Description

The Hummingbird Cake is a classic Southern dessert that has won the hearts of many with its moist, flavorful layers of banana and pineapple cake, enriched with pecans and adorned with a luxurious cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients

For The Cake:

3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled

2 cups granulated sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon coarse salt

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1 cup vegetable oil

3 large eggs, lightly beaten

2 cups mashed ripe bananas

8 ounce can crushed pineapple in juice, undrained

1/2 cup coconut flakes

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

For the Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting:

16 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1/4 cup caramel sauce

2 teaspoons vanilla

1/4 teaspoon coarse salt

3 1/2 cups powdered sugar (or up to 4 cups, as needed)

Instructions

Prepare the Cake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans, lining the bottoms with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Stir in oil, eggs, bananas, pineapple, coconut flakes, and vanilla until just combined. Divide batter evenly among prepared pans.

Bake: Cook for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes, then invert onto wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Frosting: Beat cream cheese, butter, caramel sauce, vanilla, and salt until combined and fluffy. Gradually beat in powdered sugar to reach a spreadable consistency.

Assemble the Cake: Level the cakes if necessary. Place the first cake layer on a serving platter, spread with frosting, add the second layer and more frosting, then top with the third layer. Spread remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake. Decorate with a ring of toasted coconut and pecans if desired.

Serve: Enjoy at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

Ingredient Quality: For the best flavor, use overripe bananas and high-quality canned crushed pineapple. The ripeness of the bananas will add natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.
Texture Tip: Do not overmix the batter once the wet and dry ingredients have been combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake rather than a light and moist crumb.
Frosting: Ensure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before making the frosting to achieve a smooth and spreadable consistency. If the frosting is too thick, a tablespoon of milk can be added to reach the desired texture.
Serving Suggestion: The cake’s flavors develop and deepen if made a day ahead, making it an excellent option for preparing in advance. Store it in a cool, dry place if serving within 24 hours, or refrigerate if planning to serve later.
Customization: Feel free to adapt the recipe to dietary needs or flavor preferences, as suggested in the variations and modifications section. The Hummingbird Cake is versatile and forgiving, allowing for creative tweaks.

Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American