake remains fresh for up to 5 days. The flavors actually improve as the cake rests, making it great to prepare a day ahead for celebrations.
Can I make this cake into cupcakes?
Absolutely! The batter works wonderfully for cupcakes. Just adjust baking time to about 18-22 minutes and frost once cooled for perfectly portable portions of the same great flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Hummingbird Cake Recipe is such a joyful dessert to make and share with those you love. Its moist texture, tropical fruitiness, and creamy frosting make it absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a special celebration or simply because you crave something sweet and comforting, this cake always delivers smiles and happy taste buds. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a cherished part of your dessert repertoire!
