Instructions
- 1
Whisk dry ingredients. In separate bowl mix oil, sugars, eggs, vanilla, bananas, pineapple.
- 2
Combine wet and dry. Fold in toasted pecans.
- 3
Bake in 3 layers at 350°F for 33-35 minutes. Cool completely.
- 4
Make brown sugar cream cheese frosting: beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add sugars. Beat 3 minutes.
- 5
Spread frosting between each layer generously.
- 6
Apply smooth coat all over exterior.
- 7
Press toasted pecan halves all around the top edge.
- 8
Drizzle caramel sauce over top. Dust with cinnamon.
Baker's Tip
The hummingbird cake should be extremely moist — if it seems dry, the oil was not enough or the bananas were under-ripe. The batter should look almost oily and dense before baking. This is correct and is what makes the crumb so extraordinarily tender.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called Hummingbird Cake?
The origin is debated. Some say it is named for the hummingbird because the cake is so sweet that it attracts sweet-seeking creatures like hummingbirds. Others say it originated in Jamaica (where the national bird is the hummingbird) and was brought to the American South. It first appeared in print in Southern Living magazine in 1978.
Can I make Hummingbird Cake without nuts?
Yes — simply omit the pecans and the texture is still wonderful. Toasted coconut flakes are a good nut-free addition for similar crunch and tropical flavor. The cake is naturally so flavorful that the nuts are a nice addition but not essential.
My cake is very dense and heavy — what went wrong?
Over-measuring the flour is the most common issue. Use the spoon-and-level method: spoon flour into the measuring cup and level with a straight edge. Never scoop directly with the cup. Also ensure bananas are very ripe — under-ripe bananas add starchiness that makes the cake heavy.
Can I freeze Hummingbird Cake layers?
Yes — wrap unfrosted cooled layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before assembling. Do not freeze the assembled frosted cake — cream cheese frosting weeps and becomes grainy after freezing and thawing.
About This Recipe
The iconic Southern American hummingbird cake elevated — banana, pineapple and pecan spiced layers with brown sugar cream cheese frosting, finished with toasted pecans and a caramel drizzle. A cake so good it earned a standing ovation at every church potluck in the South.
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