Hummingbird Bread
Hummingbird Bread is a moist, flavorful quick bread combining bananas, pineapple, nuts, and warm spices. Its tender crumb and sweet, tropical flavors make it perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Ideal for sharing with family and friends, this bread offers a comforting taste of home with every slice.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift all dry ingredients, including spices, together in a large bowl.
- Add the beaten eggs, chopped nuts, crushed pineapple, vanilla, cooking oil, and chopped bananas to the dry ingredients.
- Mix well until all ingredients are combined; do not beat.
- Pour the batter into a greased tube, Bundt, or loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can substitute the chopped nuts with raisins or coconut for a different flavor profile. If you want to reduce sugar, try using half brown sugar and half white sugar. Additionally, ensure your bananas are very ripe for optimal sweetness and flavor. This recipe is also great for using up overripe bananas.
Serving Suggestions
Hummingbird Bread is delightful on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a spread of cream cheese or butter. Serve it alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or snack. For a festive touch, consider serving it as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This bread also complements American recipes like Quickie Meat And Cheese Dip for a balanced brunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Hummingbird Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply slice and warm in a toaster oven or microwave until heated through, ensuring it remains moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hummingbird Bread contains roughly 400 calories, with 2g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1248mg per serving (54% of the Daily Value).
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 fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but ensure it is well-pureed and drained to avoid extra moisture. This will help maintain the right consistency of the batter. Just remember that canned pineapple is usually sweeter, so you may want to adjust the sugar in the recipe accordingly.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Hummingbird Bread gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. You may also want to add an extra egg to help bind the ingredients together. Be sure to check that all other ingredients, especially baking soda, are gluten-free.
What can I add to enhance the flavor?
To enhance the flavor of Hummingbird Bread, consider adding a teaspoon of nutmeg or swapping out some of the sugar for brown sugar for a deeper taste. You can also mix in shredded coconut or even chocolate chips for a delightful twist. Adding a little orange zest could also brighten up the flavors.
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).