Description
This Easter Hummingbird Cake Recipe is a delightful Southern classic featuring moist, tender layers infused with ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, and warm spices, all enveloped in a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfectly balanced in sweetness and bursting with tropical flavors, it’s an ideal festive centerpiece for Easter and spring celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Frosting Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 to 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans. Drain crushed pineapple, mash bananas lightly, and have all ingredients at room temperature ready.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt until completely combined to ensure even distribution of leavening and spices.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and eggs until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract, mashed bananas, and drained crushed pineapple to create the moist, flavorful base.
- Bring It All Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing. Fold in chopped pecans if using for added texture.
- Bake the Cake Layers: Divide batter evenly among prepared pans, smoothing the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely on wire racks before frosting.
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until desired consistency is reached. Add vanilla extract for flavor.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Repeat with the second layer, then add the final layer. Frost the entire cake evenly. Optionally, sprinkle with extra pecans or toasted coconut for garnish.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness and moisture.
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Drain pineapple thoroughly to prevent sogginess.
- Ingredients like eggs and cream cheese should be at room temperature.
- Allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cake)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg