Hummingbird Cake

A classic take on the beloved dessert Hummingbird Cake. It's a staple in Southern kitchens and is known for its moist crumb, tropical flavors, and irresistible cream cheese frosting. This recipe is simple to whip up and is perfect for special occasions.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword Einkorn Hummingbird Cake, Hummingbird Cake, Hummingbird Cake Recipe, Old Fashioned Hummingbird Cake

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Cooling Time 10

Total Time 55

Servings slices

Calories 845kcal

Cost $15

Ingredients

2 cups chopped pecans
3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour (we use einkorn flour) 400g
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 large bananas, ripe 460g (about 2 cups)
8 oz crushed pineapple
3 large eggs
2/3 cup butter melted
2 cups granulated sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Frosting

16 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
3/4 cup salted butter, room temperature
5 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt or more to taste

Instructions

Set your oven to 350°F . Grease and flour 2 9-inch round cake pans.
Combine the dry ingredients by whisking together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl.
Add the mashed bananas, eggs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract in another bowl. If you're using an electric mixer, you can beat these together until smooth. Add in the crushed pineapple and mix briefly to combine.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Fold in the chopped pecans.
Split the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans.
Place pans onto the center rack and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Note: If you are using 3 cake pans, bake for 25-30 minutes instead.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

For the cream cheese frosting:

In a medium-sized bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
Add the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until light and fluffy.
Using a bread knife, slice the cakes in half to create 4 total cake layers. Frost - Add the finished frosting to the cooled cake layers, stacking them as you go.
Add the extra chopped pecans to the cake as desired, then slice and serve!

Notes

Ingredients and Substitutions

Chopped Pecans - Add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the cake. You can substitute with walnuts or omit them altogether for a nut-free version.
All-Purpose Flour - We're using all-purpose einkorn flour, but any all-purpose flour works perfectly fine. You can also use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Ripe Bananas - Provides natural sweetness and moisture. If you're short on bananas, you can substitute with unsweetened applesauce.
Crushed Pineapple - Adds a tropical twist and extra moisture to the cake. If you prefer fresh pineapple, or can only find canned pineapple chunks, simply finely chop the pineapple you have and use it in place of the crushed pineapple.
Eggs - Bind everything together and add structure. For an egg-free option, you can use 3/4 of a cup of Greek yogurt in place of all the eggs.
Butter - Infuses richness and flavor into the cake batter. For a dairy-free option, you can use melted coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute.
Granulated Sugar - White sugar is traditionally used, however, you can use a mix of white and brown sugar, or you can use an alternative like panela or maple syrup. If using a liquid sweetener you may need to increase the flour by 1/2 a cup to account for the extra liquid.
Pure Vanilla Extract - Enhances the overall flavor profile. You can also use vanilla bean paste for added flavor.
Baking Soda - Essential for leavening and creating a tender crumb.
Ground Cinnamon - Adds warm, aromatic notes to the cake. Feel free to increase the amount for a more pronounced cinnamon flavor.
Nutmeg - Enhances the cake's flavor profile with a hint of spice. If you don't have nutmeg on hand, you can omit it or substitute it with allspice.
Salt - Balances the sweetness and enhances other flavors.

Ingredients for the cream cheese frosting:

Cream Cheese - Provides the creamy base for the frosting. There is no substitution for this, however, a buttercream would pair well with the cake, if cream cheese is not an option.
Salted Butter - Adds richness and stability to the frosting.
Powdered Sugar - Sweetens and thickens the frosting. For a less sweet frosting, you can reduce the amount of sugar or use a powdered sugar alternative such as powdered maple sugar
Pure Vanilla Extract - Infuses the frosting with a delightful aroma. For a twist, try using almond extract or coconut extract.
Salt - Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor. Adjust according to your taste preferences.

Common Questions

Most hummingbird cake recipes call for 3 pans, why does yours call for just 2?

I, like most people, don't keep 3 cake pans on hand. However, I do have 2! I have found that most people are like me. So instead of recommending that they need an extra pan, I just recommend using two, and cutting both in half for 4 layers, instead of the traditional 3. Note: If you are using 3 cake pans, bake for 25-30 minutes instead.

Can I make this cake without nuts?

Absolutely! While chopped pecans add a delightful crunch to the cake, you can easily omit them if you have a nut allergy or simply prefer a nut-free option. The cake will still be delicious and flavorful without the nuts.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned crushed pineapple?

Yes, you can use fresh pineapple instead of canned crushed pineapple. Simply finely chop fresh pineapple and drain any excess juice before adding it to the batter. Keep in mind that fresh pineapple may have a slightly different texture and flavor compared to canned pineapple, but it will still work wonderfully in the cake.

How do I store leftover Hummingbird Cake?

To store leftover Hummingbird Cake, place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days. If you'd like to extend its shelf life, you can also freeze the cake. Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Can I make this cake ahead of time for a special occasion?

Yes, you can absolutely make this cake ahead of time for a special occasion. In fact, it's a great option for parties and gatherings since it actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together. Bake the cake layers in advance and store them at room temperature or in the refrigerator until you're ready to assemble and frost the cake (up to 5 days).

How can I prevent my cream cheese frosting from becoming too runny?

To prevent your cream cheese frosting from becoming too runny, make sure that your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before mixing. Additionally, gradually add the powdered sugar to the mixture, beating well after each addition until the desired consistency is reached.

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