Hummingbird Cake Southern Classic (Printable)

A moist Southern classic layered with tropical fruits, crunchy pecans, and creamy frosting.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

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

→ Wet Ingredients

06 - 3 large eggs, room temperature
07 - 1 cup vegetable oil
08 - 2 tsp 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 tsp pure vanilla extract
16 - Pinch of salt

# How-To:

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 thoroughly combined.
04 - Stir mashed bananas, crushed pineapple with juice, and chopped pecans into the egg mixture.
05 - Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
06 - Divide batter evenly among the three prepared 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 layers and over top and sides of cake.
12 - Sprinkle extra toasted pecans over the top for garnish.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The combination of bananas and pineapple keeps the cake incredibly moist for days
  • It's one of those rare desserts that actually tastes better the next day
  • The cream cheese frosting strikes that perfect balance between tangy and sweet
02 -
  • Room temperature ingredients prevent the batter from curdling and ensure even baking
  • Measuring flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup prevents dense, dry cake
  • The cake needs to be completely cool before frosting or the frosting will melt right off
03 -
  • Toasting pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes transforms their flavor completely
  • If you only have two cake pans, the batter can be baked in two thicker layers, just increase baking time by 5 to 10 minutes
Return