Luscious Hummingbird Banana Bread Recipe

Dreamy Hummingbird Banana Bread Recipe: Sweet Paradise Slice

Sweet aromas of spiced banana permeate the kitchen when you bake this mouthwatering hummingbird banana bread that blends classic Southern charm with irresistible flavor.

Layers of ripe bananas mingle with crushed pineapple, creating a tender and moist texture that melts in your mouth.

Chopped pecans and warm cinnamon add delightful crunch and depth to every slice.

The subtle sweetness of cream cheese frosting transforms this humble bread into a decadent treat that feels both comforting and indulgent.

Each bite promises a symphony of tropical and traditional flavors dancing together.

Bake this crowd-pleasing recipe and watch as friends and family request seconds with eager smiles.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 12

Hummingbird Banana Bread Ingredient Highlights

For Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and foundation for the bread, choose unbleached flour for better texture.
  • Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Essential leavening agents that help the bread rise and create a light, fluffy texture.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness in the bread.
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that add depth and aromatic complexity to the banana bread.
For Wet Ingredients:
  • Ripe Bananas: Overripe bananas with brown spots provide natural sweetness and moisture, key to a rich banana flavor.
  • Crushed Pineapple: Adds tropical brightness and extra moisture to the bread.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Create sweetness and help with caramelization and moisture retention.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures a moist, tender crumb and helps preserve the bread's softness.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide structure to the bread.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet undertones that complement the banana flavor.
For Mix-Ins and Topping:
  • Pecans, Walnuts: Provide crunch and nutty depth, lightly toast before adding for enhanced flavor.
  • Shredded Coconut: Offers tropical texture and subtle sweetness.
  • Powdered Sugar, Pineapple Juice, Vanilla Extract: Create a light, sweet glaze that adds final touch of flavor and visual appeal.

Kitchen Items for Hummingbird Bread

  • Loaf Pan (9×5-inch): Essential for baking the banana bread, ensures proper shape and even cooking.
  • Large Mixing Bowls (2): One for dry ingredients, another for wet ingredients, makes combining easy.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending dry ingredients and creating smooth wet mixtures.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for folding ingredients and mixing batter without overmixing.
  • Wire Cooling Rack: Helps bread cool evenly and prevents soggy bottom.
  • Small Bowl: For mixing optional glaze.
  • Toothpick: Helps check bread doneness by testing center.

Instructions to Bake Hummingbird Banana Bread

  • Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F and give your loaf pan a quick spray of non-stick magic or line it with parchment paper.

  • Dance the Dry Ingredients Together

Grab a big mixing bowl and whirl together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until they’re perfectly mingled.

  • Blend Tropical Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, smoosh ripe bananas and combine with crushed pineapple, sugars, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Whip until silky smooth.

  • Marry the Mixtures

Gently fold wet ingredients into dry, stirring just until friends – no aggressive mixing! Toss in chopped nuts and coconut for extra tropical flair.

  • Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Slide into oven and bake 55-65 minutes. If top gets too tan, drape with foil after 40 minutes.

  • Cool and Release

Let bread rest in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack for complete cooling.

  • Optional Drizzle Finale

Whisk powdered sugar, pineapple juice, and vanilla into a dreamy glaze. Cascade over cooled bread for extra pizzazz.

  • Slice and Celebrate

Cut into generous slices and devour – with butter if you’re feeling indulgent!

Flavor Tweaks for Hummingbird Banana Bread

  • Tropical Twist Technique: Drain pineapple completely to prevent excess moisture, ensuring your banana bread maintains a perfect texture without becoming soggy.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Wrap the cooled banana bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months, preserving its delicious flavor and moist crumb for later enjoyment.
  • Dietary Flexibility: Swap out regular flour for gluten-free flour blend for those with gluten sensitivities. Replace eggs with mashed banana or commercial egg replacer to create a vegan-friendly version of this tropical treat.
  • Nut-Free Option: Skip the pecans or walnuts if you have nut allergies. Instead, add extra coconut or mix in sunflower seeds for a crunchy alternative that keeps the bread safe and delicious.
  • Flavor Boost Hack: Toast the coconut and nuts before adding them to the batter to intensify their nutty, rich flavors and add an extra layer of depth to your hummingbird banana bread.

Serving Hummingbird Bread Warm or Chilled

  • Tropical Breakfast Companion: Pair this luscious banana bread with a fresh coconut smoothie or morning coffee for a delightful island-inspired start to your day.
  • Decadent Dessert Transformation: Transform slices into an elegant dessert by topping with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel, and toasted coconut flakes for extra indulgence.
  • Afternoon Tea Delight: Serve thin slices alongside a cup of hot tea or as part of a beautifully arranged afternoon tea platter, complemented by fresh fruit and light cream cheese spread.
  • Gift-Worthy Treat: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper and tie with a rustic twine for a charming homemade gift that showcases your baking skills and warm hospitality.

Store Hummingbird Banana Bread for Later

  • Smart Portioning: Cut the banana bread into individual slices, wrap each tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store in an airtight container. Perfect for grab-and-go breakfast or quick snacks throughout the week.
  • Fridge Freshness: Keeps well in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. Store in a sealed container to maintain moisture and prevent drying out. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
  • Freezer Stash: Freeze entire loaf or pre-cut slices for up to 3 months. Wrap securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for convenient future enjoyment.
  • Room Temperature Trick: If consuming within 2-3 days, store bread in a sealed container at room temperature. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain optimal taste and soft consistency. Place a paper towel inside the container to absorb excess moisture and prevent soggy texture.
Print
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Luscious Hummingbird Banana Bread Recipe

Luscious Hummingbird Banana Bread Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Delightful hummingbird banana bread merges classic Southern comfort with tropical banana sweetness. Pecans and cream cheese frosting elevate this nostalgic dessert into a memorable culinary experience you won’t soon forget.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup or 240 ml)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) crushed pineapple, drained
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil or melted butter
  • 1 ¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
  • ⅔ cup (133 g) granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup (67 g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • ¼ cup shredded coconut
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp pineapple juice or milk
  • ¼ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease, ensuring smooth release of the bread.
  2. Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to create a uniform dry mixture with no visible lumps.
  3. Wet Mixture: In a separate bowl, blend mashed bananas, crushed pineapple, granulated and brown sugars, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until achieving a smooth, cohesive consistency that promises rich flavor integration.
  4. Batter Composition: Fold wet ingredients into dry mixture using gentle motions, carefully incorporating chopped pecans and shredded coconut to maintain a tender, delicate texture without overmixing.
  5. Baking Process: Pour batter into prepared pan, leveling the surface, and bake for 55-65 minutes. Monitor for even golden-brown coloration, using a toothpick inserted into the center to confirm complete cooking when it emerges clean.
  6. Cooling and Finishing: Remove from oven, loosely tent with foil if browning too quickly. Rest in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling. Optional: Drizzle with a glaze made from powdered sugar, pineapple juice, and vanilla extract.
  7. Serving: Slice the bread and serve at room temperature, optionally accompanied by a pat of butter to enhance its tropical-inspired decadence.

Notes

  • Prevent Banana Browning: Mash ripe bananas immediately after peeling to prevent oxidation and maintain vibrant flavor and color.
  • Control Moisture Balance: Drain crushed pineapple thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making the bread too dense or soggy during baking.
  • Optimize Nut Distribution: Lightly coat chopped pecans with flour before adding to batter, ensuring they remain evenly suspended throughout the bread without sinking.
  • Enhance Texture Variation: Toast coconut and pecans briefly before incorporating to intensify their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the bread’s overall texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Jenna Hartley

Jenna Hartley

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

  • Recipe development with a focus on single-dish meals.
  • Fusion of traditional and modern Australian cuisines.
  • Food styling and photography for digital platforms.​

Education

Box Hill Institute, Melbourne

  • Degree: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
  • Focus: Specialized in practical food and beverage service, responsible alcohol and hygiene compliance, legal risk management, and hands‑on experience in a simulated restaurant environment.

William Angliss Institute, Melbourne

  • Program: Certificate IV in Patisserie
  • Focus: Specialized in pastry and bakery techniques, cookery and specialty food preparation, recipe planning and costing, commercial kitchen operations, sustainable and inclusive work practices, food safety and hygiene compliance, and workplace health and safety.

Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes. 

Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.

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