Intro:
Bring a taste of the South into your home with this delightful and indulgent Hummingbird Cake recipe. Originally from Jamaica, this cake features a delicious mix of tropical flavors like banana, pineapple, and pecans, all topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any occasion, this Hummingbird Cake is sure to become a family favorite with its moist and flavorful layers. Let’s dive into making this scrumptious treat!
Hummingbird Cake
Ingredients:
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup vegetable oil
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, undrained
– 2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium bananas)
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
– 8 cups powdered sugar
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– Additional chopped pecans for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
3. In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until the mixture is creamy.
4. Gradually add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract to the sugar mixture and beat until combined.
5. Stir in the crushed pineapple (with juice) and mashed bananas until fully incorporated.
6. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
7. Fold in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
8. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
10. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and beat the frosting until it is smooth and spreadable.
Assembling the Cake:
1. Once the cake layers are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate.
2. Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting over the top of the cake layer.
3. Repeat with the remaining layers, frosting the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
4. If desired, garnish the top of the cake with additional chopped pecans for added texture and flavor.
Enjoy your homemade Hummingbird Cake with a cup of tea or coffee, or share it with friends and family at your next gathering. The combination of tropical fruits, nuts, and cream cheese frosting creates a decadent dessert that is wonderfully moist and bursting with flavor. This cake is a true showstopper that is guaranteed to impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds. Happy baking!
