Name: Hummingbird Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 2½ cups all-purpose flour (300 g), spooned and leveled; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¾ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional); ½ cup unsweetened applesauce; ½ cup vegetable oil; 1½ cups granulated sugar; ½ cup light brown sugar, packed; 3 large eggs, room temperature; 1¼ cup mashed banana (about 3 to 4 medium/large bananas); 8 ounces crushed pineapple (not drained, in juice, not syrup); 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract; 1¼ cup pecans, toasted; 12 ounces cream cheese, softened; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar, divided; ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt; 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon heavy cream (optional); Toasted, finely chopped pecans for topping (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 39 reviews

If you’re craving a dessert that bursts with tropical flavors and a moist, tender crumb, this Hummingbird Cake Recipe is an absolute game changer. Packed with ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, and warmly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, this cake delivers a sweet and slightly tangy experience that melts in your mouth. The addition of toasted pecans adds delightful crunch, while the luscious cream cheese frosting balances each bite with its smooth richness. It’s a beloved southern classic that always feels like a special celebration on the plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows the process of making a hummingbird cake in nine steps. Step 1 has a white bowl with flour and three brown powders on top. Step 2 shows a white bowl with three eggs, brown sugar, and oil. Step 3 features a white bowl with a smooth, light brown batter being whisked. Step 4 shows mashed bananas and vanilla being added to the batter in the white bowl. Step 5 has a whisk stirring the thicker banana mixture in the white bowl. Step 6 shows a spoon in a slightly darker, thicker batter in the white bowl. Step 7 has chopped pecans being stirred into the batter with a spoon in the white bowl. Step 8 shows three round pans filled with the cake batter, placed on a white marbled surface, surrounded by bananas and pineapple. Step 9 shows the three baked cake layers, golden brown, still in the pans, with bananas and pineapple nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this delightful Hummingbird Cake Recipe. Each component plays a key role—from the all-purpose flour that gives structure to the cake, to the mashed bananas and pineapple which infuse moisture and natural sweetness. Pecans bring crunch and texture while warm spices add depth, making every bite a harmonious blend of flavors.

2½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect foundation for a tender crumb.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
1½ teaspoons baking powder: Adds additional lift to the batter.
1 teaspoon fine sea salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings warm, cozy notes to the cake.
¾ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle aromatic spice.
¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional): For an extra hint of spice complexity.
½ cup unsweetened applesauce: Keeps the cake moist and reduces the need for extra oil.
½ cup vegetable oil: Helps maintain the cake’s rich, buttery texture.
1½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter perfectly.
½ cup light brown sugar (packed): Adds moisture and a touch of caramel flavor.
3 large eggs (room temperature): Essential for structure and binding the ingredients.
1¼ cup mashed banana (3-4 medium/large bananas): Infuses natural sweetness and moistness.
8 ounces crushed pineapple (not drained, in juice): Adds tropical zest and juiciness.
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a sweet aroma.
1¼ cup toasted pecans: Adds delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients: 12 ounces softened cream cheese, ½ cup softened unsalted butter, 4 cups powdered sugar (divided), ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt, 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon heavy cream (optional).

How to Make Hummingbird Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare three 8-inch cake pans by greasing them thoroughly. Line the bottom of each with parchment paper rounds and lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray. This ensures your cake layers come out easily while maintaining their delicate crumb.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional cloves. This combination of dry ingredients sets the aromatic, spiced foundation that will make your cake sing.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the applesauce, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until well blended. Then stir in the mashed bananas, crushed pineapple with juice, and vanilla extract. These ingredients add moisture, sweetness, and fruit-forward flavor perfect for this recipe.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until combined, but be careful not to overmix. Finally, fold in the toasted pecans for a bit of satisfying crunch throughout the batter.

Step 5: Bake Your Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through for even baking. Check doneness with a toothpick – it should come out clean when the cakes are ready. Remove them to cool completely on wire racks.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat softened butter and cream cheese together until fluffy. Add powdered sugar one cup at a time, along with salt and vanilla extract, mixing well between each addition. Optionally, add heavy cream with one of the powdered sugar additions to create a smooth, spreadable consistency. Beat on high speed toward the end to achieve that perfect creamy texture.

Step 7: Assemble Your Hummingbird Cake

Place one cooled cake layer on a plate or cake stand and generously spread with frosting. Repeat with remaining layers. Chill the layered cake briefly before frosting the outside for ease. Finish by piping or smoothing the remaining frosting over the sides and top, then garnish with more finely chopped toasted pecans if desired.

How to Serve Hummingbird Cake Recipe

A three-layer cake with light brown, textured sponge showing bits of nuts and yellow pieces, each layer separated by a thin layer of smooth, white frosting. The outside of the cake is covered with a thick white frosting layer. The top edge is decorated with swirls of white frosting sprinkled with small brown nut pieces. The cake is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the toasted pecans already add a beautiful crunch, consider scattering a few extra on top or even adding a few toasted coconut flakes for an added tropical flair. A light dusting of cinnamon can also elevate the visual appeal and aroma right before serving.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to balance the rich flavors. Fresh fruit, such as sliced strawberries or mango, can add a refreshing counterpoint and brighten the dessert plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive look, try layering the cake slices in individual dessert cups with additional frosting and chopped pecans. Alternatively, mini hummingbird cupcakes with the same luscious cream cheese frosting make a charming party treat. Drizzle a little caramel sauce over slices for extra indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, wrap your Hummingbird Cake tightly and store it in the refrigerator where it will keep beautifully for up to 5 days. Bringing it to room temperature before serving allows the cake and frosting to regain their tender, flavorful perfection.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and decorating. This makes it easy to prepare ahead and enjoy whenever the craving hits.

Reheating

This cake is best served at room temperature, so avoid reheating. Simply take it out of the fridge 10 to 15 minutes before serving to soften the frosting and allow the flavors to fully shine.

FAQs

Can I substitute nuts in the Hummingbird Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! If pecans aren’t your favorite or if you have allergies, walnuts make a wonderful alternative. You can also omit nuts entirely for a nut-free version without sacrificing moisture or flavor.

Is it okay to use canned pineapple in this recipe?

Yes, canned crushed pineapple works perfectly as long as you use pineapple packed in juice rather than syrup to avoid adding extra sweetness that might throw off the balance.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can adapt this Hummingbird Cake Recipe by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. For best results, choose one that includes xanthan gum and follow package instructions carefully.

How long does it take to assemble the cake?

Once your cake layers are fully cooled, assembling and frosting the cake typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Chilling the cake in between frosting layers helps achieve a neat, professional finish.

Why is this called a Hummingbird Cake?

The name “Hummingbird Cake” is thought to originate from the cake’s sweet, tropical flavors that hummingbirds are naturally attracted to. It’s a fitting name for a dessert that’s light, colorful, and irresistibly delightful!

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t yet tried this beloved southern tradition, the Hummingbird Cake Recipe is a must-make. Its unique combination of fruits, nuts, and spices paired with a luscious cream cheese frosting creates an unforgettable flavor experience. I can’t wait for you to enjoy every bite as much as I do. Get your mixing bowls ready and create a cake that will have everyone asking for seconds!