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Dorothy Thomas

Hummingbird Cake Recipe

A classic Southern dessert, Hummingbird Cake is a moist, flavorful cake packed with bananas, pineapple, pecans, and warm spices, topped with creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for celebrations or a sweet treat!
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 580
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake:
  • 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups  (300g)  granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp  salt
  • 3 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 ½ cups  (360ml)  vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (450g) mashed ripe bananas (~4 medium bananas)
  • 1 cup (225g) crushed pineapple, undrained
  • 1 cup (120g)  chopped pecans (toasted, optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • 12 oz (340g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups  (480g)  powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp  vanilla extract
  • ½ cup  (60g)  chopped pecans (for garnish)

Equipment

  • 9-inch round cake pans (2 or 3)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two or three 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
  3. Add wet ingredients: Beat in eggs, oil, and vanilla until combined. Fold in mashed bananas, pineapple (with juice), and pecans.
  4. Bake: Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
  5. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until fluffy.
  6. Layer cakes with frosting between each layer. Frost the top and sides.
  7. Garnish with chopped pecans. Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.

Notes

  • Storage: Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.
  • Substitutions: Use walnuts instead of pecans, or omit nuts for allergies.
  • Tip: For extra moisture, brush layers with pineapple juice before frosting.