The Best Homemade Hummingbird Cake Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade hummingbird cake is a surefire way to win hearts at any gathering, offering a taste of the tropics with its perfect balance of flavors. You’ll love how easy it is to make, with simple steps that anyone can follow, even if you’re new to baking. The moist texture, loaded with bananas, pineapple, and spices, is a treat that feels both comforting and invigorating. Plus, the cream cheese frosting adds a creamy sweetness that ties everything together beautifully. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for celebrations or just treating yourself on a cozy day.
Recipe
This classic Southern Hummingbird Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert that combines bananas, pineapple, and pecans, topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting. It’s perfect for any occasion and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, undrained
- 2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 4 medium bananas)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
For the cream cheese frosting:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir until combined.
- Fold in the crushed pineapple, mashed bananas, and chopped pecans.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy.
- Once the cakes are cool, frost between the layers and on the top and sides of the cake.
Notes:
Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Equipment:
- Three 9-inch round cake pans
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Electric mixer
- Wire rack
Time:
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Cuisine:
Southern
Serving:
12 servings
Nutrition
Hummingbird Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the flavors of banana, pineapple, and pecans. Here’s a breakdown of its nutritional content:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Total Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 45mg |
| Sodium | 300mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 65g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 45g |
| Protein | 5g |
What To Serve With It
I’m always looking for the perfect pairings to make my hummingbird cake shine, so I love serving it with a warm cup of coffee or a glass of iced tea to balance the sweetness. Sometimes I’ll add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a fun dessert combo. It’s all about finding what feels right and makes the moment even more special.
Complementary Beverages
A slice of hummingbird cake pairs perfectly with a rejuvenating drink that balances its rich, spiced flavors. I love serving it with a cup of freshly brewed coffee—its bitterness contrasts the cake’s sweetness just right. If you’re not a coffee fan, try a cold glass of almond milk or a lightly steeped chai tea, which echoes the cake’s warm spices. For a fun twist, a citrusy herbal tea, like lemon or orange, brightens each bite. In summer, I sometimes go for a pineapple or mango smoothie—it’s tropical and invigorating, complementing the cake’s fruity hints beautifully. Cheers!
Pairing Desserts
Though hummingbird cake is delicious on its own, serving it with the right dessert pairing can turn a simple treat into a showstopping spread. I love pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—the creamy coolness balances the cake’s rich spices. For something lighter, fresh fruit like pineapple or banana slices adds a rejuvenating touch. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of caramel or a dollop of whipped cream elevates every bite. My grandma always served it with pecan pralines, and that crunchy-sweet combo still wins me over. Experiment to find your perfect match—it’s all about what makes your taste buds happy!
