Heavenly Honey-Kissed Moist Hummingbird Cake Recipe

Southern kitchens have long cherished this delightful hummingbird cake recipe that combines rich banana and pineapple flavors.

Generations of bakers have perfected this tropical-inspired dessert with love and care.

The classic Southern hummingbird cake brings together sweet, ripe bananas and tangy pineapple in a moist, tender crumb.

Chopped pecans add a delightful crunch that makes every bite memorable.

Creamy cream cheese frosting crowns this cake with decadent smoothness.

Each slice promises a burst of flavor that connects you to cherished culinary traditions.

Let this recipe become your new favorite dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 493 kcal

Servings: 12

Everything You Need for Hummingbird Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides sturdy structure for the cake's tender crumb and helps bind ingredients smoothly.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and contributes to its golden-brown caramelized exterior.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, airy texture during baking.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor depth and balances the sweetness of the cake.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic undertones that complement tropical fruit flavors.

• Ripe Bananas: Creates rich, natural sweetness and ensures an incredibly moist cake texture.
• Crushed Pineapple: Infuses tropical tanginess and helps maintain cake's exceptional moistness.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients together and provides structure to the cake's delicate consistency.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cake remains incredibly soft and prevents dryness.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out flavor profile with subtle, sophisticated sweetness.
• Chopped Pecans: Introduces delightful crunch and nutty complexity to the cake's overall composition.

• Cream Cheese: Creates tangy, rich base for smooth, luxurious frosting.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps achieve silky frosting consistency.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides perfect sweetness and helps stabilize frosting texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances frosting's flavor with delicate aromatic notes.

Tools to Bake the Hummingbird Cake Just Right

• Cake Pans: Three 9-inch round pans for baking the cake layers evenly.
• Large Mixing Bowl: For combining dry and wet ingredients thoroughly.
• Whisk: To mix dry ingredients smoothly without lumps.
• Electric Mixer: Essential for beating cream cheese frosting to perfect fluffy consistency.
• Wire Rack: Allows cake layers to cool completely without getting soggy.
• Spatula: Helps fold ingredients and spread frosting evenly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.
• Toothpick: Checks cake doneness by inserting into center.
• Serving Plate: For presenting and assembling the final cake.

Bake the Southern Favorite: Hummingbird Cake Guide

• Fire Up the Oven

Warm your kitchen to a toasty 350F. Prepare cake pans by giving them a light coating of grease and flour to prevent sticking.

• Create Dry Foundation

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until perfectly blended.

• Merge Wet and Dry Worlds

Pour eggs, oil, and vanilla into the dry mixture. Stir gently until ingredients just come together. Softly fold in crushed pineapple, mashed bananas, and chopped pecans. Be careful not to overwork the batter.

• Bake to Perfection

Distribute batter evenly across cake pans. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean. Let cakes rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

• Whip Up Dreamy Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter until silky smooth. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, creating a fluffy cloud-like texture. Finish with a splash of vanilla extract.

• Build Your Masterpiece

Layer cake rounds on a serving plate. Spread generous frosting between each layer, covering top and sides completely. Sprinkle chopped pecans or add fresh fruit garnish if desired.

• Chill and Serve

Refrigerate cake for 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Slice and enjoy at room temperature for maximum deliciousness.

Customizing Your Hummingbird Cake

• Baking Brilliance: Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and even baking.
• Texture Tip: Gently fold mix-ins like bananas and pineapple to prevent overmixing, keeping the cake tender and moist.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cake layers in advance and freeze wrapped tightly for up to 2 weeks, saving time on special occasions.
• Diet-Friendly Twist: Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for celiac-friendly version. Replace nuts with toasted coconut for nut-free alternative.
• Storage Savvy: Store frosted cake covered in refrigerator for 4-5 days. Let sit at room temperature 30 minutes before serving for optimal flavor and texture.

Serve Hummingbird Cake Like You Mean It

• Tropical Brunch Companion: Pair this luscious hummingbird cake with fresh tropical fruit salad and light mimosas for a delightful morning gathering.
• Southern Celebration Centerpiece: Showcase this cake as a stunning dessert at family reunions, weddings, or summer potlucks with its rich, homey flavor profile.
• Coffee Shop Afternoon Treat: Slice and serve alongside a creamy cappuccino or iced coffee for a decadent cafe-style dessert experience that delights the senses.
• Elegant Dinner Finale: End a sophisticated dinner party with thin cake slices garnished with fresh mint leaves and a drizzle of caramel sauce for an impressive dessert presentation.

Keeping Hummingbird Cake Fresh & Fabulous

• Smart Slice Strategy: Cut cake into portions before refrigerating to prevent crumbling and maintain clean edges.
• Chilled Storage Solution: Wrap cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping frosting fresh and preventing moisture loss.
• Freezing Technique: Individually wrap cake layers or whole cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for 2-3 months, thawing overnight in refrigerator before serving to retain original texture and taste.
• Room Temperature Tip: Remove cake from refrigerator 30-45 minutes before serving to allow frosting to soften and flavors to develop fully, ensuring a delightful eating experience.

Moist Hummingbird Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Delightful hummingbird cake celebrates Southern baking traditions with bananas, pineapple, and pecans. Cream cheese frosting crowns this moist, flavorful dessert you’ll savor with pure culinary joy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups (710 ml) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
• 1 ½ cups (340 g) mashed ripe bananas (about 3 large bananas)
• 1 (8 oz/227 g) can crushed pineapple with juice
• 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable oil
• 1 cup (100 g) chopped pecans (plus extra for garnish)
• 8 oz (227 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (1 stick/113 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar
• 1 ½ tsps vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and meticulously coat three round cake pans with grease to prevent adherence.
2. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Combine flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl, whisking until thoroughly blended.
3. Batter Creation: Blend eggs, oil, and vanilla extract into the dry mixture. Fold in crushed pineapple with its juices, mashed bananas, and chopped pecans, stirring minimally to preserve the cake’s delicate structure.
4. Baking Process: Evenly distribute batter across prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. Test for completion by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge pristine and dry.
5. Cooling and Layer Release: Rest cake layers in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Allow complete temperature reduction before frosting.
6. Frosting Preparation: Whip cream cheese and butter until silky. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, creating a light, fluffy consistency. Enhance with vanilla extract for nuanced flavor.
7. Cake Assembly: Position first layer on a serving plate. Spread frosting between layers, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Coat entire cake with remaining frosting for a smooth finish.
8. Decorative Touches: Optionally garnish with additional pecans, banana slices, or pineapple chunks to elevate visual and textural appeal.
9. Final Refinement: Refrigerate assembled cake for 30 minutes to set frosting. Serve at room temperature to maximize flavor complexity and enjoyment.

Notes

• Optimize Ingredient Temperature: Bring eggs, cream cheese, and butter to room temperature before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free batter and frosting.
• Control Moisture Balance: Drain pineapple chunks thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making the cake soggy or dense.
• Prevent Over-Mixing: Fold ingredients gently and minimally to maintain the cake’s tender, light texture and avoid developing tough gluten strands.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free blend, use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil, and replace pecans with seeds for allergen-friendly variations.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 47 g
• Sodium: 305 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 64 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg