Description
Old-Fashioned Hummingbird Cake is the kind of easy dessert recipe that instantly feels special. This moist layer cake is packed with ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, warm cinnamon, and crunchy pecans, then finished with a rich cream cheese frosting that makes every bite soft, sweet, and unforgettable. It is perfect for holiday dessert tables, spring gatherings, birthday treats, and classic homemade baking days when you want comforting food ideas that always impress.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups mashed ripe bananas
1 can crushed pineapple, 8 ounces, with juice
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup chopped pecans
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped pecans for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Add the eggs, vegetable oil, mashed bananas, crushed pineapple with juice, and vanilla extract. Stir just until combined.
4. Fold in the chopped pecans.
5. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans.
6. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks and cool completely.
8. To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
9. Add the powdered sugar gradually, then mix in the vanilla extract until creamy.
10. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread frosting on top. Repeat with the remaining layers.
11. Frost the top and sides of the cake, then garnish with chopped pecans.
12. Chill for 30 minutes before slicing for the cleanest layers.
Notes
Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added, or the cake can turn dense instead of staying soft and tender.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 52g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 80g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 75mg