Indulge in the sweet elegance of the Hummingbird Cake, a cherished Southern recipe known for its delightful blend of bananas, pineapple, and spices, all wrapped in a luxurious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for celebrations or as a special treat, this cake is a festival of flavors and textures.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, with juice
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- Additional chopped pecans for garnish (optional)
Preparation:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans:
- Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients:
- Fold in mashed bananas, crushed pineapple with its juice, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract until well mixed. If desired, add chopped pecans.
- Bake the Cake:
- Evenly divide the batter among the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted into the center.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting:
- Cream together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Stir in vanilla. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous layer of frosting. Repeat with remaining layers.
- Frost the sides and smooth the top. Optionally, adorn with more chopped pecans.
- Serve:
- Slice and serve the Hummingbird Cake at room temperature to savor its full flavor.
Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 1 hour (plus cooling) Yield: 12-16 servings
Serving Suggestion: This cake is a showstopper on its own and pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. It’s a fitting dessert for festive occasions or simply as a weekend baking project.
Variations and Tips:
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans.
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter and frosting.
- The cake can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator, enhancing its flavors.
