There’s something magical about making a hummingbird cake! This delicious tropical dessert brings together the sweetness of ripe bananas, the tanginess of crushed pineapple, and the crunch of pecans, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Every time I whip up this cake, it fills my kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma that instantly lifts my spirits. Trust me, the combination of these ingredients is unique and so delightful that you’ll want to share it with everyone you know. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a cozy weekend treat, this cake never fails to impress!
Ingredients for Hummingbird Cake
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the best hummingbird cake! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 medium bananas)
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained well to avoid excess moisture
- 1 cup chopped pecans, roughly chopped for that perfect crunch
Make sure to measure everything accurately, especially the mashed bananas and drained pineapple, to ensure your cake turns out moist and delicious!
How to Prepare Hummingbird Cake
Getting started on your hummingbird cake is easier than you might think! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delectable dessert in no time. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. While that’s warming up, grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans—this will help your cakes release perfectly later.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Make sure they’re well mixed; this is where the magic begins! In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until blended. Now, gently stir this wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined—don’t overmix! Next, fold in the mashed bananas, drained pineapple, and chopped pecans, making sure everything is evenly distributed.
Divide the batter equally among the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. And that’s it! You’re almost there!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in mashed bananas, drained pineapple, and chopped pecans.
- Divide the batter among the prepared pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Why You’ll Love This Hummingbird Cake
This hummingbird cake is sure to steal your heart for so many reasons! Here’s why I know you’ll adore it:
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy bakers.
- Flavorful tropical ingredients that bring a taste of paradise to your table.
- Perfect for celebrations or casual gatherings—everyone will be asking for seconds!
- Vegetarian-friendly, so it can be enjoyed by everyone.
Seriously, it’s a showstopper that’s as delightful to eat as it is to make!
Tips for Success with Hummingbird Cake
To make sure your hummingbird cake turns out perfectly, here are a few pro tips! First, check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Don’t forget to let the cakes cool completely before frosting to prevent melting. I love using a rich cream cheese frosting to complement the tropical flavors, but you can also sprinkle some toasted coconut on top for an extra touch. Enjoy your baking adventure!
Nutritional Information for Hummingbird Cake
When it comes to enjoying a slice of this delicious tropical dessert, it’s always good to know what you’re indulging in! Each slice of hummingbird cake contains approximately 350 calories, with 18 grams of fat and 4 grams of protein. You’ll also find around 30 grams of sugar and 42 grams of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient brands or any adjustments you make. So, go ahead and treat yourself—you deserve it!
FAQ about Hummingbird Cake
You might have a few questions about making this delicious tropical dessert, so let’s tackle some common ones!
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just make sure to finely chop it and drain any excess juice to keep the cake from getting too moist.
What can I use instead of pecans?
If you’re not a fan of pecans, walnuts make a great substitute. They add a lovely crunch too!
Can I make this cake in advance?
Definitely! You can bake the layers ahead of time and freeze them. Just wrap them well, and they’ll stay fresh until you’re ready to frost and serve.
How should I store leftover hummingbird cake?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just be warned—it might disappear quickly!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover hummingbird cake is super simple! Just place any uneaten slices in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. No need to reheat—just slice and savor its deliciousness!
Serving Suggestions for Hummingbird Cake
To truly elevate your hummingbird cake experience, consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The creamy textures complement the cake’s moisture beautifully! For an extra tropical twist, serve it alongside fresh fruit like slices of mango or berries. A light drizzle of caramel or a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top can also add a delightful finishing touch. Trust me, these simple additions will make your cake even more irresistible!
Z nadrukami
Hummingbird Cake is a Delicious Tropical Dessert to Savor
- Całkowity Czas: 50 minutes
- Ustępować: 12 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
Hummingbird cake is a delicious tropical dessert that combines banana, pineapple, and pecans.
Składniki
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, combine oil, eggs, and vanilla.
- Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Add bananas, pineapple, and pecans, and mix well.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Uwagi
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container.
- Frost with cream cheese frosting for added flavor.
- Czas Przygotowania: 20 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 30 minutes
- Kategoria: Dessert
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: Tropical
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 slice
- Kalorie: 350
- Cukier: 30g
- Sód: 250mg
- Kwasy: 18g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 2g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 15g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 42g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Słowa kluczowe: hummingbird cake, tropical dessert, banana cake, pineapple cake
