Birds Nest Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 75 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A delightful birds nest cake featuring tropical pineapple, ripe bananas, and crunchy pecans, perfect for family gatherings or special occasions with warm cinnamon flavor.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup self-rising flour
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/4 cup applesauce
  • 2 cups mashed banana
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix self-rising flour, sugar, and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
  4. Pour crushed pineapple, slightly beaten eggs, applesauce, smashed bananas, and vanilla into the well.
  5. Combine all ingredients until well mixed.
  6. Pour the batter into a greased and floured tube pan.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, consider substituting half of the mashed banana with unsweetened applesauce. You can also experiment with adding shredded coconut or using walnuts instead of pecans for a different flavor profile. Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better mixing. If you have leftovers, try serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is delightful on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top. Serve it alongside fresh fruit for a colorful presentation. For a festive touch, consider serving it on a platter with slices of Rhubarb Cake And Topping for a sweet dessert spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Birds Nest Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, slice individual pieces and warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or enjoy cold for a refreshing snack.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Birds Nest Cake contains roughly 356 calories, with 3g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (15% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (14% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

356 kcal 18% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.4g 7% DV
Total Fat 14.9g 19% DV
Carbs 32.9g 12% DV
Fiber 4.3g 15% DV
Sugar 10.9g 22% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 12.4mg 1% DV
Potassium 370mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 1.1mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 2.4mcg
Vitamin C 12.6mg 14% DV
Calcium 31.2mg 2% DV
Iron 1.1mg 6% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of self-rising flour?

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour by adding 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt to the mix. This will help achieve the same leavening effect as self-rising flour.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free Birds Nest Cake, substitute self-rising flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Ensure that all other ingredients, particularly baking powder and any added mix-ins, are certified gluten-free.

Can I freeze the Birds Nest Cake?

Yes, you can freeze the Birds Nest Cake! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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