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The aroma of baking can turn a house into a home, and nothing exemplifies this warmth more than a lovingly made Hummingbird Cake. This recipe for Best Homemade Hummingbird Cake with Cream Cheese is not just a cake; it’s a slice of nostalgia and pure comfort. Whether you are a seasoned baker or just starting, this cake offers a delightful experience that fills the heart and warms the soul. Perfect for family gatherings or quiet evenings at home, this cake is bound to make any occasion feel special.
At the heart of this recipe is a wonderful blend of ingredients that sing together beautifully. You will use 2 cups of all-purpose flour to create a lovely base, along with 2 cups of granulated sugar for sweetness that balances perfectly with the 1 teaspoon of baking soda. The warm hint of 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon adds spice that elevates the flavor profile, while 1/2 teaspoon of salt rounds out the sweetness. This cake features the stars of the show: 3 large eggs, 1 cup of vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to provide moisture and richness. The addition of 1 can of crushed pineapple and 1 cup of mashed bananas brings a delightful fruitiness, while 1 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts adds a wonderful crunch. To finish it all off, a luscious cream cheese frosting made from 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 4 cups of powdered sugar, and 1/2 cup of softened butter creates a smooth and creamy topping that brings everything together.
The method is surprisingly simple. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepping your cake pans. Mixing the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another ensures that everything comes together smoothly. After folding in the fruity goodness and nuts, you’ll bake the layers until each is golden and fragrant. Once cooled, a generous slather of cream cheese frosting transforms your cake into a show-stopping dessert.
This Hummingbird Cake is absolutely perfect for any gathering. It’s a wonderful choice for birthdays, holidays, or even as a comforting treat after a long day. When you serve this cake, you won’t just offer dessert; you’ll share love and memories with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Best Homemade Hummingbird Cake with Cream Cheese
- Comfort Food: This cake is a warm hug on a plate, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion.
- Quick and Easy: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, this recipe is accessible to home cooks of all skill levels.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of fruit, nuts, and cream cheese creates a delightful flavor explosion with every forkful.
- Versatile: Great for potlucks, family gatherings, or just because. This cake fits any occasion.
- Family-Friendly: Your loved ones, from kids to grandparents, will adore this delicious treat.
Hummingbird Cake Tips
When selecting bananas for your cake, look for ripe ones with a speckled yellow skin. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful it will be, which adds to the cake’s moistness. If you find yourself with overripe bananas at home, this is the perfect time to put them to good use. Just remember to mash them well, as bigger pieces might not blend seamlessly into the batter.
Options for Substitutions
- Whole Wheat Flour: Swap some or all of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
- Brown Sugar: Replace granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Unsweetened Applesauce: Use applesauce instead of oil for a lower-fat version.
- Different Nuts: Switch pecans or walnuts for slivered almonds or hazelnuts based on your preference.
- Dairy-Free Cream Cheese: For a lactose-free version, use a plant-based cream cheese substitute in the frosting.
- Maple Syrup: Replace granulated sugar with maple syrup for a unique twist.
Watch Out for These Mistakes
One common mistake when baking this cake is overmixing the batter. Once you add the wet ingredients to the dry, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake texture. Another pitfall is not letting the cakes cool adequately before frosting. If you frost while the cakes are still warm, the frosting can melt and slide off. Also, keep an eye on your cakes while baking. Although the recipe suggests 25-30 minutes, every oven bakes differently, so it’s wise to perform the toothpick test a few minutes before the timer goes off.
What to Serve With Best Homemade Hummingbird Cake with Cream Cheese?
This delightful cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or tea. You could also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. If you’re looking for lighter options, consider fresh fruit salad or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the cake’s flavors.
Storage Instructions
Store: You can store leftover cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure it’s in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Freeze: If you would like to freeze the cake, wrap the layers tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheat: To enjoy slices later, you can reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in a low oven until just warm.
Recipe Info
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 50-60 minutes
- Level of Difficulty: Easy
- Servings: About 12 slices
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 450-500
- Protein: 5-6 grams
- Fat: 22-24 grams
- Carbohydrates: 65-70 grams
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup mashed bananas (about 2 ripe bananas)
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans thoroughly. This will prevent the cake from sticking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisk them together until well blended.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat together the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. This mixture adds moisture to your cake.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Slowly add the egg mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Fold in Fruits and Nuts
Now, gently fold in the crushed pineapple, mashed bananas, and chopped nuts. This will give your cake its signature flavor.
Step 6: Divide and Bake
Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool the Cakes
Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
Step 8: Make the Frosting
For the frosting, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Step 9: Frost the Layers
Once the cakes are cool, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread a layer of frosting on top, add the second layer, and frost it too. Finally, place the third layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
Step 10: Decorate and Serve
If desired, decorate with additional chopped nuts on top. Serve your delicious cake and enjoy every bite!
In summary, this Best Homemade Hummingbird Cake with Cream Cheese offers not just irresistible flavor but also a chance to share joy with loved ones. I encourage you to give it a try and create your own slice of heartwarming happiness. Feel free to share how it turned out for you or explore similar recipes on my blog for more delightful dishes. Happy baking!
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Best Homemade Hummingbird Cake with Cream Cheese
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting Hummingbird Cake infused with fruit and topped with rich cream cheese frosting, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup mashed bananas (about 2 ripe bananas)
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prep the cake pans.
- Mix in a large bowl the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- Beat together the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract in another bowl.
- Slowly add the egg mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the crushed pineapple, mashed bananas, and chopped nuts gently.
- Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared pans and bake.
- Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together for the frosting, then gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
- Spread frosting between layers and on top after the cakes have cooled.
- Decorate with additional chopped nuts if desired and serve.
Notes
Use ripe bananas for added sweetness and moisture. Frost only after the cakes are completely cool.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
