Hummingbird Cake (Light Version)
A moist, flavorful hummingbird cake featuring bananas, pineapple, and warm spices, topped with creamy frosting—perfect for gatherings and those craving a tropical-inspired treat.
Ingredients
- Vegetable cooking spray ⓘ
- 3 cups plus 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 3/4 cups sugar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 2 large eggs ⓘ
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 3/4 cups mashed banana ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can crushed pineapple in juice ⓘ
- Light Cream Cheese Frosting ⓘ
Instructions
- Coat three 9-inch round cake pans with cooking spray; sprinkle 2 teaspoons flour in pans and shake to coat. Set aside.
- Combine remaining 3 cups flour, baking soda, salt, sugar, and cinnamon in a large bowl.
- Combine eggs, applesauce, and vegetable oil in a separate bowl.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring just until the dry ingredients are moistened. Do not beat.
- Stir in mashed banana, vanilla extract, and crushed pineapple.
- Pour batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 23 to 25 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes; then remove from pans and cool completely on wire racks.
- Spread Light Cream Cheese Frosting on top and sides of the cooled cakes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version of Hummingbird Cake, ensure you use unsweetened applesauce to replace some fat. If you want to reduce sugar further, consider using a sugar substitute that measures like sugar. Be cautious not to overmix the batter; this keeps the cake light and fluffy. You can also experiment with adding crushed walnuts for added texture, though that will change the calorie count.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Hummingbird Cake at room temperature for the best flavor. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a delightful dessert for afternoon gatherings. Consider serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat. Browse more American recipes for additional dessert options that complement this cake.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Hummingbird Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you want to freeze it, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, keeping them for up to three months. To reheat, simply let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving, or microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hummingbird Cake (Light Version) contains roughly 259 calories, with 3g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (72% of the Daily Value), calcium (28% of the Daily Value), and iron (22% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 617mg per serving (27% 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 make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers ahead of time. Once cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to two days or freeze them for up to three months. Frost just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What can I substitute for crushed pineapple?
If you don't have crushed pineapple, you can use applesauce or even shredded zucchini for moisture. However, keep in mind that this may alter the flavor slightly. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid if using zucchini to avoid a soggy cake.
How can I make the frosting lighter?
To lighten the Light Cream Cheese Frosting, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese and substitute some of the powdered sugar with a sugar alternative. Adding a bit of Greek yogurt can also create a creamy texture without adding too many calories.
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).