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Hummingbird Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Hummingbird Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Hummingbird Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a southern classic dessert that combines moist, tender cake layers made with ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, warm spices, and chopped nuts, all topped with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for family gatherings or casual treats, this cake delivers balanced sweetness, rich flavors, and a beautifully moist texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 2 to 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained well
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 to 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mash the ripe bananas and drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly to remove excess moisture, ensuring a moist but not soggy cake.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir well to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
  3. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vegetable oil, vanilla extract, mashed bananas, and pineapple, mixing thoroughly to create a smooth batter.
  4. Fold Ingredients Together: Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix to maintain a soft crumb. Finally, fold in the chopped nuts for added texture.
  5. Bake Until Golden: Pour the batter evenly into greased and floured cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely before frosting.
  6. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is spreadable with a slight tang.
  7. Assemble and Frost: Once the cakes are completely cooled, layer them and spread the cream cheese frosting evenly on top and between layers. Garnish with additional chopped nuts or toasted coconut if desired.

Notes

  • Use ripe bananas for maximum natural sweetness and flavor.
  • Drain pineapple thoroughly to prevent a soggy cake texture.
  • Fold batter gently to keep the cake light and fluffy.
  • Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for smooth frosting.
  • Cool cakes completely and chill slightly before frosting to prevent melting.

Nutrition

Keywords: Hummingbird Cake, Cream Cheese Frosting, Southern Cake, Banana Cake, Pineapple Cake, Moist Cake, Spiced Cake, Dessert