Description
Hummingbird Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert featuring tropical ingredients like bananas and pineapple, complemented by warm spices and crunchy pecans. Layered with rich cream cheese frosting and topped with shredded coconut, this Southern favorite is perfect for celebrations or whenever you crave a taste of the tropics.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 bananas)
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
- 1 cup chopped toasted pecans
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Topping:
- ½ cup shredded coconut
- Additional toasted pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Pans – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans and line with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients – In another bowl, beat granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until pale and fluffy. Mix in vegetable oil and vanilla extract.
- Incorporate Fruit and Nuts – Fold mashed bananas into the wet mixture. Toss diced pineapple with a little flour to prevent sinking, then fold it in along with the toasted pecans.
- Mix Batter – Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Bake the Cakes – Divide batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Layers – Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare Frosting – Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until fluffy.
- Assemble the Cake – Place one cake layer on a plate, spread frosting on top, and repeat with remaining layers. Frost the sides.
- Add Finishing Touches – Sprinkle shredded coconut on top and press extra toasted pecans onto the sides, if desired.
Notes
- Ensure bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness.
- Toasting pecans enhances their flavor.
- For a smoother frosting, sift powdered sugar before adding.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern, Jamaican
