Hummingbird Cake
Hummingbird Cake is a classic Southern layer cake made with ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, warm cinnamon, and chopped pecans, all topped with rich cream cheese frosting. Moist, flavorful, and packed with tropical sweetness, this cake is a favorite for holidays, birthdays, and special occasions.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Classic Southern dessert
- Moist and flavorful
- Loaded with banana and pineapple
- Rich cream cheese frosting
- Perfect for celebrations
- Make-ahead friendly
Ingredients
Cake
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups mashed ripe bananas
- 1 can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish
- Chopped pecans
- Banana chips (optional)
Instructions
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Step 2
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Step 3
Add eggs, oil, vanilla, mashed bananas, and pineapple.
Mix until combined.
Fold in pecans.
Step 4
Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool completely.
Step 5
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Gradually add powdered sugar.
Mix in vanilla.
Step 6
Frost between cake layers and over the top and sides.
Garnish with chopped pecans.
Variations
Coconut Hummingbird Cake
Add 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut.
Strawberry Hummingbird Cake
Fold diced strawberries into the batter.
Pineapple Pecan Cake
Increase pecans and pineapple for extra texture.
Hummingbird Sheet Cake
Bake in a 9x13-inch pan instead of layers.
Storage
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called Hummingbird Cake?
The cake is believed to have originated in Jamaica and became popular throughout the Southern United States.
What does Hummingbird Cake taste like?
It tastes similar to banana bread and carrot cake combined, with pineapple and pecan flavors.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Many people prefer it the next day.