Best Hummingbird Cake Recipe – Moist Banana Pineapple Pecan

Hummingbird Cake – If there is a dessert that perfectly captures the warmth and charm of Southern baking, it is the beloved Hummingbird Cake—a beautifully moist, fruit-filled cake that brings together mashed bananas, crushed pineapple, chopped pecans, and aromatic spices.

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This cake is more than just a recipe; it is a tradition. Originating in the American South, it gained widespread fame when it first appeared in Southern Living magazine in the 1970s, quickly becoming one of the most treasured homemade cakes across generations.

Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: American / Southern

• Course: Dessert

• Servings: 12–16 slices

• Calories per Serving: Approx. 420 kcal

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Active Baking Time: 35 minutes

• Resting/Cooling Time: 1 hour

• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour

• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)

Wet Ingredients

• 3 large eggs

• 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil

• 1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3–4 bananas)

• 1 cup (240ml) crushed pineapple with juice

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Mix-ins

• 1 cup chopped pecans

• ½ cup shredded coconut (optional)

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

• 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup (115g) softened butter

• 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 tbsp heavy cream (optional for smoothness)

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls

• Electric mixer

• Rubber spatula

• Whisk

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Three 8-inch round cake pans or two 9-inch pans

• Parchment paper

• Cooling racks

• Offset spatula for frosting

 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans

Grease your cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

This ensures the cakes release easily and bake evenly.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:

• Flour

• Sugar

• Baking soda

• Cinnamon

• Salt

• Nutmeg

Mixing the dry ingredients helps distribute spices and leavening evenly.

Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, lightly beat the eggs.
Add:

• Oil

• Mashed bananas

• Pineapple with juice

• Vanilla extract

Stir until combined. You do not need an electric mixer—gentle mixing produces a moist, tender crumb.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
Use a spatula to fold the batter just until combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense.

Step 5: Add Pecans (and Coconut if Using)

Fold in chopped pecans, adding coconut if desired.
The nuts provide richness, crunch, and earthy depth.

Step 6: Divide and Bake

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pans.

Bake for:

• 28–32 minutes for 8-inch pans

• 33–38 minutes for 9-inch pans

The cakes are ready when:

• A toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean

• The tops are lightly golden

• The center springs back when gently touched

Step 7: Cool the Cakes

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes.
Then run a knife around the edges and invert onto cooling racks.

Allow cakes to cool fully—about 1 hour—before frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting Instructions

Step 8: Make the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together:

• Cream cheese

• Butter

Beat until smooth and creamy.

Add:

• Vanilla

• Powdered sugar

Beat until fluffy and spreadable. Add heavy cream if you want a silkier texture.

Step 9: Frost the Cake

Place the first cake layer on a serving board.
Spread frosting generously.
Repeat with all layers, then frost the sides and top.

Decorate with extra pecans or dried pineapple slices for a beautiful finish.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Values vary based on frosting thickness and add-ins.

Tips for a Perfect Cake

1. Use Very Ripe Bananas

Speckles on the peel indicate maximum sweetness and moisture.

2. Do Not Drain Pineapple

The juice adds essential moisture and tropical flavor.

3. Avoid Overmixing

Your cake will remain soft and tender if you fold gently.

4. Use Toasted Pecans

Toasting enhances the nutty aroma and adds crunchy depth.

5. Let the Cake Rest

The flavor becomes even better after a few hours or overnight.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Hot tea or coffee

• Fresh tropical fruits like mango or pineapple

• Toasted pecans on top

• A drizzle of caramel or honey

This cake is ideal for birthdays, brunches, holidays, and potlucks.

Conclusion

This cake is a brilliant celebration of tropical flavors combined with Southern charm. Its beautifully moist texture, fruity sweetness from pineapple and bananas, and delightful crunch from pecans make every bite unforgettable. Paired with a luxurious cream cheese frosting, it strikes the perfect balance between rich, refreshing, and comforting.