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Hummingbird Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Hummingbird Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Hummingbird Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist, spiced Southern classic packed with ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, and crunchy pecans. The layers are topped with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting that perfectly balances the cake’s sweetness. Ideal for celebrations or any dessert craving, this cake offers warm spices, nutty texture, and a tender crumb that delights every time.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (a pinch)
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple, well drained
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 34 cups powdered sugar (adjust for desired sweetness and consistency)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two or three 9-inch round cake pans. Mash the ripe bananas and thoroughly drain the crushed pineapple. Finely chop the pecans for even distribution.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt to ensure even spreading of spices and leavening agents.
  3. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk granulated sugar with vegetable oil and vanilla extract until combined. Stir in the mashed bananas and drained crushed pineapple.
  4. Bring Wet and Dry Together: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold using a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and tender. Fold in chopped pecans last.
  5. Bake Your Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake layers to cool completely on wire racks before frosting.
  6. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Whip until light and fluffy for perfect spreading consistency.
  7. Assemble and Frost: Layer the cooled cakes with generous amounts of cream cheese frosting between layers and spread remaining frosting over the top. Smooth the frosting with an offset spatula and decorate with toasted pecans, if desired.

Notes

  • Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
  • Drain crushed pineapple thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the batter which can cause sogginess.
  • Fold batter gently to maintain a light, tender crumb and prevent toughness.
  • If frosting is too soft, chill briefly to make spreading easier.
  • Ensure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before making frosting to avoid lumps.

Nutrition

Keywords: hummingbird cake, cream cheese frosting, southern cake, moist cake, spiced cake, pineapple banana cake, pecan cake, celebration dessert