A Southern Classic That Shines
Get ready for irresistible flavors with the Hummingbird Cake. This Southern classic steals the spotlight at any gathering. Pineapple, bananas, and pecans make this cake burst with tropical flavors. It’s crowned with a velvety cream cheese frosting. This cake celebrates the South’s rich culinary traditions. Locally sourced ingredients are at the heart of this beloved dessert.
Originally known as Doctor Bird Cake in Jamaica, the Hummingbird Cake brings vibrant tropical flavors to the U.S. Each layer is tender and moist, with ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, and chopped pecans. Every bite offers a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors.
The Crowning Glory: Cream Cheese Frosting
What elevates this cake is its smooth, slightly tangy cream cheese frosting. It balances the sweetness with rich, velvety texture. Whether for a backyard barbecue or an elegant dinner party, the Hummingbird Cake impresses. Its vibrant flavors make it a table-worthy dessert. Cut yourself a generous slice of this Southern classic. The tropical allure and indulgent frosting will leave you humming for more.
The Hummingbird Cake isn’t just about flavor; it’s about nostalgia and tradition. Passed down through generations, it carries with it the warmth of family gatherings and Sunday dinners. Its unique combination of tropical fruits and hearty pecans makes it stand out among other classic cakes, offering a fresh twist on comfort food. Whether you’re enjoying it for the first time or it’s a family favorite, this cake is a delicious reminder that some traditions are worth keeping alive.
Simple Ingredients, Stunning Results
What makes the Hummingbird Cake even more special is how simple the ingredients are. Ripe bananas, canned pineapple, and pantry staples come together to create something truly spectacular. There’s no need for fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients—just a bit of love and patience. It’s a cake that feels like home, where each slice reminds you that sometimes, the simplest things bring the most joy.
Hummingbird Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
For the batter:
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- ½ cup whole wheat flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp cloves
- ½ cup coconut oil
- ¼ cup butter melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ripe bananas chopped
- ½ cup chopped pecans toasted
- 1 8 oz can crushed pineapple
For the frosting:
- ½ cup salted butter softened
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup all purpose flour, ½ cup whole wheat flour, 1 tsp salt1 tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp nutmeg, and ¼ tsp cloves. Set aside.1 cup all purpose flour, ½ cup whole wheat flour, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp nutmeg, ¼ tsp cloves
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the ½ cup coconut oil, ¼ cup butter, ¼ cup brown sugar, ¾ cup granulated sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth and combined.¼ cup brown sugar, ½ cup coconut oil, ¼ cup butter, 1 tsp vanilla extract, ¾ cup granulated sugar
- Fold the drying ingredients into the wet ingredients with a spatula just until you can’t see any more flour. Do not over mix.
- Stir in the 1 8 oz can crushed pineapple, 2 ripe bananas, and ½ cup chopped pecans until combined.2 ripe bananas, 1 8 oz can crushed pineapple, ½ cup chopped pecans
- Line the bottom off a greased cake pan with a parchment paper round. Pour the batter into a pan and tap on the counter to evenly distribute the batter.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes then remove from the pan and cool on a drying rack for at least 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, add the 8 oz cream cheese and ½ cup salted butter to the bowl of an electric mixer fit with the whisk attachment. Beat them together on medium-high speed for about 5 minutes until light and fluffy.½ cup salted butter, 8 oz cream cheese
- Switch the whisk out for the paddle attachment and add the 3 cups powdered sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, and 2 tsp vanilla extract to the bowl. Beat on low speed until combined and then increase the speed, beating for an additional 2 minutes.3 cups powdered sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Use a spatula to transfer your desired amount of frosting to the top of the cake. Spread it around in wave-like motions until it forms a textured but even layer. Top with chopped pecans and enjoy!
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