Hummingbird Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting
Hummingbird Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist, flavorful dessert featuring bananas, pineapple, pecans, and cherries. Its sweet, spiced profile makes it perfect for celebrations or as a comforting treat for family and friends. Rich and moist, it's a nostalgic favorite with tropical and nutty notes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sugar with all other dry ingredients which have been sifted together.
- Add eggs and vegetable oil; stir until moist but do not beat.
- Stir in vanilla, crushed pineapple with juice, chopped pecans, mashed bananas, and chopped maraschino cherries.
- Spoon the batter into three greased and floured 9-inch cake pans (or a tube pan).
- Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes for layered cakes or about 1 hour for a tube pan.
- Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting with Cream Cheese Frosting.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter cake, substitute half the vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce. If you don't have crushed pineapple, you can use finely chopped fresh pineapple or another fruit puree. Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter. To elevate flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg alongside the cinnamon. This cake pairs beautifully with Best-Ever Cake Layer for a delightful dessert experience.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Hummingbird Cake at room temperature, ideally with a generous layer of Cream Cheese Frosting. It pairs well with a side of fresh fruit, such as sliced strawberries or a fruit salad. For a refreshing drink, consider serving it with iced tea or a light lemonade. This cake is perfect for celebrations or as a sweet treat after a hearty meal, and you can browse more American recipes for a full menu.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftover Hummingbird Cake, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing the cake wrapped well in foil for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw in the fridge before enjoying.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hummingbird Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting contains roughly 538 calories, with 6g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 711mg per serving (31% 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 different nuts instead of pecans?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Just make sure to chop them finely to ensure even distribution in the batter. Each nut will impart a slightly different flavor, making your Hummingbird Cake unique.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of Hummingbird Cake, substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Ensure that all other ingredients, especially baking powder and soda, are also gluten-free for the best results.
What can I use if I don't have maraschino cherries?
If maraschino cherries are unavailable, you can use dried cherries or chopped fresh cherries as a substitute. This will give a different texture and flavor but will still enhance the overall sweetness of the cake.
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).