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–+ servings
Hummingbird Cake slice on a white plate.

Southern Hummingbird Cake

Jill Lockridge-The Freckled Cook
Southern Hummingbird Cake is like banana bread and carrot cake had a fancy, tropical cousin! Packed with ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, and crunchy pecans, this Southern classic is slathered in rich cream cheese frosting.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Cake
Cuisine American
Servings 12

Ingredients
  

Hummingbird Cake

  • 3 cups all purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup canola or vegetable oil
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 ripe bananas, chopped or mashed (2 cups)
  • 8 oz crushed pineapple, undrained
  • 1 cup finely chopped pecans

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 2 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4-4 ½ cups powdered sugar

Instructions
 

Hummingbird Cake

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan or three 9-inch round cake pans.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
  • In another bowl, beat eggs and oil, about 2-3 minutes. Gently fold in the chopped bananas, crushed pineapple with juice, and chopped pecans into the wet mixture.
  • Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined—do not overmix to keep the cake light and tender.
  • Pour the batter into your prepared pan(s) and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes (for 9-inch round pans), or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs.
  • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
  • Once the cake has completely cooled, use a big, serrated knife and carefully cut a thin layer off the top of each cake so they're nice and flat.
  • Spread 1 cup of cream cheese frosting evenly over 1st and 2nd layer. Use the rest of the frosting over top and sides to cover.
  • Garnish with extra chopped pecans if desired. Slice, serve, and enjoy a slice of Southern hospitality!
Keyword hummingbird cake, southern recipes
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