Classic Hummingbird Cake
Hummingbird cake is a classic recipe! People take one bite and immediately ask for the recipe. It’s soft, sweet, packed with banana and pineapple, and topped with a cream cheese frosting that is to die for!
Why This Classic Never Goes Out of Style
It’s crazy moist. The banana and pineapple keep it soft and never dry, even the next day.
It looks impressive without being hard. A few steps, but totally doable and worth it.
The frosting is everything. Creamy, a little tangy, and the reason everyone goes back for another slice.
Hummingbird Cake Ingredients
Flour: For a tender, moist cake, spoon and level the flour when measuring to avoid using too much. Mix the flour into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Don’t Drain Pineapple: Add the can of pineapple juice with the pineapple. The juice will add moisture and flavor to the cake.
Nuts: Leave the pecans out if you don’t like nuts.
Coconut: Add coconut to the batter for added texture and flavor.
How to Make Hummingbird Cake
The recipe for Hummingbird Cake originated in Jamaica and has been a favorite in America since the 1970s. This cake is tender and moist thanks to the banana, crushed pineapple, and juices. You’re going to love it!
Cake
Prep & Combine Dry Ingredients: Preheat the oven to 350°F, then grease and line two 9-inch round baking pans with parchment paper and set aside. In a medium bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk to combine and set aside.
Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine granulated sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil and whisk until combined. Mix in mashed ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
Combine: Add the flour mixture and chopped pecans to the banana mixture, stirring until the batter just comes together.
Bake: Divide the cake batter between the prepared baking pans. Bake the cakes on the same rack for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove the baked cakes and set to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then gently remove the hummingbird cakes from the pan and continue cooling on a wire racks until completely at room temperature.
Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat: Add cream cheese and butter to a large mixing bowl. Beat together with a stand mixer or hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Mix in vanilla extract and salt.
Continue Mixing: Gradually add in powdered sugar while mixing. Continue until the frosting has a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Assemble: Place one of the cooled cakes on a cake stand or serving plate, and top with a thick layer of frosting. Smooth to make an even layer.
Layer: Gently place the other cake layer upside down on the top. Cover the cake with the remaining frosting. Garnish hummingbird cake with chopped pecans, if desired.
Alternative Baking Options
Cupcakes: Spoon batter into the cupcake liners, 2/3 full, and bake for 16-18 minutes.
Sheet Cake: Bake in a 9 x 13-inch pan for 40-45 minutes.
Must Have Tools For This Recipe
9-inch Round Cake Pans– I baked my cake into two layers, but you could do 3 layers if you prefer.
Offset Spatula– Makes frosting the cake easy.
Electric Hand Mixer– Whips the frosting into a smooth, creamy consistency.
Hummingbird Cake
Ingredients
Cake
3 cups all-purpose flour1 teaspoon baking soda1 teaspoon ground cinnamon½ teaspoon fine salt2 cups granulated sugar3 large eggs1 ¼ cups vegetable oil1 ½ cups mashed banana about 3 large bananas1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple undrained2 teaspoons vanilla extract1 cup toasted chopped pecans
Cream Cheese Frosting
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese room temperature½ cup unsalted butter room temperature6 cups powdered sugar2 teaspoons vanilla extract¼ teaspoon fine saltchopped pecans for garnish optional
Instructions
Cake
Cream Cheese Frosting
Video
Notes
Fridge- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer- Wrap unfrosted cake layers in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Make Ahead- Assemble and frost the cake up to 24 hours in advance and store in the fridge until ready to serve.
Nutrition
More Classic Cakes
For more flavorful cakes, you can also check out my Pineapple Cake, Carrot Cake, and this Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.