Are you a fan of sweet and moist cakes that are perfect for any occasion? Look no further! Hummingbird cake is a beloved dessert that combines the sweetness of pineapple and banana with the warmth of spices. With its rich history dating back to the 1970s, this iconic cake has become a staple at many family gatherings, parties, and special events. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a new recipe to try, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll be sharing 18 delicious hummingbird cake recipes that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
From classic cakes with cream cheese frosting to creative twists like mini bundt cakes and sheet cakes, we’ll show you how to make the most of this beloved recipe. Whether you’re a fan of traditional flavors or love trying new ingredients, our list has something for everyone. So grab your mixing bowls and baking sheets, and let’s get started!
Classic Hummingbird Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
This moist and flavorful cake is a Southern classic, perfect for special occasions or everyday treats. With its sweet and tangy combination of pineapple, banana, and spices, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup crushed pineapple
– 1 cup mashed banana
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
– Cream cheese frosting ingredients (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. Add butter, eggs, and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
4. Stir in pineapple, banana, and pecans (if using).
5. Divide batter evenly among prepared pans.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups powdered sugar
Combine ingredients and beat until smooth. Adjust sweetness to taste.
Hummingbird Cupcakes with Pineapple Glaze
These moist and flavorful cupcakes are filled with the sweetness of pineapple and the tanginess of coconut, topped with a creamy pineapple glaze. Perfect for a summer treat or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk
– 1/2 cup pineapple juice
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together coconut milk, pineapple juice, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until combined.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before topping with Pineapple Glaze (recipe below).
Pineapple Glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons pineapple juice
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
Mix all ingredients until smooth and drizzle over cooled cupcakes.
Mini Hummingbird Bundt Cakes
These bite-sized treats are perfect for a party or special occasion. Moist and flavorful, they’re sure to delight your guests with their sweet and tangy aroma.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1 cup crushed pineapple
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour 12 mini bundt pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add softened butter and mix until well combined.
4. Stir in pineapple juice and crushed pineapple.
5. Divide batter evenly among prepared pans.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Hummingbird Cake with Coconut Pecan Frosting
This classic Southern dessert combines the sweetness of bananas, pineapple, and spices with a rich coconut pecan frosting. Perfect for special occasions or as a treat to brighten up your day.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 cup crushed pineapple
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the frosting:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
– 1/2 cup shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Combine dry ingredients, then add wet ingredients and mix until smooth.
3. Divide batter evenly among prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
4. Let cool completely before frosting with Coconut Pecan Frosting (see below).
Coconut Pecan Frosting:
1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until combined.
3. Stir in shredded coconut and chopped pecans.
4. Add heavy cream to achieve desired consistency.
Hummingbird Sheet Cake with Brown Butter Icing
This classic Southern dessert combines the sweetness of pineapple, banana, and spices with a rich brown butter icing, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup mashed banana
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine softened butter, pineapple juice, mashed banana, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Allow cake to cool completely before spreading with brown butter icing (see below).
Brown Butter Icing:
1. Melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until butter turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and whisk in 1 cup confectioners’ sugar until smooth.
Hummingbird Loaf Cake with Vanilla Drizzle
Moist and flavorful, this hummingbird loaf cake is a perfect treat for any occasion. With the addition of a sweet vanilla drizzle, it’s sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and pineapple juice. Mix until smooth.
4. Fold in chopped pecans if using.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Allow cake to cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Vanilla Drizzle:
1. Whisk together 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons heavy cream until smooth.
2. Drizzle over cooled cake.
Hummingbird Cake Trifle with Whipped Cream
Elevate your dessert game with this show-stopping Hummingbird Cake Trifle featuring fluffy whipped cream and moist cake. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 9×13-inch Hummingbird Cake (see our recipe or use store-bought)
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Cut the cooled cake into 1-inch cubes.
2. In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add sugar and vanilla extract; continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the cake cubes and whipped cream in layers, ending with whipped cream on top.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
5. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None (assembly only)
Hummingbird Pancakes with Banana Syrup
Start your day with a stack of fluffy, flavorful pancakes and a side of creamy banana syrup. This indulgent breakfast treat is perfect for special occasions or a weekend brunch.
Ingredients:
For the Pancakes:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Banana Syrup:
– 2 ripe bananas
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons water
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
Instructions:
1. Preheat your griddle or skillet to medium heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, combine sugar, eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto the griddle.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then flip and cook an additional 1-2 minutes.
7. For the Banana Syrup, puree bananas in a blender with sugar, water, and softened butter until smooth.
8. Serve pancakes warm with banana syrup drizzled on top.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes for pancakes; 5 minutes to prepare banana syrup.
Hummingbird Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Filling
These moist and flavorful cookies capture the essence of traditional hummingbird cake, with the added delight of a tangy cream cheese filling. Perfect for a sweet treat or as a unique dessert option.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup crushed pineapple
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
– Cream cheese filling: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, sugars, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add butter, pineapple, and pecans (if using); mix until combined.
4. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls onto prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
6. Allow cookies to cool before sandwiching with cream cheese filling.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Hummingbird Cake Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar
These donuts combine the moist, fluffy texture of hummingbird cake with the irresistible crunch of cinnamon sugar. A perfect treat for a special occasion or just because!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup crushed pineapple
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
– Cinnamon sugar mixture (see below)
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, oil, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in crushed pineapple and chopped pecans (if using).
6. Pipe donuts onto the hot oil using a piping bag fitted with a large round tip.
7. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway.
8. Remove from oil and let cool on paper towels.
9. Toss warm donuts in cinnamon sugar mixture to coat.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Hummingbird Cake Parfaits with Greek Yogurt
Elevate the classic hummingbird cake to new heights with this refreshing parfait recipe, featuring creamy Greek yogurt and crunchy pecans.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1 cup diced hummingbird cake (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Spoon half of the yogurt mixture into glasses or parfait dishes.
3. Top with half of the diced hummingbird cake.
4. Sprinkle with half of the chopped pecans.
5. Repeat the layers: yogurt, cake, and pecans.
6. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (prep time)
Hummingbird Cake Cheesecake Swirl
This dessert combines the best of both worlds – a moist hummingbird cake and creamy cheesecake. The result is a rich, indulgent treat that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup hummingbird cake mix (yellow cake mix with pineapple and banana)
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Prepare crust by mixing crumbs, sugar, and melted butter; press into a 9-inch springform pan.
3. Beat cream cheese until smooth; add sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
4. Pour cheesecake batter into prepared pan.
5. Spoon hummingbird cake mix on top of cheesecake, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
6. Sprinkle chopped pecans over cake mix.
7. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until cheesecake is set and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Hummingbird Cake French Toast Bake
Begin your day with a moist and flavorful twist on classic French toast, infused with the sweetness of hummingbird cake. This recipe combines the comfort of breakfast with the indulgence of a decadent dessert.
Ingredients:
– 12 slices of bread ( Challah or brioche work well)
– 1/2 cup hummingbird cake mix
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
– Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a shallow dish, whisk together hummingbird cake mix, granulated sugar, and salt.
3. Dip each bread slice into the mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Arrange the coated bread slices in the prepared baking dish.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Pour over the bread slices.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. Dust with powdered sugar (if desired).
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Hummingbird Cake Muffins with Crumb Topping
These muffins are a twist on the classic hummingbird cake, with the addition of crunchy crumb topping. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, they’re sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
For the muffins:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
– 2 large eggs
For the crumb topping:
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, pineapple juice, and eggs. Mix until just combined.
4. Fold in chopped pecans, if using.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
6. Top each muffin with crumb topping (see below).
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Crumb Topping:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together flour and sugar.
2. Add cold butter and use a pastry blender or fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until crumbly.
3. Fold in chopped pecans, if using.
4. Sprinkle topping evenly over muffins before baking.
Hummingbird Cake Ice Cream Sandwiches
Get ready to delight your taste buds with these scrumptious Hummingbird Cake Ice Cream Sandwiches! Moist and flavorful hummingbird cake, paired with creamy vanilla ice cream, and finished off with a crunchy pecan crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup hummingbird cake crumbs
– 1 pint vanilla ice cream
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
– Optional: whipped cream or caramel sauce for topping
Instructions:
1. Scoop the vanilla ice cream into balls, about 1-inch in diameter.
2. Crush the hummingbird cake crumbs into fine particles and mix with the softened butter until a dough forms.
3. Roll each ice cream ball into the cake mixture to coat evenly.
4. Place the coated ice cream balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top of each sandwich for added crunch.
6. Let freeze for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: None, as this is an assembly-only recipe!
Hummingbird Cake Pops with White Chocolate Coating
Get ready to take your cake pop game to new heights with these irresistible treats! Moist hummingbird cake, sweet cream cheese frosting, and crunchy pecans are all wrapped up in a white chocolate shell.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup crushed pineapple
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– 8 oz cream cheese frosting
– White chocolate chips for coating
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and eggs.
3. Stir in crushed pineapple, chopped pecans, and butter until combined.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Allow cake to cool completely before crumbly it into small pieces.
6. Mix with cream cheese frosting until well combined.
7. Roll mixture into balls, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter.
8. Melt white chocolate chips and dip each ball into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off.
9. Place coated cake pops on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (cake), 30 minutes (coating)
Hummingbird Cake Bread Pudding with Rum Sauce
This decadent dessert combines the flavors of classic hummingbird cake with the comforting warmth of bread pudding, topped off with a rich rum sauce. Perfect for special occasions or cozy nights in.
Ingredients:
For the bread pudding:
– 2 cups stale hummingbird cake, crumbled
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
For the rum sauce:
– 1/2 cup dark rum
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together crumbled cake, sugars, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and vanilla extract. Add heavy cream and whisk until combined.
4. Pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
5. Pour mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
6. While the bread pudding is baking, combine rum, heavy cream, and sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
7. Serve warm bread pudding topped with warm rum sauce.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Hummingbird Cake Smoothie Bowl with Granola
This refreshing smoothie bowl combines the sweet flavors of hummingbird cake with crunchy granola, perfect for a warm weather treat or a healthy breakfast.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe banana
– 1 cup frozen pineapple
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup granola
– Fresh pineapple wedges and whipped cream (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine banana, pineapple, Greek yogurt, honey, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.
2. Pour the mixture into a bowl.
3. Top with granola, fresh pineapple wedges, and a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Tips:
– Use leftover hummingbird cake crumbs to make this recipe even more decadent.
– Substitute Greek yogurt with regular yogurt for a lighter texture.
– Experiment with different types of granola or nuts for added crunch.
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the sweet and moist goodness of hummingbird cake! This classic Southern dessert has been reimagined into 18 delicious recipes perfect for any occasion. From traditional cakes with cream cheese frosting to creative twists like cupcakes, bundt cakes, and even pancakes and donuts, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings. With flavors ranging from pineapple and coconut to brown butter and rum sauce, there’s something for everyone in this collection of hummingbird cake recipes.
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