Quick Overview
Hummingbird cake is a delightful dessert that brings together the flavors of bananas, pineapples, and pecans in a moist and scrumptious package. This southern classic is not only delicious but also easy to make. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because you’re craving something sweet, this recipe will satisfy your taste buds. With its rich cream cheese frosting and beautiful presentation, hummingbird cake makes any occasion special.
Ingredient Breakdown
Flour
You will need 2 cups of all-purpose flour for the base of the cake. This provides structure and helps achieve that perfect crumb texture.
Sugar
Use 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of packed brown sugar. The combination gives sweetness while adding depth of flavor.
Baking Soda
Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda to help the cake rise. This leavening agent creates a light and fluffy texture.
Salt
Incorporate 1/2 teaspoon of salt to enhance the overall flavor of the ingredients used in this recipe.
Eggs
Use 3 large eggs at room temperature. They contribute moisture and richness to the batter while helping it rise during baking.
Vegetable Oil
You will need 1 cup of vegetable oil which keeps the cake moist and tender without affecting the flavor significantly.
Bananas
Incorporate 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas). Their natural sweetness adds flavor and moisture to the cake.
Pineapple
You will need 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained). This adds moisture as well as a tropical twist to your hummingbird cake.
Pecans
Add 1 cup chopped pecans for a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
Vanilla Extract
Use 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract to enhance all the flavors in your hummingbird cake with warmth and sweetness.
Step By Step Recipe: Hummingbird Cake
Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your hummingbird cake bakes evenly throughout its cooking time.
Prepare Baking Pans
Grease and flour three round 9-inch baking pans. This step prevents sticking and makes it easier to remove the cakes once they are baked.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Doing this step properly ensures even distribution of ingredients in your batter.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat together the eggs and vegetable oil until smooth. Then add in mashed bananas, crushed pineapple, chopped pecans, and vanilla extract; mix well until fully blended.
Combine Mixtures
Gradually fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; stop as soon as there are no visible flour streaks remaining in your batter.
Divide Batter into Pans
Evenly divide the batter among your prepared baking pans. Use a spatula to smooth out the tops for an even bake while ensuring no batter is left behind in the bowl.
Bake Cakes
Place the pans in your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking time to prevent overbaking.
Cool Cakes
Once baked, remove from oven and let cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them onto wire racks. Cooling allows them to firm up slightly for easier handling later on.
Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting
While cakes are cooling, prepare your cream cheese frosting by beating together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Assemble Cake Layers
Once cooled completely, place one layer on a serving plate or stand. Spread cream cheese frosting generously on top before adding another layer; repeat until all layers are stacked with frosting on top.
Serving and Storing Tips
Serving Suggestions
Slice into generous pieces when serving your hummingbird cake. It pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea during afternoon gatherings or celebrations with friends and family.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover hummingbird cake in an airtight container at room temperature if consumed within two days; otherwise refrigerate it to keep it fresh for up to one week without losing flavor or moisture.
Mistakes to avoid
When making Hummingbird Cake, avoid overmixing the batter. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of the light, airy texture you desire. Mix the ingredients until just combined for the best results.
Do not skip the ripe bananas and crushed pineapple in your recipe. These ingredients provide essential moisture and sweetness that give Hummingbird Cake its signature flavor. Use fresh, ripe bananas for optimal taste.
Another common mistake is not measuring ingredients accurately. Baking is a science, so precise measurements are crucial for a successful cake. Invest in a kitchen scale or measuring cups for accuracy.
Be cautious with baking time; every oven varies. Start checking your cake about five minutes before the recommended time to prevent overbaking, which can dry out the cake. A toothpick should come out clean when it’s done.
Lastly, don’t forget to allow your cake to cool completely before frosting it. Frosting a warm cake can cause the icing to melt and slide off, ruining both appearance and texture.
Tips and tricks
To achieve the perfect Hummingbird Cake, use high-quality ingredients. Fresh, ripe bananas and good-quality spices like cinnamon can significantly enhance flavor. Opt for freshly grated nutmeg if possible; it adds warmth that complements the other flavors beautifully.
Consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for extra crunch and depth of flavor. Not only do they contribute texture, but they also pair well with the sweetness of bananas and pineapple.
When making cream cheese frosting, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing. This will help you achieve a smooth consistency without lumps. If you’d like a lighter frosting, consider folding in whipped cream after mixing in powdered sugar.
Decorating your Hummingbird Cake can be fun! Use edible flowers or additional fruit slices on top for visual appeal. You can also sprinkle some chopped nuts around the base of the cake for an attractive presentation that highlights its deliciousness.
Lastly, if you want to prepare your Hummingbird Cake ahead of time, consider freezing it without frosting. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing it in the freezer to preserve freshness. When you’re ready to serve, thaw it and add frosting just before serving.
Suggestions for Hummingbird Cake
Serve Hummingbird Cake with a side of fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or pineapple wedges to complement its tropical flavors. This will create a refreshing contrast that enhances each bite.
Pairing your cake with coffee or tea provides an excellent balance of flavors as well. The richness of these beverages counters the sweetness of Hummingbird Cake perfectly.
For those who enjoy experimenting with flavors, consider adding coconut flakes into your batter or as a topping. Coconut pairs wonderfully with banana and pineapple while adding an extra layer of texture.
If you’re looking to make this dessert gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that works well in baked goods. Ensure that all other ingredients are also certified gluten-free to maintain safety for those with dietary restrictions.
Lastly, consider making mini Hummingbird Cakes in muffin tins for individual servings that are perfect for parties or gatherings. They bake faster than a full-sized cake and are easy to share!
FAQs
What makes Hummingbird Cake unique?
Hummingbird Cake stands out due to its delightful combination of bananas, crushed pineapple, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. This unique blend creates a moist cake bursting with flavor that has become popular in Southern cuisine.
Can I make Hummingbird Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake your Hummingbird Cake ahead of time by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap once cooled and storing it in the refrigerator or freezer. Just remember to frost it shortly before serving for best results!
How do I store leftover Hummingbird Cake?
To store leftover Hummingbird Cake properly, place it in an airtight container at room temperature if you plan to eat it within two days. For longer storage, refrigerate it or freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
Can I substitute any ingredients in Hummingbird Cake?
Yes! You can customize your Hummingbird Cake by substituting unsweetened applesauce for oil to reduce fat content or using alternative flours such as almond flour for gluten-free versions while maintaining flavor integrity.
Why is my Hummingbird Cake dense?
A dense texture often stems from overmixing the batter or using overly ripe bananas which may add too much moisture. To avoid this issue, mix just until combined and use ripe yet firm bananas instead.
Is there a vegan version of Hummingbird Cake?
Certainly! To make a vegan version of Hummingbird Cake, substitute eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water or applesauce and replace dairy milk with plant-based milk like almond milk or oat milk while ensuring all other ingredients are vegan-friendly.
Summary
Hummingbird Cake is a delicious treat made with bananas and crushed pineapple that appeals to many palates. Avoid common mistakes such as overmixing batter and skipping key ingredients for optimal results. Implement tips like using quality ingredients and decorating creatively for added flair. Feel free to explore suggestions such as serving alongside fresh fruit or making mini cakes for gatherings. With proper storage methods discussed above, you can enjoy this delightful cake longer!