Southern Hummingbird Cake

When it comes to dessert that bursts with flavorful fruits, spices, and a touch of love, Southern Hummingbird Cake stands tall. This delightful cake is not just a feast for your taste buds; it’s a meaningful slice of Southern culture, often whispered about in kitchens and backyards across the region. Picture bananas and crushed pineapples all enveloped in a soft, luscious cake, topped with creamy cream cheese frosting and sprinkles of walnuts. It’s as if the tropics met the South—and what a sweet reunion it is!

A little fun fact about this cake: it’s rumored to be named after the little hummingbirds that are drawn to its sweet flavor, hoping for a taste of its sweetness just like you will. But don’t just take my word for it; this cake is simple enough for anyone to make, quick to whip up, and ideal for family gatherings or casual afternoons. If you enjoy other Southern delights, such as buttermilk pie, you’ll find a special place in your heart (and your stomach) for this treasure. So dust off your mixing bowls and get ready to blend some deliciousness—because this is one recipe you’ll want to try today!

What is Southern Hummingbird Cake?

So, what’s in a name? Southern Hummingbird Cake certainly has a curious title, right? We can’t help but wonder why this fruity dessert is likened to these tiny creatures. Was it because of its vibrant, lively flavors? Or perhaps, because people flock to it just like hummingbirds? A classic saying springs to mind: “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Well, this cake is sure to captivate anyone’s heart! With its layered goodness and tropical flair, it’s no wonder folks are drawn to this delicious treat. So why not see it for yourself? Give this delightful dessert a try and see what all the buzz is about!

Why You’ll Love This Southern Hummingbird Cake

What’s not to adore about Southern Hummingbird Cake? Here are three reasons why you’ll fall in love with this recipe. First, the cake’s main highlight is its incredible blend of flavors—ripe bananas, crushed pineapples, and a hint of warm spices create a cake that feels like a warm hug with every bite! Second, making this delectable dessert at home saves your pocketbook compared to purchasing premium cakes from bakeries, without sacrificing any of that Southern charm. Last but certainly not least, the creamy cream cheese frosting and delightful walnuts give this cake texture and an extra punch of flavor that will keep everyone coming back for more. If you’re mixing it up with something like a classic vanilla cake, trust me when I say this fruity delight gives a unique twist to dessert time! So roll up your sleeves and start baking; you won’t regret it!

How to Make Southern Hummingbird Cake

Quick Overview

Creating your very own Southern Hummingbird Cake is easy-peasy! With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be enjoying a homemade cake in no time. This cake typically takes about 20-30 minutes to whip up, followed by some baking time, making it a satisfying treat that doesn’t demand all your free hours. Its rich taste and fluffy texture are sure to make it a family favorite.

Key Ingredients for Southern Hummingbird Cake

To bake this heavenly cake, gather the following ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, crushed pineapple, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat well until everything is combined and has a smooth texture.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Blend: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
5. Fold in Walnuts: If you’re adding walnuts, gently fold them into the batter now.
6. Pour and Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Frost: Once the cakes are cooled, frost with cream cheese frosting. You can simply mix equal parts of cream cheese and butter, add powdered sugar to taste, and spread it generously over your cake.

What to Serve Southern Hummingbird Cake With

To elevate your dessert experience, consider serving your Southern Hummingbird Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The creamy textures beautifully complement the cake’s moist layers. You could also pair it with a side of fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast. A piping hot cup of coffee or iced tea makes for the perfect beverage to wash it all down!

Top Tips for Perfecting Southern Hummingbird Cake

Here are some handy tips to help you nail this recipe:

• Bananas: Use very ripe bananas for maximum flavor and natural sweetness.
• Pineapple: Make sure to drain the crushed pineapple well so that your cake doesn’t become soggy.
• Mixing: Overmixing your batter can result in a dense cake. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ones using a spatula.
• Texture: If you’re not a fan of walnuts, feel free to skip them or replace them with pecans for a different twist.
• Cooling: Ensure your cakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Storing your Southern Hummingbird Cake is quite simple. Wrap leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It can stay at room temperature for about 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you’d like to keep it longer, freeze the layers separately—just remember to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn! When you’re ready to enjoy your cake again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then let it come to room temperature before serving for optimal taste.

So there you have it! A delightful journey through the luscious world of Southern Hummingbird Cake. Needing a sweet escape? Let’s get baking!

Southern Hummingbird Cake

A delightful Southern cake bursting with bananas, crushed pineapples, and topped with creamy cream cheese frosting, this treat offers a tropical twist to your dessert table.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Cake, Dessert

Cuisine: Southern

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Cake Ingredients

• 3 pieces ripe bananas, mashed Use very ripe bananas for maximum flavor.
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained Drain well to avoid sogginess.
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional) Could substitute with pecans if desired.

Frosting Ingredients

• 1 cup cream cheese Mix with equal parts butter and add powdered sugar to taste.
• 1 cup butter Use softened butter.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, crushed pineapple, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat well until everything is combined and has a smooth texture.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
5. If you’re adding walnuts, gently fold them into the batter now.

Baking

1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean.
2. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Frosting

1. Once the cakes are cooled, frost with cream cheese frosting.

Notes

For serving, pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Store leftovers wrapped tightly for up to 2 days at room temperature or a week in the refrigerator. Freeze layers separately for longer storage.