Best Easy Hummingbird Cake Recipe

Hummingbird cake is a moist Southern layer cake made with bananas, pineapple, and pecans topped with cream cheese frosting. This beloved family celebration cake is fruity, nutty, and irresistibly rich.

Cook 90 min Difficulty NORMAL 420 kcal
#southern desserts #cream cheese frosting cake #fruity layer cake #family celebration cake
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • all-purpose flour 2.5 cups
  • ripe bananas, mashed 1 cup
  • crushed pineapple, drained 1 cup
  • pecans, chopped 1 cup
  • granulated sugar 1.5 cups
  • brown sugar, packed 0.5 cup
  • eggs, large 3 pieces
  • vegetable oil 0.75 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • baking soda 1 tsp
  • ground cinnamon 1 tsp
  • salt 0.5 tsp
  • vanilla extract 2 tsp
  • cream cheese, softened 8 oz
  • unsalted butter, softened 0.5 cup
  • powdered sugar 3 cups
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 57 g 54%
Protein 5 g 5%
Fat 20 g 41%
Serving size 130g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper for even baking.

  2. 2

    In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.

  3. 3

    In a separate bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil. Beat on medium speed until fully blended, about 2 minutes. Mix in vanilla extract.

  4. 4

    Fold mashed bananas, drained crushed pineapple, and chopped pecans into the wet mixture. Gradually add dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent a dense cake.

  5. 5

    Divide the batter evenly between the pans. Bake for 28–32 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool pans on a rack for 10 minutes, then carefully turn cakes out to cool completely.

  6. 6

    Prepare the frosting by beating softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually sift in powdered sugar, beating well after each addition, until fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract.

  7. 7

    Frost the top of one cake layer. Place the second layer on top, spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides. Decorate with extra pecans if desired.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Hummingbird Cake recipe?
Ripe bananas and crushed pineapple are the standout ingredients in this Hummingbird Cake, giving it distinctive moistness, natural sweetness, and a fruity flavor profile. Combined with pecans, they set this classic Southern cake apart from standard layer cakes.
Q. What makes the texture of Hummingbird Cake moist and tender?
The cake's tender, moist crumb comes from blending mashed bananas, crushed pineapple, and oil. Minimal mixing after adding the dry ingredients helps preserve softness and prevents the layers from turning dense.
Q. What is the recommended baking technique to avoid a dry cake?
Use moderate oven heat—350°F—and check for doneness around 28–32 minutes with a toothpick. Remove cakes from pans after a brief 10-minute cool, and let them finish cooling on a rack before frosting to lock in moisture and prevent overbaking.
Q. How many calories and macronutrients are in a serving of this cake?
Each 130g serving contains about 420 kcal, with approximately 57g carbohydrates (54% of calories), 5g protein (5%), and 20g fat (41%). The recipe is rich and best enjoyed for special occasions.
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