Hummingbird Cake

Step-by-step instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to bring this beautiful cake to life. Follow these straightforward steps:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
In a separate bowl, mix the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla. Then add in the mashed bananas and drained crushed pineapple.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring gently until just mixed. Fold in the chopped pecans for added crunch.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Once cooled, frost with a rich cream cheese frosting and, if desired, garnish with pineapple flowers for an elegant touch.

Hummingbird Cake shines as a dessert on its own, but you can elevate it even more with these serving suggestions:

Pairing with Fresh Fruit: Serve slices with a side of fresh berries or a fruit compote.
Ice Cream Delight: A scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream can make for a refreshing contrast.
Cream Cheese Frosting: Go all out with extra frosting on each slice for those who adore cream cheese.

Hummingbird Cake is best stored properly to ensure freshness. Here are some tips:

Storage at Room Temperature: If you plan to enjoy the cake within a day or two, store it loosely covered with plastic wrap at room temperature.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the cake. It can last up to a week in the fridge.
Freezing: If you have leftovers, freeze the cake slices in an airtight container, and they’ll keep for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

To make the perfect Hummingbird Cake, keep these expert tips in mind:

Ripeness Matters: Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and moisture.
Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated to keep the cake fluffy.
Pecans Prep: Toast the pecans before adding them to enhance their flavor.

Once you master the classic version, try these fun variations on your Hummingbird Cake:

Coconut Cream: Add shredded coconut to the batter for extra tropical fun.
Spices Galore: Experiment with nutmeg and allspice for a warm twist on the flavor profile.
Healthier Option: Substitute some of the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness.

How long does it take to prepare? The total time including baking and cooling is around 1.5 to 2 hours.
Can I use fresh pineapple? Absolutely! Just make sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture.
Is this cake suitable for freezing? Yes, the cake freezes beautifully, making it ideal for prepping ahead of time.

Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful Hummingbird Cake with your loved ones!