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Hummingbird Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 112 reviews

This classic Hummingbird Cake is a moist, flavorful Southern dessert featuring ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, and toasted pecans layered with a rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for special occasions, this cake combines warmth from cinnamon and sweetness from brown sugar to create an irresistibly tender treat garnished with dried pineapple rings and edible flowers for an elegant finish.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake

  • Nonstick baking spray
  • 3 3/4 cups (480 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups (340 grams) overripe mashed bananas (about 3 bananas)
  • 1 packed cup (220 grams) dark brown sugar
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 (8-ounce/227-gram) cans crushed pineapple in juice (about 1 3/4 cups)
  • 3/4 cup (85 grams) chopped toasted pecan halves

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 2 (8-ounce/226-gram) packages cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 1 cup (225 grams) unsalted butter (2 sticks), at room temperature
  • 7 1/3 cups (905 grams) confectioners’ sugar
  • 4 teaspoons vanilla extract

For Garnish

  • Heaping 3/4 cup (85 grams) toasted pecan halves
  • Dried pineapple rings
  • Edible flowers

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cake pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 9-inch cake pans thoroughly using nonstick baking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and kosher salt to evenly distribute the leavening and spice.
  3. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk eggs, mashed bananas, dark brown sugar, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour the wet mixture into it. Gently fold the mixtures together with a rubber spatula to avoid overmixing.
  5. Add pineapple and pecans: Fold in the crushed pineapple (with juice) and chopped toasted pecan halves until just incorporated, preserving the texture and moisture.
  6. Bake the cakes: Evenly divide the batter among the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool the cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans on wire racks for 10 minutes, then remove from pans and cool completely on the racks to room temperature.
  8. Make the cream cheese frosting: Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine cream cheese, unsalted butter, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract. Begin mixing on low speed until ingredients start to come together, then increase speed to medium and continue beating for about 5 minutes until smooth and creamy.
  9. Assemble the cake: Place the first cake layer top-side down on your cake stand or plate to ensure a flat surface. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Repeat with the second and third layers, always placing the cake top-side down.
  10. Frost the cake: Use the remaining frosting to coat the top and sides evenly for a smooth finish.
  11. Garnish: Decorate the rim of the cake with whole toasted pecan halves, and add dried pineapple rings and edible flowers on top as desired for a beautiful presentation.
  12. Serve: Slice the cake and serve to enjoy this moist, fruity, and nutty classic dessert.

Notes

  • Ensure bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.
  • Do not overmix the batter once wet and dry ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese and butter for smooth frosting without lumps.
  • To toast pecans, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until fragrant.
  • Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Bring cake layers to room temperature before frosting if stored cold to prevent frosting from melting.

Keywords: Hummingbird Cake, Southern cake, banana cake, pineapple cake, cream cheese frosting, pecan cake, moist cake dessert

Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/hummingbird-cake-recipe/