🌸 Hummingbird Cake – A Southern Classic That Steals the Show

If you’ve never experienced the sweet, tropical charm of Hummingbird Cake, you’re in for a real treat. With ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, warm spices, and a luxurious cream cheese frosting, this cake is everything you want in a dessert: moist, flavorful, rich, and beautifully rustic.

Originally a staple of Southern kitchens and often served at holidays like Easter or Mother’s Day, this cake has earned its spot as a treasured classic for good reason. It’s easy to make, visually stunning, and absolutely loaded with flavor. Whether you’re new to baking or an experienced cake whisperer, this is one recipe you’ll want to save, bake, and share again and again.

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🧁 Why It’s Called “Hummingbird Cake”

Though the name might sound whimsical, the Hummingbird Cake has roots in tradition. It first appeared in American cookbooks in the late 20th century, originating in the Southern U.S.—particularly Tennessee and the Carolinas—where it was featured in community cookbooks and quickly gained a following.

The theory is that the cake’s sweet aroma and fruit-filled flavors were “so good, it makes you hum like a hummingbird.” And with bananas, pineapple, and that creamy frosting, it’s easy to see why people can’t resist a slice.

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🍌🥥 Hummingbird Cake Ingredients

This cake is a beautiful balance of moist texture and fruity warmth. The ingredients are common but magical when combined.

Cake Ingredients:

• Nonstick baking spray
• 2 sticks (1 cup) butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup buttermilk
• 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe banana (about 4 medium)
• One 8-ounce can crushed pineapple, with juice
• Optional garnishes: sweetened flaked coconut, chopped macadamia nuts

Frosting Ingredients:

• 2 sticks (1 cup) butter, softened
• Two 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

📝 Tip: The riper the bananas, the better the flavor and texture. Look for bananas with brown speckles.

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🔪 Instructions – Step-by-Step Guide

This cake is simple but benefits from good organization. Set your ingredients out, preheat the oven, and prepare to fall in love.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray three 9-inch cake pans with nonstick baking spray. You can also line the bottoms with parchment for easy release.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract on medium speed until light and fluffy. This takes about 2–3 minutes.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

Step 4: Blend and Fold

Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in batches, alternating with the buttermilk—starting and ending with the flour. Mix just until combined after each addition.

Fold in the mashed bananas and crushed pineapple (with juice) until the batter is thick and uniform.

Step 5: Divide and Bake

Using a measuring cup or ladle, evenly spoon the batter into the three prepared pans. To eliminate air bubbles, gently slam the pans against the counter.

Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in the center of each layer comes out clean.

Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove the cakes and transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

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🎂 Cream Cheese Frosting

This frosting is luscious, tangy, and the perfect complement to the fruity warmth of the cake.

Frosting Instructions:

• Beat the butter and cream cheese together using a handheld electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
• Add confectioners’ sugar in batches, mixing slowly at first to avoid clouds of sugar, then beat until fluffy.
• Beat in the lemon juice and vanilla extract.

Once your cake layers are cooled, frost between the layers, then cover the top and sides of the cake generously.

🧁 Optional Garnish: Top with sweetened flaked coconut, chopped macadamia nuts, or edible flowers for a festive finish.

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🕒 Cake Timeline

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Bake Time: 25–35 minutes
• Cooling & Frosting Time: ~1 hour
• Total Time: 2 hours (approx)
• Servings: 12–16 slices

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🌟 Why This Cake Works

Hummingbird Cake stands out for its:

• Moist texture – Thanks to bananas, pineapple, and buttermilk
• Layered flavor – Warm cinnamon, vanilla, and fruit in every bite
• Crowd appeal – Perfect for holidays, birthdays, and potlucks
• Easy frosting – Tangy and rich, but easy to spread
• Customizable finish – Go rustic or dress it up!

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🧊 Storing and Serving

• Store in refrigerator for up to 5 days—cover to prevent drying
• Bring to room temp before serving for best texture and flavor
• Freeze layers (unfrosted) for up to 2 months, then thaw and frost

🎉 Make it ahead! Bake the layers the day before, wrap tightly, and frost the next day.

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🥄 What to Serve With It

This cake is a showstopper all on its own, but here are a few tasty pairings:

• Hot coffee or chai tea for a warming combination
• Sparkling water with lemon or pineapple slices for a fresh contrast
• Fruit salad to echo the tropical notes
• Vanilla ice cream for an indulgent extra

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💛 Final Thoughts: A Cake to Remember

Whether you’re planning an Easter meal, a Mother’s Day brunch, or simply want to try a cake that will turn any gathering into something memorable, Hummingbird Cake is the answer. It’s rich without being heavy, nostalgic yet fresh, and comforting while still feeling a little bit special.

It’s the kind of cake you bake once and never forget. One that guests will ask about. One that makes people smile after the first bite.

So go ahead—gather those bananas, open a can of pineapple, and treat yourself to a true Southern classic. You’ll be glad you did.

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