If you have a soft spot for moist, tender cakes that sing with tropical sweetness and just the right hint of spice, then you are absolutely going to adore this Hummingbird Cake Recipe. This Southern classic dazzles with a delightful combo of bananas, crushed pineapple, and toasted pecans, all brought together with a luscious cream cheese frosting that’s nothing short of dreamy. Every bite feels like a warm hug, with perfectly balanced flavors and textures that make it an irresistible treat for gatherings, celebrations, or any day in need of a little happy. Trust me, once you try this Hummingbird Cake Recipe, it will become a treasured part of your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A three-layer cake sits on a white plate with a white marbled background. Each layer is golden brown with a soft, slightly porous texture. Between the bottom and middle layer, there is a thick spread of smooth, creamy white frosting that slightly peeks out. Another thick layer of the same frosting sits between the middle and top cake layer, extending just beyond the edges. On top, there is a generous, uneven spread of creamy white frosting with soft peaks and swirls, showing a rich and fluffy texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these simple, wholesome ingredients sets the stage for a cake that’s bursting with flavor, tenderness, and a hint of crunch. Each one plays a crucial role: pecans add texture and warmth, bananas and pineapple provide natural sweetness and moisture, and the cream cheese frosting ties everything together with creamy richness.

Chopped pecans: Toast them lightly to unlock their nutty aroma and perfect crunch in the cake.
All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cake its soft, yet structured crumb.
Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents ensure the cake rises beautifully and stays light.
Ground cinnamon and allspice: Warm spices that infuse the cake with a cozy depth.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Mashed ripe bananas: Adds natural sweetness and moistness – ripe ones work best!
Crushed pineapple (undrained): Brings juicy tropical sweetness and keeps the cake tender.
Eggs: Bind the batter and help with rise and richness.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake incredibly moist and tender.
Brown sugar and granulated sugar: A combo of sugars that deliver sweetness and slight caramel notes.
Pure vanilla extract: Adds aromatic warmth and depth.
Full-fat cream cheese: The star of the frosting, providing tangy creaminess.
Unsalted butter: Makes the frosting silky and rich.
Confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting while keeping it smooth.
Pinch of salt in frosting: Balances sweetness for a perfectly flavored finish.

How to Make Hummingbird Cake Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Pecans

Start by toasting the chopped pecans at a moderate temperature until they’re beautifully fragrant and slightly golden. This step amps up their flavor and adds a subtle crunch that brings a wonderful textural contrast to the cake.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Pans

Grease three 8-inch cake pans and line them with parchment paper rounds. This setup ensures your cake layers come out effortlessly smooth. After that, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and get ready to bake some magic.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, and salt. This dry mix forms the flavorful foundation of your batter.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the mashed bananas, undrained crushed pineapple, eggs, vegetable oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and luscious.

Step 5: Blend Wet and Dry

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk gently until everything is fully combined without overmixing, ensuring a tender crumb. Then fold in the toasted pecans, saving some for garnishing.

Step 6: Bake the Cake Layers

Evenly divide the batter into your prepared pans and bake for about 26 to 29 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. Rotate your pans halfway through baking for even color and rise.

Step 7: Cool and Level the Cakes

Allow the cakes to cool in their pans on wire racks, then carefully remove them. For a flawless layered cake, level off the rounded tops with a serrated knife – those cake tops are delicious, so feel free to snack on them!

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat softened cream cheese and butter until creamy, then gradually add confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Whip until smooth and fluffy. Adjust thickness by adding more sugar or a splash of milk as needed.

Step 9: Assemble and Frost

Layer the cake rounds with frosting in between each one, coating the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Press your reserved toasted pecans onto the sides and top for a classic finishing touch. Chill for at least 15 minutes before slicing to help everything set.

How to Serve Hummingbird Cake Recipe

The image shows a three-layered cake on a white plate with a white marbled background. Each cake layer is light brown with a coarse texture, containing small visible nuts or grains. Between and on top of the cake layers is a thick, creamy white frosting, smooth and slightly swirled. The top of the cake is decorated with chopped pecans spread around, adding a dark brown contrast. The right side of the cake is missing a slice, showing the inside layers clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The toasted pecans not only add crunch but give an inviting rustic look to the finished cake. You can also sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon on top or add a few edible flowers for a fresh, pretty presentation.

Side Dishes

Pair the Hummingbird Cake Recipe with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream for extra indulgence. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or fragrant chai tea makes a wonderful match, balancing the cake’s sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing this cake into petite squares for a charming dessert buffet or serve individual mini versions in ramekins layered with the cream cheese frosting and topped with pecans. It’s equally stunning served straight from the cake stand at a picnic or casual get-together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, keep your cake covered tightly in the refrigerator to preserve its moistness and freshness. It stays delicious for up to 5 days, making it perfect for prepping ahead or enjoying over several days.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before frosting. Alternatively, freeze an assembled cake for up to 2 weeks, wrapped securely and thawed in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature to appreciate the cream cheese frosting. If you prefer your cake slightly warm, let slices come to room temp or gently warm briefly in the microwave (10-15 seconds) but avoid heating the whole cake.

FAQs

What makes this a Hummingbird Cake Recipe?

The defining features of a Hummingbird Cake are its use of bananas, pineapple, and pecans combined with warm spices and a cream cheese frosting. These elements create a uniquely moist and flavorful cake that truly sets it apart.

Can I substitute nuts if I have allergies?

Absolutely! You can omit pecans or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for crunch. Just keep in mind the classic texture and flavor profile will change, but it will still be delicious.

How ripe should the bananas be?

For the best sweetness and flavor, use very ripe bananas that are heavily speckled or even just starting to brown. They mash easily and enhance the cake’s moistness perfectly.

Can this cake be made into cupcakes?

Yes! The batter works wonderfully for cupcakes. Fill liners about 2/3 full and bake at 350°F (177°C) for about 20-23 minutes. Frost as you would the cake for an adorable portable treat.

Why does the recipe call for both baking powder and baking soda?

Using both leavening agents balances the acidity from the pineapple and bananas and ensures the cake rises just right with a tender crumb. Each does a different job chemically to create perfect texture and rise.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about this Hummingbird Cake Recipe that captures warmth, celebration, and soul in every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a delicious new favorite, this cake promises smiles and happy taste buds. So go ahead and bake it soon — I can guarantee you’ll fall in love and want to share it again and again.