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hummingbird cake slice

Hummingbird Cake Recipe

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings: 15 Servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups  all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups  granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon  baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon  ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon  salt
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons  vanilla extract
  • 1 8-ounce (can) crushed pineapple undrained
  • 2 cups  mashed ripe bananas about 3–4 bananas
  • 1 cup  chopped pecans

Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese
  • ½ cup  unsalted butter softened
  • 4 cups  powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons  vanilla extract

Method
 

  1. Start by whisking together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. 
  2. In the same bowl, add the eggs, oil, and vanilla extract. Stir gently until everything is just combined. Then fold in the mashed bananas, crushed pineapple (juice and all), and pecans if you’re using them.
  3. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans (or line them with parchment paper). Divide the batter evenly among the pans.
  4. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove and transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Frosting

  1. Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  2. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or stand. Spread frosting evenly on top, then repeat with the second and third layers. Frost the outside of the cake, smoothing the sides as best you can. For a classic finish, sprinkle the top with chopped pecans.

Notes

  • Don’t overmix: Stir until just combined to keep the cake tender.
  • Use ripe bananas: The riper, the sweeter and more flavorful the cake will be.
  • Don’t drain the pineapple: The juice adds moisture and flavor.
  • Toast the pecans: If you’re adding nuts, toasting them first brings out their flavor.
  • Chill before slicing: A brief chill in the fridge makes cleaner slices.