Hummingbird Cake Southern Classic (Printable Version)

Three-layer Southern dessert featuring bananas, pineapple, and pecans with creamy frosting

# What You'll Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 cups granulated sugar
03 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 - ½ teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

06 - 3 large eggs, room temperature
07 - 1 cup vegetable oil
08 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
09 - 2 cups ripe bananas, mashed (about 3 bananas)
10 - 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained

→ Add-ins

11 - 1 cup toasted pecans, chopped, plus extra for garnish

→ Cream Cheese Frosting

12 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
13 - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
14 - 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
15 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
16 - Pinch of salt

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans, or line with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until well blended.
03 - In another bowl, beat eggs, oil, and vanilla until well combined and smooth.
04 - Stir mashed bananas, crushed pineapple with juice, and chopped pecans into the egg mixture.
05 - Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
06 - Evenly distribute batter among the three prepared cake pans.
07 - Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
08 - Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on wire racks.
09 - Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
10 - Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, beating until fluffy and spreadable.
11 - Spread frosting between cake layers and over the top and sides.
12 - Sprinkle extra toasted pecans over the top for decoration.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The texture is impossibly moist, thanks to the fruit, staying fresh for days unlike typical layer cakes
  • Everything comes together in one bowl without a mixer, making it surprisingly unintimidating for such a stunning result
  • That perfect balance of tangy cream cheese frosting against sweet spiced cake makes people ask for seconds every single time
02 -
  • Overmixing creates a tough, rubbery cake, so fold until combined and then walk away
  • The cakes must be completely cool before frosting or it will melt right off and slide everywhere
  • Room temperature ingredients for both cake and frosting prevent curdling and ensure smooth incorporation
03 -
  • Toast pecans in a single layer at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes, watching closely so they do not burn
  • Use a kitchen scale for the flour if possible, as measuring by volume can vary wildly and affect the final texture
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