A classic Southern dessert, Hummingbird Cake brings together ripe bananas and crushed pineapple for a uniquely moist and fruity treat. Toasting pecans adds nutty depth, while a fluffy cream cheese frosting ties it all together. This showstopper cake is perfect for celebrations or whenever you want to bake something special that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
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Table of Contents
Ingredients for Hummingbird Cake
For the cake
- All-purpose flour – The base of this cake, so make sure it’s fresh and well-measured.
- Granulated sugar – Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the fruit.
- Baking soda – Helps the cake rise beautifully.
- Ground cinnamon – A warm spice that ties all the flavors together.
- Salt – Don’t skip it—it enhances every other ingredient.
- Eggs – Room temperature is key for a smooth batter.
- Vegetable oil – Keeps the cake moist and tender.
- Vanilla extract – Use high-quality if you can—it makes a difference.
- Crushed pineapple – Undrained for extra juiciness and flavor.
- Ripe bananas – The riper, the better for that natural sweetness.
- Pecans – Chopped for a lovely crunch in every bite.
For the frosting
- Cream cheese – Softened to room temperature for a silky smooth texture.
- Unsalted butter – Also softened—it’s essential for the perfect consistency.
- Powdered sugar – Adds sweetness and structure to the frosting.
- Vanilla extract – A hint of warmth to round out the flavors.
Cook Time for Hummingbird Cake Recipe
I love how this Hummingbird Cake comes together without a fuss, making it perfect for a weekend baking project. You can have this gorgeous cake ready to enjoy in about an hour from start to finish!
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 30 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour |
This schedule gives the cake layers plenty of time to cool before you slather on that decadent cream cheese frosting. Trust me, waiting is the hardest part!
How to Make Hummingbird Cake
Making this classic Southern dessert is a joyful process. Follow these steps carefully for a moist cinnamon cake with tropical fruit that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, ensuring the entire surface is coated, and tap out any excess flour.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 cups all-purpose flour, 2 cups granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until the dry ingredients are evenly combined.
Step 3: Create the Batter
Add 3 large eggs, 1 1/3 cups vegetable oil, and 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula until just combined. Gently fold in 8 ounces crushed pineapple, 2 cups mashed bananas, and 1 cup chopped pecans until the batter is thick and slightly lumpy.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Make the Frosting
While the cakes cool, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat 8 ounces softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes, or until smooth and creamy. Gradually add 4 cups powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.
Step 6: Assemble Your Masterpiece
Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate and spread an even layer of frosting on top. Carefully place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake using a spatula.
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make this Hummingbird Cake even more special. Here are my favorite ways to customize this beloved recipe to your taste.
- Flavor Swap: For a different tropical twist, try adding a handful of shredded coconut to the batter along with the pecans.
- Diet Tweak: You can create a lighter version by substituting half the oil with unsweetened applesauce and using a sugar alternative made for baking.
- Texture Fix: Toasting your pecans before chopping them unlocks a deeper, richer flavor that takes this cake to another level.
- Storage Tip: This cake stays incredibly moist! Store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, check out my guide to freezing frosted cakes properly.
Hummingbird Cake
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/3 cups vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 oz crushed pineapple undrained
- 2 cups ripe bananas (about 3 medium bananas)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Equipment
- oven
- cake pans
- electric mixer
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, tapping out any excess flour.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined.
- Add the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined, then fold in the crushed pineapple, mashed bananas, and chopped pecans.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake layer. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
Nutrition
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Nutrition and Health Benefits
While this luscious Hummingbird Cake is a treat, you’ll be glad to know that the fruit, nuts, and spices in it bring along some lovely health benefits too. Bananas add potassium and natural sweetness, pineapple delivers a dose of vitamin C, and pecans offer heart-healthy fats. Cinnamon, one of my favorite spices, isn’t just for flavor—it also brings a comforting warmth and has been enjoyed for its traditional wellness properties for generations.
| Ingredient | Key Benefit |
|---|---|
| Ripe Bananas | Rich in potassium and natural sugars |
| Crushed Pineapple | Provides vitamin C and digestive enzymes |
| Pecans | Source of healthy fats and antioxidants |
| Cinnamon | Adds warmth and traditional wellness support |
I always feel a little better serving this cake knowing it’s packed with real ingredients. For more on how fruits and nuts contribute to a balanced diet, explore this helpful resource on fruit and nut nutrition. And if you’re looking for other wholesome treats, don’t miss my healthy muffin recipes or this deliciously simple cottage cheese banana bread.
A Lighter Version of Hummingbird Cake
If you’re watching your sugar or fat intake, you can still enjoy this beautiful dessert with a few mindful swaps. I’ve tested these tweaks in my own kitchen, and they deliver the same warmth and flavor with a lighter touch. This baked pineapple banana cake with pecans is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to experiment.
Replace half the vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce to keep the cake beautifully moist without all the oil. For the sugar, try a baking-safe alternative like monk fruit or erythritol—just be sure to check the conversion ratios since some sweeteners are more concentrated. You can even reduce the powdered sugar in the frosting by half and add a touch of vanilla or cinnamon for extra flavor depth.
Want more ideas? My guide to healthy baking recipes is full of inspiration, and this refreshing pineapple smoothie is another fantastic way to enjoy tropical flavors without guilt.
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
Over the years, I’ve shared this Hummingbird Cake with friends and family who have different dietary needs, and I’ve learned a few simple ways to make it work for almost everyone. Whether you’re sugar-conscious or exploring low glycemic options, these small changes can help you enjoy this Southern classic without compromise.
For a diabetic-friendly version, try replacing granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia or xylitol—just remember to adjust the amount since some alternatives are sweeter than sugar. You can also reduce the overall sugar by using very ripe bananas and letting their natural sweetness shine through. Another trick I love is adding a sprinkle of cinnamon not only for flavor but for its gentle support in managing blood sugar.
If you’re avoiding dairy, the cream cheese frosting can be made with plant-based cream cheese and butter alternatives. And for those eating gluten-free, a reliable gluten-free flour blend works beautifully in this recipe—just add a touch more moisture since gluten-free flabs tend to absorb liquids differently.
How to Serve Hummingbird Cake
I’ll never forget the first time I brought this Hummingbird Cake to a family gathering—my aunt, who grew up in Georgia, took one bite and smiled. “Tastes just like home,” she said. Since then, it’s been my go-to dessert for birthdays, holidays, and those times when only something sweet and heartfelt will do.
This moist cinnamon cake with tropical fruit is wonderful on its own, but I love serving it with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. For a special touch, garnish each slice with a few extra toasted pecans or a thin slice of banana. It also pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a scoop of lemon cherry gelato if you’re feeling fancy.
If you’re serving it for a holiday, why not round out the menu with other classic treats? This Hummingbird Cake would be right at home next to my pecan pie cheesecake or included in a spread of healthy Thanksgiving desserts. However you choose to enjoy it, this cake is meant to be shared with love.
Mistakes to Avoid
After baking countless Hummingbird Cakes over the years, I’ve seen a few common mishaps that can easily trip up even experienced bakers. Don’t worry though—I’m here to share what I’ve learned so your Hummingbird Cake turns out perfectly every time.
First, overmixing the batter is probably the biggest culprit. When you work the flour too much, you develop gluten that makes the cake tough instead of tender. I gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ones until just combined—a few small lumps are absolutely fine.
Secondly, make sure your bananas are truly ripe with plenty of brown spots. Underripe bananas won’t mash properly and lack the natural sweetness that makes this moist cinnamon cake with tropical fruit so special. If your bananas aren’t quite there yet, try my snickerdoodle banana bread instead—it’s wonderful with slightly less ripe fruit.
Finally, don’t frost your cake until it’s completely cool. I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but warm layers will melt your beautiful cream cheese frosting into a messy puddle. While you wait, why not whip up this refreshing 3-ingredient mango smoothie to enjoy?
I learned this lesson the hard way when I brought a slightly warm cake to a church potluck years ago. By the time we sliced into it, the frosting had practically disappeared! Now I always plan ahead and bake my layers the day before I need to frost them.
How to Store Hummingbird Cake
This classic Hummingbird Cake actually gets better after a day or two as the flavors meld together beautifully. I always remember my grandmother wrapping her cakes in cheesecloth and storing them in the pantry—though these days, I prefer more modern methods!
For short-term storage, keep your frosted cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen runs warm, refrigerate it instead to prevent the cream cheese frosting from spoiling. Just bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
You can also freeze individual slices for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator when cravings strike. For more storage tips and other delicious treats, check out my guide to healthy no-bake desserts that require no storage worries at all!
If you’re looking for another make-ahead option that stores beautifully, my pecan pie cheesecake holds up wonderfully in the freezer and makes any occasion feel special.
Try This Hummingbird Cake Yourself
I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine over the years. There’s something truly magical about sharing this Southern-style banana pineapple dessert with people you love—it creates memories that linger long after the last crumb is gone.
I’ll never forget the first time my daughter helped me bake this cake for her grandfather’s birthday. Her little hands carefully arranging the pecan topping taught me that the best recipes are those we pass down with love and laughter.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this fluffy layered cake with cream cheese icing is sure to become a favorite. For more baking inspiration, explore my collection of healthy baking recipes or try this protein-packed high-protein desserts collection.
If you love tropical flavors, don’t miss my pineapple cake recipe or this delightful frozen yogurt recipe that makes a perfect light ending to any meal. For Valentine’s Day or anniversary celebrations, these healthy Valentine’s Day desserts offer something special for every sweet tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a hummingbird cake taste like?
Hummingbird Cake tastes like a tropical vacation in dessert form! You’ll experience the sweet banana and pineapple flavors first, followed by warm cinnamon spice and crunchy pecans. The creamy frosting adds a tangy contrast that makes this baked pineapple banana cake with pecans truly irresistible.
What is a hummingbird cake made of?
Traditional Hummingbird Cake contains ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, pecans, cinnamon, and vegetable oil for moisture. The layers are always topped with a rich cream cheese frosting that makes this classic Southern dessert so memorable. Every bite offers a perfect balance of fruit, spice, and sweetness.
Why do they call a hummingbird cake a hummingbird cake?
The name supposedly comes from the idea that the cake is sweet enough to attract hummingbirds, though there are several theories about its origin. Some say it’s because the flavors are so delightful they make you hum with happiness! The recipe first appeared in Southern Living magazine in 1978 and quickly became a beloved tradition.
What’s the difference between carrot cake and hummingbird cake?
While both are spiced layer cakes with cream cheese frosting, Hummingbird Cake uses bananas and pineapple instead of carrots. The tropical fruits create a moister, fruit-forward cake compared to carrot cake’s earthier flavor profile. Both are delicious, but I reach for this Hummingbird Cake recipe when I want something brighter and more tropical.
More Southern Favorites You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this classic Hummingbird Cake, you’ll adore these other comforting Southern recipes that taste like home.
- Pecan Pie Cheesecake – A decadent mashup of two Southern classics with a creamy filling and crunchy pecan topping.
- Cottage Cheese Banana Bread – An extra-moist twist on traditional banana bread with added protein from creamy cottage cheese.
- Healthy Thanksgiving Desserts – Lighter versions of holiday classics that don’t skimp on flavor or tradition.
- Healthy Muffin Recipes – Perfect for breakfast or snacking, these muffins come packed with fruits, nuts, and wholesome ingredients.
- Chocolate Buttercream Frosting – Rich, silky frosting that transforms any cake into a chocolate lover’s dream.
- Lemon Cherry Gelato – A refreshing frozen treat that balances sweet cherries with bright lemon flavor.
