Recipe: Hummingbird Cake

 

Ingredients: For the Cake:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 and 1/2 cups vegetable oil
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
  • 2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 4-5 bananas)
  • 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
  • 6 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Assembly:

  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, for garnish (optional)
  • Slices of fresh banana, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

For the Cake:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
  3. Add the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined.
  4. Stir in the crushed pineapple, mashed bananas, and chopped pecans or walnuts until evenly distributed.
  5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
  7. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until creamy and smooth.
  2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
  3. Stir in the vanilla extract and mix until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.

Assembly:

  1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting over the top of the cake.
  2. Add the second cake layer on top and repeat the process, spreading frosting over it.
  3. Place the third cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
  4. Optionally, garnish the cake with chopped pecans or walnuts and slices of fresh banana on top.

Conclusion:

Hummingbird Cake is a Southern classic that combines the flavors of ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, and chopped nuts in a moist and flavorful cake. The luscious cream cheese frosting complements the cake perfectly, creating a delightful and indulgent dessert. This cake is perfect for any special occasion or as a sweet treat to brighten your day. Share the joy of this delicious Hummingbird Cake with your family and friends, and watch them smile with every scrumptious bite. Happy baking!