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Perfect Southern Hummingbird Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

southern hummingbird cake recipe - featured image

A moist and flavorful Southern hummingbird cake featuring pineapple, bananas, warm spices, and a tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for celebrations or casual treats.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups (300 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1 cup (240 g) mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
  • 1 cup (120 g) chopped pecans or walnuts
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 to 4 cups (360480 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
  4. Slowly pour the wet mixture into the flour mixture, stirring gently with a wooden spoon or spatula. Do not overmix.
  5. Fold in the crushed pineapple, mashed bananas, and chopped nuts carefully.
  6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Tap the pans gently on the counter to release air bubbles.
  7. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to cooling racks to cool completely before frosting.
  9. To make the frosting, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
  10. Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to the frosting, then beat until fluffy. Adjust sugar for preferred sweetness.
  11. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Add the second layer and frost the entire cake evenly.
  12. Optionally, sprinkle chopped pecans or toasted coconut flakes on top for extra crunch and visual appeal.
  13. If kitchen is humid, refrigerate the cake for about 30 minutes before serving to help the frosting set.

Notes

Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness and moisture. Drain crushed pineapple well to avoid watery batter. Soften cream cheese and butter to avoid lumps in frosting. Do not frost warm cake to prevent melting. Refrigerate cake briefly if kitchen is humid. Weigh ingredients for consistent results. Gluten-free and vegan substitutions are possible.

Nutrition

Keywords: hummingbird cake, southern cake, cream cheese frosting, pineapple cake, banana cake, moist cake, pecan cake, easy dessert