Hummingbird Cake

Moist, spiced cake, bursting with tropical fruits and crunchy pecans, crowned with a tangy cream cheese frosting, Hummingbird Cake is a Southern classic, a symphony of flavours and textures that sings on the palate. This is not just a fruitcake; it’s a celebration of vibrant ingredients, perfectly blending the sweetness of banana and pineapple with the warmth of cinnamon and the satisfying crunch of pecans, creating a cake that is both incredibly easy to bake and utterly captivating to devour. Picture the enticing aroma of spices and baked fruit filling your kitchen, the beautiful layers of moist cake studded with colourful fruits and nuts, and the first bite delivering a perfect harmony of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavours, promising a baking experience that is both quick to create and utterly delightful to share. This recipe is your invitation to experience Southern baking at its finest, bringing the irresistible charm of Hummingbird Cake to your table, ready to impress with its unique flavour profile and effortless preparation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Uniquely Delicious Flavor Combination

Embrace the intriguing flavour blend of Hummingbird Cake. This cake boasts a unique combination of tropical fruits, warm spices, and crunchy nuts, creating a flavour profile that is both familiar and surprisingly complex, offering a truly delightful and memorable taste experience. Enjoy a cake that is more than just the sum of its parts, with each ingredient playing a crucial role in creating a harmonious and irresistible flavour symphony.

Incredibly Moist and Tender Texture

Indulge in the exceptionally moist and tender crumb of Hummingbird Cake, a cake renowned for its melt-in-your-mouth texture that sets it apart from ordinary cakes. The combination of oil, mashed bananas, and crushed pineapple ensures a cake that is incredibly soft, delicate, and simply irresistible in every bite. Savour the unparalleled texture that makes this cake so special, offering a truly luxurious and delightful eating experience.

Naturally Sweetened with Fruit

Discover the natural sweetness of Hummingbird Cake, a cake that derives much of its sweetness from ripe bananas and crushed pineapple, reducing the need for excessive added sugar and allowing the natural fruit flavours to shine through, creating a dessert that is satisfyingly sweet without being cloying. The fruit provides moisture and natural sweetness, contributing to a balanced and flavourful cake. Enjoy the perfectly calibrated sweetness that enhances the other flavours, offering a truly harmonious and enjoyable dessert experience.

Easy to Make with Simple Pantry Staples

Appreciate the simplified preparation of Hummingbird Cake, a recipe that utilizes common pantry staples and straightforward baking techniques, making it accessible to bakers of all skill levels and ensuring a successful and delicious outcome every time. The recipe comes together quickly and easily, requiring minimal specialized equipment or ingredients, making it a perfect choice for busy cooks who value ease and flavour. Enjoy a recipe that is both convenient and rewarding, making it a perfect choice for effortless baking.

Impressive Layer Cake for Special Occasions

Marvel at the stunning presentation of Hummingbird Cake, a layer cake that is as visually impressive as it is delicious, making it a show-stopping centerpiece for any dessert table or special occasion. The beautiful layers of moist cake, studded with colourful fruits and nuts, and topped with creamy frosting create a visually appealing dessert that is sure to impress. Enjoy the beautiful visual appeal that elevates this cake to a truly special treat, offering a dessert that is both visually impressive and utterly delicious.

Ingredients

For the Spiced and Fruity Hummingbird Cake Layers

• 3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled. All-purpose flour provides the structure for the cake layers, creating a tender crumb when properly measured. Spooning and leveling ensures accurate measurement and prevents dense cake.
• 2 cups granulated sugar. Granulated sugar adds sweetness, moisture, and tenderness to the cake layers, contributing to their overall flavour and texture. Adjust sugar level slightly to your preference.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda. Baking soda acts as a leavening agent, reacting with the acidity in the buttermilk and fruit to create a light and airy texture in the cake layers. Baking soda is crucial for the cake’s rise and tender crumb.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Ground cinnamon adds a warm and aromatic spice note to the cake layers, complementing the tropical fruits and enhancing the overall flavour profile. Cinnamon provides a comforting and classic spice flavour.
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg. Ground nutmeg adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavour to the cake layers, enhancing the spice notes and creating a more complex flavour profile. Nutmeg complements cinnamon and adds a delicate spice dimension.
• ½ teaspoon salt, kosher salt or sea salt. Salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavours in the cake layers, preventing a flat or bland taste. Kosher salt or sea salt are preferred for their pure flavour and even seasoning. Adjust to taste.
• 1 ½ cups vegetable oil. Vegetable oil adds moisture and tenderness to the cake layers, contributing to their soft crumb and preventing dryness. Vegetable oil provides moisture without adding flavour.
• 4 large eggs, large eggs, at room temperature. Eggs provide structure, richness, and moisture to the cake layers, contributing to their tender crumb and binding the ingredients together. Room temperature eggs emulsify better and create a smoother batter.
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract, pure vanilla extract. Pure vanilla extract enhances the overall flavour profile of the cake layers, adding a warm and aromatic note that complements the spices and fruits. Pure vanilla extract provides the best flavour.
• 1 cup buttermilk, or plain yogurt. Buttermilk or plain yogurt adds moisture and a slight tang to the cake layers, contributing to their tender crumb and balancing the sweetness. Buttermilk or yogurt are essential for the characteristic moist texture and subtle tang. If using yogurt, ensure it is plain and unsweetened.
• 2 cups ripe bananas, mashed ripe bananas, about 3-4 medium bananas. Mashed ripe bananas provide natural sweetness, moisture, and banana flavour to the cake layers, contributing to their signature taste and texture. Ripe bananas are crucial for sweetness and moisture. Mash bananas until smooth but still slightly chunky.
• 1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained crushed pineapple in juice. Crushed pineapple adds sweetness, moisture, and a tangy tropical flavour to the cake layers, contributing to their unique flavour profile and texture. Undrained crushed pineapple provides both fruit and juice for maximum moisture and flavour.

For the Tangy Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 ounces cream cheese, full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature. Full-fat cream cheese is essential for the rich and tangy flavour of the frosting, providing a creamy base that complements the sweetness of the cake. Softened cream cheese ensures smooth blending and a lump-free frosting.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, 1 stick unsalted butter, softened to room temperature. Softened butter adds richness and smoothness to the frosting, contributing to its creamy texture and enhancing its flavour. Unsalted butter allows for better control over salt level.
• 4 cups powdered sugar, confectioners’ sugar, sifted. Powdered sugar provides sweetness and structure to the frosting, creating a smooth and spreadable consistency. Sifting powdered sugar prevents lumps and ensures a smooth frosting.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, pure vanilla extract. Pure vanilla extract enhances the flavour of the frosting, adding a warm and aromatic note that complements the cream cheese and cake. Pure vanilla extract provides the best flavour.

Optional for Added Texture and Garnish

• 1 cup pecans, or walnuts, chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted recommended. Chopped pecans or walnuts add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavour to the cake layers and frosting, enhancing the overall textural and flavour complexity. Toasting nuts enhances their flavour and crispness.
• Extra chopped pecans, for garnish (optional). Extra chopped pecans can be used for garnish, adding visual appeal and reinforcing the nutty element of the cake. Chopped pecans provide a simple and attractive garnish.

How to Make Hummingbird Cake ?

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Step 1: Prepare the Hummingbird Cake Batter

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheat oven to the specified temperature to ensure even baking of the cake layers.

Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans. Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the baked cake layers. Alternatively, use baking spray with flour.

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together dry ingredients: flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisking ensures even distribution of baking soda and spices throughout the flour.

In a separate bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together wet ingredients: vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisking ensures even distribution of liquid ingredients.

Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined. Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined. Mix on low speed to prevent overmixing and gluten development.

Stir in buttermilk (or yogurt), mashed bananas, and crushed pineapple. Stir in buttermilk (or yogurt), mashed bananas, and crushed pineapple until just combined. Stirring in fruit last prevents overmixing and fruit from breaking down too much.

Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts, if using. Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts, if using, gently distributing them throughout the batter. Folding in nuts gently prevents overmixing and nut breakage.

Do not overmix. Overmixing develops gluten and can result in a tough cake. Mix just until ingredients are combined and batter is smooth.

Step 2: Bake the Hummingbird Cake Layers

Divide cake batter evenly among prepared cake pans, spreading evenly. Divide cake batter evenly among prepared cake pans, spreading it evenly to ensure even baking and level cake layers.

Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake layers are fully baked. Baking time may vary depending on oven and pan.

Let cake layers cool in pans for 10-15 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely. Let cake layers cool in pans for 10-15 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling in pans allows cake layers to firm up slightly before inverting. Cooling completely prevents frosting from melting.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While cake layers are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. Prepare frosting while cake layers are cooling to have it ready when cake is cooled.

In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and softened butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and softened butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Creaming cream cheese and butter creates a smooth and lump-free frosting base.

Gradually beat in sifted powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined. Gradually beat in sifted powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined. Sifting powdered sugar prevents lumps in the frosting.

Stir in vanilla extract. Stir in vanilla extract to enhance the flavour of the frosting.

Beat until frosting is smooth and creamy. Beat frosting until smooth and creamy, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 4: Frost and Assemble the Hummingbird Cake

Once cake layers are completely cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Once cake layers are completely cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand as the base layer.

Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the first cake layer. Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the first cake layer, creating a generous frosting layer.

Top with the second cake layer and repeat frosting. Top with the second cake layer and repeat frosting process, adding another layer of frosting.

Top with the final cake layer and frost the entire cake with remaining cream cheese frosting. Top with the final cake layer and frost the entire cake with remaining cream cheese frosting, frosting the top and sides of the cake. Frost smoothly or create swirls and decorative patterns.

Garnish with extra chopped pecans or walnuts, if desired. Garnish frosted cake with extra chopped pecans or walnuts, if desired, for visual appeal and added nutty flavour.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Slice Hummingbird Cake and serve. Slice cake into wedges and serve.

Enjoy each moist, flavorful, and beautifully frosted slice.

Tips for Variations

Spice Level Cinnamon and Ginger Boost

Increase ground cinnamon and add ½ teaspoon ground ginger to the cake batter for a warmer and spicier cake. Cinnamon and ginger enhance the spice notes and add extra warmth.

Tropical Twist Coconut Flakes Addition

Add ½ cup shredded coconut, unsweetened shredded coconut, to the cake batter for a tropical coconut flavour and texture. Shredded coconut adds a tropical flavour and chewy texture to the cake.

Pineapple Upside-Down Hummingbird Cake

Pour melted butter and brown sugar into the bottom of the cake pan and arrange pineapple rings before adding batter for a pineapple upside-down cake variation. Pineapple rings create a caramelized pineapple topping when inverted.

Cupcake Version Individual Servings

Bake Hummingbird Cake batter in cupcake liners for individual cupcakes instead of a layer cake. Cupcakes are convenient for individual servings and parties. Reduce baking time for cupcakes.

Brown Sugar Sweetness Depth

Substitute brown sugar for half of the granulated sugar in the cake batter for a richer molasses flavour. Brown sugar adds a deeper molasses flavour and moisture to the cake.

Serving Suggestions

Afternoon Tea Elegant Treat

Serve Hummingbird Cake slices as part of an afternoon tea spread, alongside tea sandwiches and other delicate pastries for an elegant and delightful treat. Afternoon tea setting enhances the elegant nature of the cake.

Dessert Platter Centerpiece Showstopper

Place Hummingbird Cake as the centerpiece of a dessert platter, surrounded by fresh fruit, berries, and other sweet treats for a visually stunning and decadent dessert display. Dessert platter showcases the cake as a star attraction.

Coffee or Tea Warm Beverage Pairing

Enjoy Hummingbird Cake with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a classic and comforting beverage pairing that complements the cake’s sweetness and spices. Coffee or tea are traditional beverage pairings that enhance the cake’s flavours.

Birthday Cake Celebration Centerpiece

Serve Hummingbird Cake as a birthday cake, decorating it with candles and birthday decorations for a festive and delicious celebration centerpiece. Birthday cake setting highlights the celebratory nature of the cake.

Potluck Dessert Crowd-Pleaser

Bring Hummingbird Cake to a potluck gathering as a guaranteed crowd-pleaser dessert that everyone will love and enjoy. Potluck setting emphasizes the cake’s crowd-pleasing appeal.

FAQ

Can I use walnuts instead of pecans in Hummingbird Cake?

Yes, walnuts can be substituted for pecans in Hummingbird Cake. Walnuts offer a slightly different nutty flavour but work equally well in this recipe. Choose your preferred nut variety based on taste.

How do I prevent my Hummingbird Cake from sinking in the center?

To prevent Hummingbird Cake from sinking in the center, ensure oven temperature is accurate and do not overbake the cake. Baking at the correct temperature and avoiding overbaking are key to preventing sinking.

Can I make Hummingbird Cake ahead of time?

Hummingbird Cake layers can be baked ahead of time and stored separately, wrapped tightly, at room temperature for a day or two, or frozen for longer storage. Frosting is best made fresh or stored separately in the refrigerator. Assembling cake just before serving ensures optimal freshness.

How long does Hummingbird Cake stay fresh?

Frosted Hummingbird Cake stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. Refrigeration is necessary due to the cream cheese frosting. Store in refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent frosting from softening too much.

Can I freeze Hummingbird Cake?

Frosted Hummingbird Cake can be frozen. Freeze frosted cake slices or whole cake, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil, for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Freezing is a convenient way to store leftover cake for longer periods.

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