Meta Description: Discover this incredible Hummingbird Cake recipe from www.podiumrecipes.com. This homemade banana pineapple cake features traditional Southern baking techniques with cream cheese frosting for an easy dessert that’s perfect for any holiday cake occasion.
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Hummingbird Cake
Are you ready to experience the magic of authentic Southern baking with a recipe that has been delighting families for generations? This Hummingbird Cake is the epitome of Southern comfort desserts, combining the tropical sweetness of banana pineapple cake with the rich, creamy indulgence of cream cheese frosting. This moist cake is guaranteed to become your go-to easy dessert for special occasions and everyday celebrations alike.
What makes this Hummingbird Cake absolutely irresistible is its incredibly moist cake texture that comes from the perfect combination of ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, and traditional Southern baking techniques. The addition of crunchy pecans creates a delightful contrast, making this pecan cake a true celebration of flavors and textures. This recipe has been a beloved holiday cake tradition in the South for decades, and once you taste it, you’ll understand why it’s considered the ultimate Southern dessert.
The beauty of this banana pineapple cake lies in its versatility and the way it brings people together. Whether you’re preparing an easy dessert for a family gathering, creating a stunning holiday cake for special occasions, or simply wanting to experience authentic Southern baking, this Hummingbird Cake delivers exceptional results every time. The cream cheese frosting adds the perfect finishing touch that elevates this moist cake from delicious to absolutely divine.
Ingredients
For the Hummingbird Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/4 cups vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
- 2 cups ripe bananas, mashed (about 4 medium bananas)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 box (1 lb) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream (if needed)
For Decoration:
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans for garnish
- Additional cream cheese frosting for piping (optional)
- Fresh pineapple wedges (optional)
- Banana slices (optional)
Nutrition Facts
Per Serving (serves 12):
- Calories: 485
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 68g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 385mg
- Calories from fat: 198
- Protein percentage: 5%
- Carbs percentage: 56%
This Hummingbird Cake recipe provides a delightful balance of carbs and healthy fats, making it a satisfying dessert option. The calories content makes it perfect for special occasions, while the natural fruit ingredients add nutritional value to this traditional Southern treat.
Preparation Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper. This ensures your Hummingbird Cake releases easily from the pans and maintains its beautiful moist cake texture.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This Southern baking technique ensures all dry ingredients are evenly distributed, creating the perfect foundation for your banana pineapple cake.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs lightly, then add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract. Mix in the undrained crushed pineapple and mashed bananas until well combined. The key to a perfect moist cake is properly incorporating these wet ingredients.
Step 4: Create the Batter
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Stir just until combined – don’t overmix. Fold in the chopped pecans gently. This easy dessert technique prevents tough cake texture while ensuring even distribution of the pecan pieces.
Step 5: Bake the Cake Layers
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. The Southern baking tradition calls for perfectly moist cake layers, so don’t overbake.
Step 6: Cool the Cakes
Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture in your Hummingbird Cake and prevents the cream cheese frosting from melting.
Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cakes cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, beating until smooth. Add heavy cream if needed for desired consistency.
Step 8: Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on your serving plate and spread cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Repeat with the second layer, then add the final layer. Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting all over the cake, then refrigerate for 30 minutes before applying the final frosting layer.
Step 9: Final Frosting and Decoration
Apply the remaining cream cheese frosting smoothly over the entire cake. Press chopped pecans around the bottom edge and sprinkle some on top. This creates the classic Hummingbird Cake appearance that makes it such a stunning holiday cake.
Serving Suggestions
This Hummingbird Cake is incredibly versatile and perfect for various serving occasions. As a holiday cake, it’s ideal for Christmas, Easter, or Thanksgiving celebrations where the tropical flavors provide a delightful contrast to traditional holiday foods. The Southern baking heritage makes it perfect for family reunions, church gatherings, and community events.
For easy dessert presentations, serve this banana pineapple cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The moist cake texture pairs beautifully with these accompaniments, creating a restaurant-quality dessert experience at home.
This pecan cake also makes an excellent birthday cake or anniversary celebration centerpiece. The cream cheese frosting provides the perfect canvas for decorative piping, fresh fruit arrangements, or edible flowers, making it suitable for elegant entertaining.
Pro Tips
Here are essential tips to help you create the perfect Hummingbird Cake:
Use ripe bananas: The key to authentic Southern baking flavor is using very ripe bananas with brown spots. They provide natural sweetness and contribute to the moist cake texture that makes this recipe so special.
Don’t drain the pineapple: The juice from the crushed pineapple is crucial for creating the signature moist cake texture. This traditional Southern technique ensures your banana pineapple cake stays incredibly tender.
Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese, butter, and eggs are at room temperature for the best cream cheese frosting texture. This easy dessert tip prevents lumpy frosting and ensures smooth mixing.
Toast the pecans: Lightly toasting the pecans before adding them to the batter enhances their flavor and adds extra crunch to your pecan cake. This simple step elevates the overall taste profile.
Proper storage: Store your finished Hummingbird Cake covered in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese frosting. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Variations
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, and there are many ways to create your own variation:
Coconut Variation: Add 1/2 cup shredded coconut to the batter and sprinkle toasted coconut on top of the cream cheese frosting. This variation enhances the tropical flavor profile of the banana pineapple cake.
Spiced Alternative: Increase the cinnamon and add nutmeg, allspice, or ginger for a more complex spice profile. This alternative creates a warming holiday cake perfect for autumn celebrations.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. This alternative maintains the moist cake texture while accommodating dietary restrictions without compromising the Southern baking tradition.
Mini Cake Variation: Make individual Hummingbird Cakes using muffin tins for portion control. This variation is perfect for parties and makes serving this easy dessert even more convenient.
Chocolate Chip Alternative: Add 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips to the batter for a modern twist on the classic recipe. This alternative appeals to chocolate lovers while maintaining the traditional pecan cake elements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this Hummingbird Cake ahead of time? A: Yes! This recipe actually improves with time. You can bake the cake layers up to 2 days ahead and store them wrapped at room temperature. The assembled holiday cake can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
Q: Why is it called Hummingbird Cake? A: This Southern baking classic got its name because it’s so sweet it attracts hummingbirds! The combination of bananas, pineapple, and pecans creates the perfect moist cake that’s irresistibly sweet and flavorful.
Q: Can I freeze this cake? A: Absolutely! The unfrosted cake layers freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly and thaw at room temperature before frosting. The finished Hummingbird Cake can also be frozen, but the cream cheese frosting texture may change slightly.
Q: What can I substitute for pecans? A: Walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds work as substitutes for pecans. Each alternative creates a different flavor profile while maintaining the essential crunch that makes this pecan cake so appealing.
Q: How do I know when the cake is done? A: The moist cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Don’t overbake, as this easy dessert relies on its tender, moist texture for its signature appeal.
Conclusion
This Hummingbird Cake recipe is a true celebration of Southern baking tradition that will become a cherished family favorite. The perfect combination of banana pineapple cake flavors, moist cake texture, and rich cream cheese frosting creates a dessert experience that’s both nostalgic and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re preparing an easy dessert for everyday enjoyment or creating a stunning holiday cake for special occasions, this recipe delivers exceptional results every time.
The beauty of this pecan cake lies in its ability to bring people together and create lasting memories. The Southern heritage and tropical flavors make it perfect for celebrations throughout the year, while the moist cake texture and cream cheese frosting ensure it’s always a crowd-pleaser. With its excellent balance of carbs and satisfying calories, this Hummingbird Cake is both indulgent and memorable.
We encourage you to try this Hummingbird Cake recipe and experience the magic of authentic Southern baking. Experiment with different variations and alternatives to make it your own family tradition. Don’t forget to share your experience and any creative modifications you discover with this timeless easy dessert.
For more incredible recipes like this one, visit www.podiumrecipes.com, where you’ll find hundreds of easy and delicious recipes to elevate your cooking and baking. From Southern classics to holiday cakes, we have everything you need to create memorable desserts for your family and friends. Try this recipe today and discover why www.podiumrecipes.com is your go-to source for exceptional homemade recipes that bring sweetness and joy to every celebration.
