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Moist hummingbird cake with cream cheese frosting and toasted pecans on a wooden cake stand, with a slice cut out.

7 Secrets to the Best Hummingbird Cake (Moist & Easy!)


  • Author: sistarecipes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

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

Scale

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