Ultimate Hummingbird Cake, Moist Banana Pineapple Delight

Introduction

There’s a reason the Hummingbird Cake has charmed bakers for decades. When I first baked it in my small Southern kitchen, the aroma of bananas, pineapple, and cinnamon filled the house, pulling my family to the table before it even cooled. This cake isn’t just dessert it’s a story of warmth, hospitality, and tropical comfort baked into every bite. If you love moist, flavorful layers crowned with tangy cream-cheese frosting, you’ll fall head-over-heels for this easy, show stopping recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Hummingbird Cake

• Moist & Fluffy: Bananas + pineapple keep the crumb ultra-soft.
• Simple to Make: No mixer needed for the batter—just stir and bake.
• Tropical Twist: Warm cinnamon meets sweet fruit for irresistible flavor.
• Crowd Pleaser: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, and potlucks.
• Pinterest-Perfect: Gorgeous layers photograph beautifully for social sharing.

Ingredients for Hummingbird Cake

Cake Batter

• 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
• 1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3)
• 1 (8-oz) can crushed pineapple with juice
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Cream, Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 tablespoon milk (if needed for consistency)

Ingredient Notes & Healthy Swaps

• Oil: Substitute ½ cup unsweetened applesauce to cut fat without losing moisture.
• Nuts: For nut-free, swap pecans with toasted coconut flakes.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based butter and vegan cream cheese for the frosting.
• Gluten-Free: Replace flour 1:1 with a gluten-free baking blend.
• Sugar Balance: Reduce sugar by ¼ cup if bananas are extra ripe.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Preheat and Prepare

Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch cake pans; line bottoms with parchment.

Step 2 – Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

Step 3 – Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix bananas, pineapple (with juice), eggs, oil, and vanilla until blended.

Step 4 – Fold and Add Pecans

Stir wet into dry just until combined. Fold in pecans. Don’t over-mix.

Step 5 – Bake

Divide batter evenly into pans. Bake 25–30 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.

Step 6 – Cool

Cool in pans 10 minutes; turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Step 7 – Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add vanilla and powdered sugar. If too thick, add milk 1 teaspoon at a time.

Step 8 – Assemble

Spread frosting between layers and on top. Garnish with pecans or pineapple flowers. Chill 15 minutes before slicing.

If you’re craving a taste of the tropics, this Easy Hummingbird Cake brings the perfect blend of banana, pineapple, and spice. Whether you’re baking the Best Hummingbird Cake Recipe from scratch or trying a shortcut Hummingbird Cake From Box Recipe, this dessert never fails to impress. For gatherings, bake a crowd-pleasing Hummingbird Sheet Cake or elegant Hummingbird Bundt Cake. Want something bite-sized? Hummingbird Cupcakes are ideal for parties and showers. Creative bakers are now turning this Southern classic into a modern masterpiece with new Hummingbird Cake Design trends and Trending Cake Designs inspired by nature. From brunch to birthdays, Hummingbird Loaf Cake and other Spring Cake Recipes make every occasion extra special.

Pro Tips for Success

1. Use very ripe bananas for richest flavor.
2. Measure flour accurately—spoon and level to avoid dryness.
3. Don’t over-mix once wet and dry meet; gentle stirring keeps it soft.
4. Cool layers fully before frosting to avoid melting.
5. Toast pecans lightly for deeper nut flavor.
6. For Pinterest appeal, slice neatly and photograph vertical pieces in natural light.

Flavor Variations

• Coconut Hummingbird Cake: Add ½ cup shredded coconut.
• Chocolate-Chip Twist: Fold in ½ cup mini chocolate chips.
• Vegan Version: Replace eggs with flaxseed gel (1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp water per egg).
• Cupcakes: Bake in liners 20–22 minutes for portable treats.
• Mini Loaves: Perfect for gifting—adjust bake time to 35 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Hummingbird Cake chilled or at room temperature. Pair with iced coffee, chai tea, or cold milk. Decorate with edible flowers or fresh pineapple rings for special occasions.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

• Refrigerate: Cover and store up to 5 days.
• Freeze Layers: Wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly (up to 2 months). Thaw before frosting.
• Frosting: Keep extra frosting sealed in the fridge for 1 week.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

FAQ About Hummingbird Cake

Final Thoughts

This Hummingbird Cake captures everything we love about Southern baking tropical flavors, comforting sweetness, and joy in every slice. Share it at your next celebration and watch everyone ask for the recipe. From my kitchen to yours, enjoy this beautiful taste of home.

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