Hummingbird Cake
Hummingbird cake is a delightful Southern classic that combines the tropical flavors of banana and pineapple with the crunch of pecans. Its moist texture and creamy frosting make it a perfect dessert for gatherings and celebrations, pleasing both young and old with its sweet, fruity essence.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine flour, soda, salt, sugar, and cinnamon.
- Add eggs and oil, stirring until moistened. Do not beat.
- Stir in vanilla, pineapple, bananas, and 1 cup of pecans.
- Pour the batter into 3 round, greased cake pans.
- Bake at 350° for 25 minutes.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes.
- Remove from pans and let cool completely.
- Mix oleo, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla.
- Frost the cake with icing, then sprinkle 1/2 cup of pecans on top.
Tips & Substitutions
To keep the cake moist, make sure to use very ripe bananas. If you're out of oleo, melted butter works well as a substitute. For a lighter texture, you can sift the flour before measuring. Adding a pinch of nutmeg enhances the flavor, but be careful not to overpower the cinnamon. This cake is inspired by traditional American recipes, making it a delightful choice for gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Hummingbird Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Broccoli Supreme for a well-rounded spread at gatherings. This cake is perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or any festive occasion.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Hummingbird Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake, which can last up to a week. If you want to freeze it, wrap slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. To reheat, let it come to room temperature before enjoying, or warm it briefly in the microwave.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hummingbird Cake contains roughly 1007 calories, with 6g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 75g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (13% of the Daily Value) and protein (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 838mg per serving (36% 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 other nuts instead of pecans?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or even almonds if you prefer. Just chop them finely and fold them into the batter. Each nut adds a different flavor, so feel free to experiment based on your taste preference.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of Hummingbird Cake, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum to help with texture. The other ingredients remain the same, so you'll still enjoy the rich flavors.
Can I prepare the cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature. Frost the cake on the day you plan to serve it for the best texture and flavor.
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).