Hummingbird Cake Recipe
Watch the video below for the recipe.
Think of fun times with family and friends. A Hummingbird Cake was always there. This cake from the South is special. It’s more than just a treat.
It’s made with bananas, pineapple, and pecans. Then, it has a cream cheese frosting. It brings back memories of happy times.
My mom loved making it for special days. It made our house feel more homey. This cake turns any moment into something special. Watch the video below for the recipe.
Introduction to Hummingbird Cake
The Southern heritage dessert called the Hummingbird Cake is full of flavor. It brings joy to big and small parties.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx5wug3Dmt8 This recipe became famous after Mrs. L.H. Wiggins shared it in Southern Living in 1978. It shows the best of Southern baking.
The Hummingbird Cake origin is very special. It’s named after the birds because of its sweet taste. The cake’s key flavors are bananas, pineapple, cinnamon, and pecans. It’s a perfect celebratory cake that brings the South to your table.
This cake is loved at big events like family get-togethers and holidays. The Hummingbird Cake is special not just for its taste. It’s great because you can make it ahead to let the flavors mix. This makes it good for bridal showers and lots of happy moments.
Essential Ingredients for Hummingbird Cake
The heart of any great Hummingbird Cake lies in its ingredients. Each piece is key to this famous Southern cake recipe. Let’s look at what makes it so tasty.
Ripe Bananas: The cake starts with ripe bananas for its rich taste and moist feel. Their sweetness and moisture are a must. Use bananas with lots of brown spots.
Crushed Pineapple: A can of crushed pineapple adds a tropical touch. It boosts flavor and moistness. It makes each bite wonderful.
Toasted Pecans: Toasting pecans boosts their nutty taste. They become a key part of this Southern cake. Their mix with the fruit is perfect.
We also use sugar and brown sugars for a caramel sweetness. Vanilla extract gives a lovely smell. The cake is complete with flour, leavening, and salt. This mix makes a great cake.
Don’t forget about the frosting. Cream cheese, butter, sugar, and vanilla make it luscious. It goes well with the fruity cake. It’s a dessert everyone loves.
Step-by-Step Hummingbird Cake Recipe
Learning how to make Hummingbird Cake is fun and easy. Each step is important.
First, toast your pecans. This makes them taste extra good. Then, prepare three cake pans with parchment paper.
Next, mix your dry ingredients. In a bowl, blend flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This is the start of your tasty batter.
Now, mix the wet stuff. Smush ripe bananas and mix with pineapple, eggs, and sugar. This makes the cakes moist.
Then, blend dry stuff with wet stuff. Be gentle when you mix. Folding in pecans finishes the batter.
Pour the batter into the pans evenly. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean. Let them cool before frosting.
For the frosting, mix cream cheese, butter, sugar, and vanilla. Frost each layer of cake. Add pecans on top.
This detailed cake recipe makes a delicious and pretty cake. It’s great for celebrations.
Tips for the Perfect Hummingbird Cake
Making the best Hummingbird Cake takes a few special tips. First, keep the pineapple’s juice. It helps keep the cake moist. Also, pick very ripe bananas. They add lots of sweet taste to the cake.
Next, use oil instead of butter. This makes the cake rich and moist. After it bakes, let it cool completely. This stops the frosting from melting when you put it on.
If someone can’t eat nuts, don’t worry. You can skip the pecans and the cake will still be great. Keep it covered in the fridge. Before you serve it, let the cake warm up. This makes it taste even better.
Making the perfect Hummingbird Cake is about balance and the right steps. It’s more than a cake; it’s a tradition full of flavor. Serve it right, and it’s like sharing a piece of the South with your friends and family. These tips will make your cake the best, whether for a party or just because.
FAQ
What is a Hummingbird Cake?
A Hummingbird Cake is a tasty dessert from the South. It’s known for being very moist and filled with flavors. You’ll find sweet bananas, pineapple, and nuts, all covered in a creamy frosting. It’s a favorite for sharing the goodness of Southern cooking.
Where did the Hummingbird Cake originate?
It started in the Southern United States. Mrs. L.H. Wiggins made it famous in 1978 through a Southern Living recipe. Now, it’s a special part of Southern food and parties.
What ingredients are essential for a Hummingbird Cake?
Ripe bananas, pineapple, and pecans are must-haves. You’ll also need sugars, flour, vanilla, and leavening agents. And don’t forget the cream cheese frosting with butter.
What are some tips for making the perfect Hummingbird Cake?
Keep the pineapple juice to make the cake moist. Use very ripe bananas for sweetness. Pick oil over butter for extra moistness. Toast the pecans for better flavor.
Let the cake cool before frosting, so it doesn’t melt. If someone is allergic to nuts, you can leave them out.
How should I store a Hummingbird Cake?
Keep it in the fridge, covered well. Before eating, let it warm up to room temperature. This keeps the flavor and texture just right.
Can the Hummingbird Cake be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it a day before. This will let the flavors blend. It’s great for any big dinner or party.
Can I omit the nuts if I have a nut allergy?
Yes, you can leave out the pecans. The cake will still be tasty, even without the nuts.
Source Links
- https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/hummingbird-cake/
- https://sugarspunrun.com/hummingbird-cake-recipe/
- https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/hummingbird-cake-recipe
Jenny has always been passionate about cooking, and she uses her platform to share her joy of food with others. Her recipes are easy to follow, and she loves giving tips and tricks to help others create their own unique culinary creations.