Hummingbird cake is a tasty little spiced cake made with bananas and pineapple that originated in Jamaica. From the cinnamon and allspice mix, to the crushed pineapple and banana puree, this cake has all of it. And don’t neglect the toasted pecans and cream cheese frosting!
For extra scrumptious, nutty truffles, strive our traditional Carrot Cake or our German Chocolate Cake!
Why Our Recipe
- A simple sheet cake model of hummingbird cake that feeds a crowd.
- One-bowl cake batter retains all the things easy with easy-to-follow steps.
- Crushed pineapple and banana puree retains this cake tremendous moist.
We predict hummingbird cake is so underrated! Just like carrot cake, this lesser recognized cake is spiced with cinnamon and allspice and made with crushed pineapple and a banana puree as an alternative of carrots—it’s like a tropical model of carrot cake! This cake actually is the perfect deal with for those who need an extremely moist cake with a refined sweetness that isn’t too wealthy or decadent.
Ingredient Notes
- All-Function Flour: Follow common all-purpose flour for the perfect outcomes. We don’t suggest utilizing cake flour because it makes this cake crumbly.
- Baking Soda and Powder: You’ll want each. Make sure you verify the expiration date to keep away from a flat cake.
- Vegetable Oil: Canola oil or olive oil are good alternate options. Follow a neutral-flavored oil.
- Crushed Pineapple: Provides additional moisture and taste to the cake. Evenly drain earlier than including to your batter.
- Banana Puree: Mix about 2 bananas, simply overripe, in a meals processor/blender. In the event you desire a thicker puree, you may mash them with a wire potato masher or fork.
- Cream Cheese: Softened and full-fat works greatest for this creamy frosting.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavour. Pure vanilla extract is really helpful for the perfect style, however synthetic vanilla can be utilized in a pinch.
- Powdered Sugar: Add it in half a cup at a time. Extra powdered sugar makes for a thicker frosting. How thick you make it’s a matter of non-public desire.
Frosting Choices
Hummingbird cake pairs nicely with a wide range of frostings, although we love the thick and creamy texture of cream cheese frosting. In the event you’re not a fan, listed here are a couple of scrumptious alternate options:
Buttercream Frosting: For many who desire a silky clean and candy choice, buttercream frosting is good. It’s versatile sufficient to be flavored or coloured and offers a traditional, elegant end to the cake.
Ermine Frosting: Often known as boiled milk frosting, Ermine frosting offers a lighter different with a fluffy texture and a refined sweetness.
Customise your Cake
Including mix-ins to your cake is a implausible option to customise them to make this cake your personal. Whether or not you’re a fan of chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit, right here’s methods to incorporate these yummy extras:
Dried Fruit: In the event you’re a fan of dried fruit, we suggest a 1/2 cup of raisins or dried cherries. They supply bursts of sweetness and a chewy texture that enhances the general expertise.
Chocolate Chips: For a candy twist, stir in 1/2 cup of semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips into the dough. They add a melty, chocolatey goodness that pairs splendidly with the spices.
Nuts: This recipe already has 1 cup of toasted pecans (belief me, you’re going to wish to toast them), however you might sub for (or just add) some walnuts when you desire them. Pecans are conventional for hummingbird cake, however you may completely play with this recipe and use your favourite nuts.
The Proper Pan
Selecting the best pan is vital to making sure your cake seems completely. For this sheet cake, we use a jelly roll pan or baker’s half sheet, which measures 13×18 inches with a rimmed edge. Utilizing a smaller or deeper pan can alter the cake-to-frosting ratio, affecting each the style and texture.
Getting ready the Pan
Put together the pan by flippantly greasing it with butter or nonstick cooking spray, then line the underside with parchment paper, guaranteeing no overhang. Precut parchment paper sheets are particularly handy for this step. Whereas parchment paper isn’t required, it helps make sure the cake doesn’t stick and makes serving simpler too.
Storage Directions
Retailer leftovers in an hermetic container at room temperature for as much as 5 days.
Freeze particular person slices separated on a baking sheet. As soon as frozen strong, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and retailer in an hermetic container for as much as 3 months. Let thaw at room temperature.
