There’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked cake wafting through the house, isn’t there? Imagine the aroma of warm spices, ripe bananas, and sweet pineapples swirling together in perfect harmony. perfect picnic salad That’s what you get with this Heavenly Hummingbird Cake Recipe. It’s a slice of paradise that makes your taste buds dance and your heart sing.
Now, let me take you down memory lane. I first discovered this delightful cake at a family gathering, where Aunt Edna proudly presented her secret recipe. It was love at first bite! The moist layers packed with flavor had everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds). Ideal for birthdays, brunches, or just because it’s Tuesday, this cake is a must-try for anyone looking to impress their friends or simply indulge in some self-care.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Heavenly Hummingbird Cake is incredibly easy to whip up, even if you’re not a baking pro.
- The flavor profile is a delightful combination of tropical fruits and warm spices that tantalize your taste buds.
- Visually stunning with its layered structure and cream cheese frosting, it will be the star of any dessert table.
- Perfect for celebrations but versatile enough for casual gatherings or a cozy night in.
Ingredients for Heavenly Hummingbird Cake Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: For more inspiration, check out this Delicious Amish Country Casserole recipe.
- All-Purpose Flour: Use this as the base for the cake; it’s essential for achieving that perfect texture.
- Baking Soda: This helps the cake rise beautifully and gives it that fluffy quality we all love.
- Cinnamon: A dash of cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile, making each bite irresistible.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key! Adjust according to your taste—life’s too short for bland desserts.
- Mash Bananas: Ripe bananas lend moisture and natural sweetness; they’re crucial for that signature hummingbird flavor.
- Canned Pineapple: Use crushed pineapple; it brings a delightful tropical twist and keeps the cake moist.
- Chopped Pecans: These add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that perfectly complements the soft cake.
- Eggs: They bind everything together while adding richness to the final product.
- Vegetable Oil: This keeps your cake moist and tender; butter may try to steal the spotlight, but oil does its job better!
For the Frosting:
- Cream Cheese: The star of the frosting—smooth and tangy, creating an unforgettable topping for our cake.
- Confectioners’ Sugar: Sweetens up the frosting while giving it that lovely creamy texture we all adore.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Heavenly Hummingbird Cake Recipe
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two round cake pans with butter or nonstick spray. Trust me; nobody wants a stuck cake disaster!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and sugar until well combined. A happy balance of dry ingredients sets the stage for our masterpiece.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mash those ripe bananas! Add in crushed pineapple (juice included), chopped pecans, eggs, and vegetable oil. Mix until everything is blended smoothly like a tropical smoothie.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Gently fold your wet mixture into the dry mixture until just combined—don’t overmix! We want fluffy layers here not dense bricks.
Step 5: Bake
Pour equal amounts of batter into each prepared pan. Bake in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Just imagine how amazing your kitchen smells right now!
Step 6: Cool & Frost
Allow cakes to cool in pans for about ten minutes before transferring them to wire racks. Once completely cool, spread that luscious cream cheese frosting generously between layers and on top—because who doesn’t love extra frosting?
Transfer to plates and serve slices garnished with additional pecans if desired. Enjoy every mouthwatering bite as you revel in your baking triumph!
You Must Know
- This heavenly hummingbird cake recipe creates a delightful dessert that’s not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes.
- Packed with bananas, pineapple, and nuts, this cake brings tropical vibes to any gathering.
- It’s perfect for birthdays or just because you deserve something sweet!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating the oven to 350°F. Mix your dry ingredients first, then whisk in the wet ingredients gradually. While the cake bakes, prepare your cream cheese frosting to save time and ensure everything is ready when the cake comes out of the oven.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize this heavenly hummingbird cake recipe by adding shredded coconut or swapping walnuts for pecans. indulge in classic tiramisu You could even drizzle caramel sauce on top for an extra indulgent treat that will have everyone asking for seconds! For more inspiration, check out this Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, keep it in the fridge. To enjoy again, simply let it come to room temperature before serving, or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To enhance flavors, toast your nuts before adding them to the batter; it makes a significant difference.
- Avoid overmixing your batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Allow your cake to cool completely before frosting for a smooth finish.
I remember baking this heavenly hummingbird cake recipe for my sister’s birthday last year. The look on her face when she took that first bite was priceless—pure bliss captured in frosting and fruit!
FAQs
What is a Heavenly Hummingbird Cake Recipe?
A Heavenly Hummingbird Cake Recipe combines ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, and toasted pecans. This delightful cake is moist and flavorful, often topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. The mixture of fruits creates a unique sweetness, making it ideal for celebrations or as a comforting dessert. delicious dessert pairing The cake’s texture is light and fluffy, ensuring each bite is a heavenly experience.
How long does it take to prepare the Heavenly Hummingbird Cake?
Preparing the Heavenly Hummingbird Cake typically takes about 30 minutes. This includes gathering your ingredients, mixing the batter, and prepping the pans. Baking usually takes around 25 to 30 minutes depending on your oven. Allow additional time for cooling before frosting the cake. Overall, you can have this delicious dessert ready in under two hours.
Can I substitute any ingredients in the Heavenly Hummingbird Cake Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute certain ingredients in the Heavenly Hummingbird Cake recipe. For example, if you don’t have pecans, walnuts make a great alternative. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of oil for added moisture and protein. Additionally, if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, consider using almond flour or a gluten-free blend that works well in cakes.
How should I store leftover Heavenly Hummingbird Cake?
To store leftover Heavenly Hummingbird Cake properly, cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it where it will last up to one week. For optimal freshness, consider freezing slices wrapped tightly in foil or freezer bags for up to three months.
Conclusion for Heavenly Hummingbird Cake Recipe
The Heavenly Hummingbird Cake Recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors that makes every bite heavenly. With its moist texture from bananas and pineapple combined with the crunch of pecans, it’s perfect for any occasion. Remember to let the cake cool before adding cream cheese frosting for the best results. Enjoy this sweet treat with friends and family; they will surely be impressed by your baking skills!
Heavenly Hummingbird Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
Description
Heavenly Hummingbird Cake is a delightful tropical treat that marries the flavors of ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, and toasted pecans, all enveloped in a luscious cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium)
- 1 cup crushed canned pineapple (juice included)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups confectioners' sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two round cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and sugar.
- In another bowl, combine mashed bananas, crushed pineapple, chopped pecans, eggs, and vegetable oil.
- Fold wet ingredients into dry until just combined; do not overmix.
- Divide batter between prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks. Once cool, frost with cream cheese frosting.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor; consider adding shredded coconut for extra texture. For variations, substitute walnuts for pecans or drizzle caramel sauce over the frosted cake.