Description
This classic Southern Hummingbird Cake is ultra-moist and packed with tropical flavors from ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, and toasted pecans. Topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, this cake is perfect for birthdays, gatherings, or any special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (with juice)
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup toasted pecans, chopped
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Garnish:
- Extra toasted pecans
- Banana slices
- A dusting of cinnamon
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 9-inch cake pans. Line with parchment paper for easy removal.
2️⃣ Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, crushed pineapple (with juice), vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and eggs until smooth.
3️⃣ Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
4️⃣ Mix Wet & Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
5️⃣ Add Toasted Pecans: Gently fold in the toasted pecans for extra flavor and texture.
6️⃣ Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7️⃣ Cool the Cakes: Let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
8️⃣ Prepare the Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract.
9️⃣ Assemble & Frost the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread frosting evenly, and repeat with remaining layers. Frost the top and sides, smoothing it out.
🔟 Decorate & Serve: Garnish with toasted pecans, banana slices, or a dusting of cinnamon. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- For best results, do not drain the pineapple juice—it keeps the cake moist.
- Let the cake sit overnight for enhanced flavor and a softer texture.
- If your frosting is too runny, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes before using.
- To make gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (out of 12)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: hummingbird cake, banana pineapple cake, moist spice cake, southern dessert, homemade cake