Hummingbird Cake – A Classic Southern Favorite with a Tropical Twist
If you've never tried Hummingbird Cake, you're in for an absolute treat. This moist, flavorful cake is a true Southern classic, known for its irresistible combination of ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, chopped pecans, and a generous layer of luscious cream cheese frosting.
It’s everything you love about carrot cake and banana bread combined—with a tropical flair that makes every bite downright dreamy.
Whether you're baking for a birthday, Easter, a potluck, or just craving something indulgent, this cake never fails to impress. Plus, it's surprisingly easy to make from scratch!
What is Hummingbird Cake?
Hummingbird Cake originated in the South (with roots tracing back to Jamaica) and has been a beloved staple at gatherings for decades. It’s soft, dense, and ultra-moist, packed with mashed bananas, crushed pineapple, and chopped nuts, all topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. Some say it gets its name because it's so sweet and delicious, it could attract hummingbirds!
Why You’ll Love This Cake
✅ Incredibly moist and flavorful
✅ Bursting with banana and pineapple
✅ Easy, no-fuss mixing method
✅ Classic cream cheese frosting—because life’s better with frosting
✅ Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or anytime you crave cake
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake:
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, undrained
• 2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 4 medium bananas)
• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (plus extra for topping)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Hummingbird Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans or two 9-inch pans for a thicker cake.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Add eggs, oil, and vanilla. Stir until just combined—don't overmix.
4. Fold in mashed bananas, crushed pineapple (with juice), and chopped nuts. Batter will be thick.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
2. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Frosting
1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until creamy.
3. Stir in vanilla extract.
Step 4: Frost and Decorate
1. Once the cakes are completely cool, spread frosting between the layers and over the top and sides.
2. Garnish with extra chopped nuts or sliced bananas if desired.
Tips for Success
💡 Use ripe bananas for maximum flavor and moisture.
💡 Don’t drain the crushed pineapple—the juice keeps the cake moist.
💡 For added texture, lightly toast the nuts before adding them.
💡 This cake gets even better after a day as the flavors meld together.
Hummingbird Cake FAQs
Can I make this as a sheet cake?
Absolutely! Pour the batter into a 9x13-inch pan and bake for 35-40 minutes.
Can I freeze Hummingbird Cake?
Yes! You can freeze the unfrosted layers for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before frosting.
Is this cake very sweet?
It’s sweet, but perfectly balanced thanks to the tangy cream cheese frosting.
Final Thoughts
Hummingbird Cake is the ultimate show-stopping dessert that’s surprisingly easy to whip up. Moist, flavorful, and covered in dreamy cream cheese frosting, it’s no wonder this Southern favorite has stood the test of time.
Perfect for Easter, spring parties, birthdays, or any day you want to bring a little sunshine to the table.