Doctor Bird Cake(A.K.A. Fiesta Cake)

Prep: 20 min Cook: 80 min Cuisine: Caribbean

Doctor Bird Cake, or Fiesta Cake, is a moist, fruit-filled dessert with tropical flavors of bananas and pineapple, perfect for celebrations and family gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 3 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups cooking oil
  • 1 (8 oz.) can crushed pineapple with juice
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 cups bananas, diced
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Grease a tube cake or Bundt pan.
  3. Sift together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
  4. Add crushed pineapple with juice, cooking oil, vanilla, eggs, and diced bananas to the dry ingredients.
  5. Mix until blended, but do not beat.
  6. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
  7. Bake for 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until done.
  8. Cake will crack slightly on top.
  9. Cool in the pan on a rack.
  10. This cake will remain moist and fresh for some time.

Tips & Substitutions

For added moisture and flavor, consider using overripe bananas, as they are sweeter and mash more easily. If you want to reduce sugar, you can substitute some of it with applesauce. Ensure the crushed pineapple is well-drained if you prefer a less moist cake. For a nut-free version, you can omit the walnuts or replace them with sunflower seeds.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is delicious on its own but can be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. It also pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a tropical twist, serve alongside fresh fruit or a tropical ice cap.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Doctor Bird Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, simply slice and warm in the microwave for a few seconds, or enjoy it at room temperature.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Doctor Bird Cake(A.K.A. Fiesta Cake) contains roughly 1918 calories, with 16g protein, 147g carbohydrates, and 147g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (89% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (51% of the Daily Value), and protein (32% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2474mg per serving (108% of the Daily Value).

1918 kcal 96% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 16.1g 32% DV
Total Fat 147.3g 100% DV
Carbs 147.4g 54% DV
Fiber 14.4g 51% DV
Sugar 38.9g 78% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2474.5mg 100% DV
Potassium 1068.7mg 23% DV
Cholesterol 9.2mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 4.1mcg
Vitamin C 79.9mg 89% DV
Calcium 323.5mg 25% DV
Iron 4.6mg 25% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the texture may be denser. Start with a 50/50 blend to maintain some lightness while adding more fiber to the cake.

What can I substitute for walnuts if I have nut allergies?

If you have nut allergies, you can simply omit the walnuts or replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a similar crunch without the nuts.

Can I freeze this cake for later?

Yes, you can freeze Doctor Bird Cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight 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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