Nanny Girl'S Hummingbird Cake
A moist, flavorful cake combining bananas, pineapple, and pecans, layered with rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for celebrations or a special dessert treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the beaten eggs and vegetable oil, stirring until the dry ingredients are moistened. Do not beat.
- Stir in vanilla extract, crushed pineapple (undrained), 1 cup chopped pecans, and chopped bananas.
- Spoon the batter into two greased and floured 9-inch cake pans.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely.
- Spread cream cheese frosting between the layers and on top of the cake.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans over the frosting.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moist and flavorful cake, ensure your bananas are ripe. You can substitute the crushed pineapple with applesauce for a different flavor profile. If you prefer, use walnuts instead of pecans. Make sure to measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife to avoid a dense cake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Hummingbird Cake with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness. It pairs beautifully with a side of Hot Chili Rice for a contrasting flavor experience. This cake also makes a delightful dessert for special occasions and can be complemented with a cup of coffee or tea.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Hummingbird Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you freeze it, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe container. To enjoy the cake again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and serve at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nanny Girl'S Hummingbird Cake contains roughly 517 calories, with 6g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 486mg per serving (21% 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 in advance, let them cool completely, and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. Just make sure to wrap them well. Frost the cake the day you plan to serve it for the best texture and flavor.
What can I use instead of cream cheese frosting?
If you prefer a lighter option, you can use whipped cream or a simple buttercream frosting. For a tropical twist, try a coconut cream frosting. Each alternative will still enhance the flavors of the Hummingbird Cake beautifully.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture. The rest of the ingredients should be gluten-free, but always check labels to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
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).