Hummingbird Cake
A moist and tender cake featuring a delightful combination of ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, and pecans, topped with creamy cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 cup Pecan Halves Toast these lightly for added flavor.
- 3 cups All-Purpose Flour Can substitute with gluten-free flour, adjust quantity slightly.
- 1 tsp Baking Powder Ensure it's fresh for the best results.
- 1 tsp Baking Soda Helps the cake rise and provides nice texture.
- 1 tsp Salt Enhances overall flavor.
- 1 tsp Cinnamon Adds warmth and depth.
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar Adds sweetness and moisture.
- 1 cup Light Brown Sugar Brings a molasses flavor.
- 3 large Eggs Act as the binding agent.
- 1 cup Vegetable Oil Can substitute with melted coconut oil.
- 1 ½ cups Mashed Bananas Use ripe bananas for better sweetness.
- 1 can (8 ounces) Crushed Pineapple (undrained) Adds juiciness and acidity.
- 2 tsp Vanilla Extract Opt for pure extract.
For the Frosting
- 2 packages (8 ounces each) Cream Cheese (room temperature) Must be at room temperature for easy mixing.
- ½ cup Unsalted Butter (room temperature) Adds richness.
- 4 ½-5 cups Powdered Sugar Adjust for sweetness preference.
- 2 tsp Vanilla Extract (for frosting) Adds flavor.
- Pinch Salt (for frosting) Balances sweetness.
- optional Chopped Pecans (for garnish) Adds a lovely finishing touch.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, beat the granulated and brown sugars with the eggs until light and fluffy. Add oil and mix.
- Fold the mashed bananas and crushed pineapple into the wet mixture.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet, being careful not to overmix. Gently fold in pecans.
- Divide the batter evenly among the three cake pans.
Baking
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
Frosting
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar. Mix until smooth, adding vanilla and salt.
- Layer cooled cakes with frosting, spreading it on top and around the sides.
- Let the cake rest before slicing to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors mingle.