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Hummingbird Cake Recipe

Hummingbird Cake Recipe - Simple Food Dishes

Let’s embark on this culinary journey, where flavor meets nostalgia. Hummingbird cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of ingredients, heritage, and love. Originating from the Southern United States, this cake is not just tasty; it tells stories of family gatherings, potlucks, and sweet moments shared over dessert.
What is hummingbird cake, you ask? It’s a harmonious blend of bananas, crushed pineapple, and pecans, all beautifully spiced with cinnamon and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. This cake seems to capture the essence of the South with every crumb, making it a favorite for birthdays, holidays, and casual get-togethers.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 949

Ingredients
  

  • 3/4 cup neutral-flavored cooking oil 180 ml
  • 1 cup firmly packed light or dark brown sugar 200 g
  • 1 can crushed pineapple, undrained 8 oz / 226 g
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour 375 g
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest
  • 1/2 cup granulated white sugar 100 g
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 113 g
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup chopped pecans 120 g
  • 2 cups mashed overripe bananas 479 g

Method
 

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
  1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing them with butter and lightly dusting them with flour.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and eggs. Whisk them together until well blended. Then, add the crushed pineapple, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is nicely incorporated. The velvety mixture is your cake's heart.
Step 3: Sift Dry Ingredients
  1. In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This step is crucial, as it aerates the flour and ensures even distribution of the dry ingredients.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
  1. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Over-mixing can result in a dense cake, and we want that airy, delightful texture. Don’t forget to fold in the chopped pecans and orange zest at the very end.
Step 5: Bake
  1. Divide the batter equally between the two prepared cake pans. The oven should be preheated and ready. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
  1. While the cakes cool, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, a cup at a time, mixing well. Add the vanilla extract and salt, and beat until everything is well combined and fluffy.
Step 7: Assemble the Cake
  1. Once cooled, place one layer of cake on a serving platter. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Carefully place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake. Decorate as you desire, perhaps with extra chopped pecans for a nice touch.
Step 8: Enjoy!
  1. Slice, serve, and enjoy the deliciousness. Trust me, your friends and family will be begging you for this recipe.

Notes

  • Use Overripe Bananas: The sweeter and softer the bananas, the better. This adds moisture and flavor.
  • Avoid Overmixing: Gentle folding of the dry ingredients keeps the cake light and fluffy.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the eggs and butter are at room temperature for better integration.
  • Don’t Skip the Pineapple: The undrained crushed pineapple is essential for moisture and flavor.
  • Cool Cakes Completely: Frosting a warm cake can lead to melting frosting. Patience is key!