Description
Southern kitchens embrace this classic Hummingbird cake, blending bananas, pineapple, and pecans into a moist, spiced masterpiece. Creamy cream cheese frosting crowns this beloved dessert, inviting you to savor a slice of pure Southern comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 bananas)
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional and Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and preparing a 9×13-inch baking pan with grease and flour coating.
- Combine the dry ingredients – flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt – in a large mixing bowl using a whisk.
- Create a wet mixture by blending eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until thoroughly incorporated.
- Introduce mashed bananas, crushed pineapple, chopped pecans, and shredded coconut into the wet ingredients, mixing carefully.
- Gently incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, folding until just combined to maintain a tender texture.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to distribute evenly and smooth the surface.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean and free of batter.
- Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool completely within the pan, ensuring stable temperature and texture.
- Prepare the cream cheese frosting by whipping cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting reaches a light, spreadable consistency.
- Once the cake has cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting across the entire surface.
- Enhance presentation by sprinkling additional chopped pecans or a delicate layer of shredded coconut on top if desired.
Notes
- Enhance the cake’s moisture by thoroughly draining the crushed pineapple to prevent excess liquid from making the cake soggy.
- Replace pecans with toasted walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor profile and added crunch.
- Swap vegetable oil with coconut oil to amplify the tropical essence and provide a subtle coconut undertone.
- Create a gluten-free version by using a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same tender texture and delightful taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 33 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 2.5 g
- Protein: 4.5 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg