Hummingbird Cake: A Slice of Southern Paradise
Looking for hummingbird cake recipes? This Southern classic is moist, fruity, and easy! Pineapple, bananas, pecans, and cream cheese frosting – pure heaven! Get the recipe!
Alright, let's talk cake, shall we? Ever had one of those days where you just need a hug in dessert form? Well, have I got something for you! Ready to dive into the world of hummingbird cake recipes ?
Hummingbird Cake: A Slice of Southern Paradise
Oh my gosh, this deliciously decadent hummingbird cake is seriously next-level. it's moist, it's spiced, and it's packed with fruit and nuts.
Honestly, it’s like banana bread went to charm school. but, why is that hummingbird food so popular? let's see together.
What's the Buzz About?
Hummingbird cake , a star of southern baking, brings a tropical twist. think of warm spices cuddling pineapple, banana, and crunchy pecans.
This hummingbird cake recipe southern living style brings a party to your mouth. it’s surprisingly simple to make. don't get scared!
This recipe is medium difficulty and takes about an hour. It gives you 12-16 servings. Perfect for parties or treating yourself after a long week!
Why You Need This in Your Life
Apart from the obvious deliciousness, this cake boasts some sneaky benefits. the fruit adds moisture and fibre. the nuts offer healthy fats.
Plus, it's the ultimate comfort food for any celebration or just because! it's a great alternative to poke cakes .
What makes this cake so special is the combo of flavours and textures. the pineapple chunks burst with juicy sweetness.
The banana adds creaminess. the pecans give a delightful crunch. are you looking a healthy hummingbird cake ? just cut the sugar and make it gluten free!
Now, let's get to those ingredients.
Alright, let's talk hummingbird cake! honestly, one bite and you'll be hooked. it’s like sunshine in cake form. people are searching for hummingbird cake recipes all the time.
Let's dive into what you'll need.
Hummingbird Cake: A Slice of Southern Paradise Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Ingredients & Equipment for Your Deliciously Decadent Hummingbird Cake
This isn't just any cake, its hummingbird cake southern living levels of good. and its really about nailing the ingredients first.
I have even tried the hummingbird cake box recipe but those never taste like homemade, you know?
Main Ingredients
Let's get down to brass tacks. This makes the magic happen.
- All-purpose flour: 3 cups (360g) . Make sure its fresh!
- Granulated sugar: 2 cups (400g) . Adds that sweetness we all crave.
- Baking soda: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . Gives it that lovely rise.
- Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . Warmth is key.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) . Balances all the sweetness.
- Vegetable oil: 1 ½ cups (360ml) . Keeps it super moist.
- Large eggs: 4 . They bind everything together, see?
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . Enhances all flavors.
- Crushed pineapple: 1 (8 ounce/227g) can , undrained. This is essential .
- Mashed ripe bananas: 2 cups (about 2 large). Gotta be ripe.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts: 1 cup (100g) . Adds crunch.
- Cream cheese: 8 ounces (227g) , softened. Important!
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup (227g or 2 sticks) , softened. Room temp is a must.
- Powdered sugar: 4 cups (480g) . Makes that sweet frosting.
For the pineapple, make sure it smells fresh, not overly fermented. Ripe bananas should be spotty, almost too ripe to eat on their own. That's when they're perfect for baking.
Seasoning Notes
Spices are the unsung heroes of baking. Don't skip them.
- Cinnamon is the star. Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.
- Vanilla extract is a must. Almond extract? Bold choice, but could work!
- Don't underestimate salt. It balances the sweetness perfectly.
Can't find cinnamon? Ground allspice can sub in a pinch.
Equipment Needed
Keep it simple. You don't need a fancy kitchen.
- Three 9-inch round cake pans. Gotta bake it in something!
- Parchment paper. Seriously, use it.
- Electric mixer (stand or hand-held). Makes life easier.
- Mixing bowls. Obvious, innit?
- Rubber spatula. For scraping every last bit.
- Measuring cups and spoons. Accuracy is key!
- Offset spatula or icing knife. For frosting like a pro.
No cake pans? You could use a baking dish, but the bake time will vary. No mixer? A strong whisk and some elbow grease will do the trick.
Alright, so, now we've got all the kit and caboodle. ready to bake some southern sunshine? next, let's get down to baking.
I once tried to make hummingbird food instead, that was a mess. this recipe is way easier. it's not quite a healthy hummingbird cake , but hey, a little indulgence never hurt anyone, right? i've been making hummingbird cake recipes for years.
Trust me. this is the best way to make a hummingbird cake .
Alright, let's dive into what i reckon is the soul of any deliciously decadent hummingbird cake : the actual cooking method! it's not just throwing ingredients together, you know? it's a bit of a dance, and i’m here to guide you through it.
Time to Bake: Hummingbird Cake Recipes Made Easy!
Look, i know baking can seem daunting. but trust me, making hummingbird cake is more about the journey than the destination.
And the destination is pretty darn good. i once tried a hummingbird cake box recipe , and honestly, it just didn’t compare.
From scratch is where it’s at.
Prep Like a Pro: The Mise en Place Hustle
First things first, the essential mise en place . basically, get all your ducks in a row. measure out all your ingredients.
Chop your pecans. mash those bananas. no one wants to be fumbling for flour when the clock is ticking. and listen, always remember oven safety! this isn't the time to get distracted by tiktok.
Here's a time-saving tip: I actually measure out my dry ingredients the night before! It's like giving future-me a little present.
Step-by-Step: Let's Get Baking
Okay, grab your apron, and let's do this!
- Grease and flour three 9-inch cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment. Seriously, don't skip this!
- Whisk together the 3 cups flour , 2 cups sugar , 1 teaspoon baking soda , 1 teaspoon cinnamon , and ½ teaspoon salt .
- In a separate bowl, mix 1 ½ cups oil , 4 eggs , and 1 teaspoon vanilla . Pour that into the dry stuff. Mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the 1 can crushed pineapple , 2 cups mashed bananas , and 1 cup pecans .
- Pour into the pans and bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 30- 35 minutes . A toothpick should come out clean.
- Cool in the pans for 10. Then invert onto a rack to cool completely . This is crucial!
- Make the frosting! Cream together 8 ounces cream cheese and 1 cup butter . Add 4 cups powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla .
- Frost that cake like you mean it!
Hummingbird Cake Recipe Southern Living: Pro Tips and Tricks
Want to take your Hummingbird Cake game to the next level? I once tried to rush the cooling process… big mistake. Huge . The frosting slid right off.
Pro tip number one: Don't overmix! I know I sound like your grandma, but it's true.
Another: Ripe bananas are a must! Not those slightly-yellow ones. We want the spotty ones.
And finally, if you're thinking about a Healthy Hummingbird Cake , you can swap some of the oil for applesauce!
So, there you have it. My take on the classic Hummingbird Cake . Give it a go! I think this approach to Hummingbird food should ensure that you get that right texture.
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! Let's chat about making your hummingbird cake recipes absolutely sing. This isn't just about following a recipe; it's about making it yours .
Recipe Notes: My Two Cents
Honestly, after baking about a million hummingbird cakes , i’ve learned a few things. sometimes, even hummingbird cake box recipe needs a little help.
A tiny pinch of this, a dash of that… you get the idea!
Serving Suggestions: Make it Pretty!
Right, so you've got this glorious deliciously decadent hummingbird cake . Don't just plop it on a plate! Think presentation. A few fresh berries scattered around? Yes, please.
Maybe a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of good quality vanilla ice cream. seriously, poke cakes are nice, but a well presented hummingbird cake? next level! i love pairing it with a glass of sweet tea (obvs!) or even a light, fruity white wine if you're feeling fancy.
Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh
Okay, nobody wants a stale hummingbird food cake. if you’ve got leftovers (doubtful, i know!), wrap it tightly in cling film and pop it in the fridge.
It’ll happily hang out there for up to 3 days.
Freezing? yep, you can! wrap individual slices really well to prevent freezer burn. when you're ready to devour, let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating isn’t really necessary, cold cake is awesome!.
Variations: Shake Things Up!
Fancy a healthy hummingbird cake ? try swapping out half the oil for applesauce. i swear, it still tastes amazing! alternatively, if you want that hummingbird cake southern living vibe, try adding a teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg.
Honestly, experiment!.
Seasonal swaps? In autumn, a sprinkle of cinnamon and a handful of chopped walnuts are divine! Play with the spices!
Nutrition Basics: Just the Facts
Alright, let's be real: this isn't exactly health food. but it is happiness in cake form! it's got your fruits, your nuts… so there's that.
Plus, happiness is good for you, right? each slice probably packs a good dose of calories, fat, and sugar, but life's too short to skip hummingbird cake southern living .
I mean, c'mon! it's basically medicine.
So there you have it. all my little secrets and thoughts. now go bake that hummingbird cake . you deserve it!.
The best hummingbird cake recipes are the ones you enjoy! go make a hummingbird food feast today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes hummingbird cake recipes so special, and why is it called that?
Hummingbird cake is a moist, spiced cake packed with tropical flavors like pineapple and banana, plus crunchy pecans, all smothered in cream cheese frosting. As for the name? Some say it's because the sweetness is irresistible to hummingbirds, while others believe it originated in Jamaica, where "hummingbird" is a nickname for the Doctor Bird.
Can I make hummingbird cake recipes ahead of time? How should I store it?
Absolutely! In fact, many bakers find that hummingbird cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store frosted hummingbird cake in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to soften the frosting a bit – nobody likes rock-hard frosting!
I'm not a huge fan of pecans. What can I substitute in these hummingbird cake recipes?
No worries, you've got options! Walnuts are a great substitute for pecans in hummingbird cake. You could also try shredded coconut for a different texture and flavor profile, or even omit the nuts altogether if you prefer. Remember, baking is all about making it your own – even if you're channeling your inner Delia Smith!
My cream cheese frosting is always runny. How can I prevent this when making hummingbird cake?
Runny cream cheese frosting is a common baking woe! Make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature, but not melted. Also, gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as that can cause the frosting to become thin and weepy. If it's still too soft, pop it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to firm up before frosting your cake.
Can I adapt hummingbird cake recipes to be gluten-free or dairy-free?
Yes, you can adapt this classic! For gluten-free hummingbird cake, use a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum. For dairy-free, use a plant-based cream cheese and butter alternative in the frosting, ensuring they are also softened. The cake itself contains oil instead of butter, so it's already partially dairy-free!
Is hummingbird cake healthy? What's the nutritional information like?
Let's be honest, hummingbird cake is a treat, not a health food! While it does contain fruits like bananas and pineapple, it also has a significant amount of sugar and fat. A single slice can clock in around 650 calories, with high amounts of sugar and fat. Enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet, and maybe go for a brisk walk afterwards – think of it as your daily dose of happiness with a bit of a workout chaser!