Hummingbird cake is a layered spice cake that originated in Jamaica and became popular in the Southern United States. It contains banana, pineapple, cinnamon, and nuts and is iced with a sweet cream cheese frosting. The cake has a very moist texture thanks to the mashed ripe bananas in the batter.
Quick Answer
Hummingbird cake is typically made with these main ingredients:
- Ripe bananas – Mashed bananas give the cake moisture
- Pineapple – Crushed pineapple adds tropical flavor
- Vegetable oil – Canola or vegetable oil is commonly used
- Eggs – Whole eggs bind the batter together
- All-purpose flour – Provides structure to the cake
- Granulated white sugar – Sweetens the cake
- Cinnamon – Warm spice complements the fruit flavors
- Vanilla extract – Enhances other flavors in the cake
- Baking soda – Helps the cake rise
- Salt – A pinch balances sweetness
- Nuts – Pecans or walnuts add crunch and flavor
The creamy frosting is made with powdered sugar, cream cheese, and butter or margarine.
Origin of the Cake
The earliest known published recipe for hummingbird cake appeared in Southern Living magazine in February 1978. It was submitted to the magazine by Mrs. L.H. Wiggins of Greensboro, North Carolina, who reportedly adapted it from a recipe given to her by a Jamaican friend known as “Doctor Bird.”
The exact origins of the cake in Jamaica are unclear, but it is known for being moist and containing tropical ingredients like banana and pineapple. When the recipe made its way to the American South, it was embraced for its similarity to traditional Southern cakes containing nuts, spices, and fresh produce. The cake became popular at church picnics, potlucks, and other community gatherings in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Main Ingredients
Hummingbird cake contains a number of ingredients that come together to create its distinct texture and flavor. Here is more detail about the key ingredients:
Ripe Bananas
Very ripe bananas are mashed by hand or mixer until smooth, then mixed into the batter. This adds moisture and banana flavor to the cake crumb. Avoid using underripe green bananas, as they will make the cake dense and less sweet. Two to three very ripe bananas are usually sufficient for a 9×13 inch cake.
Pineapple
Crushed pineapple, well drained, provides a tropical fruit sweetness and moisture. Canned pineapple is acceptable, though fresh pineapple would also be delicious. Avoid using dried pineapple or pineapple juice, as the texture and flavor intensity would not be suitable. Around one 8-ounce can or one cup of crushed pineapple is typical for a standard size hummingbird cake.
Vegetable Oil
A neutral flavored vegetable oil like canola or light olive oil provides moisture and richness. Butter is sometimes used but may impart more flavor than desired for this cake. Around 1/2 to 3/4 cup of oil is usually adequate for a hummingbird cake.
Eggs
Whole eggs bind the cake batter together and provide structure, leavening, and richness. Two or three eggs are usually used. The cake may be possible with only egg whites but may turn out drier.
All-Purpose Flour
All-purpose flour provides the main structure and lift to the cake. Cake flour could also be used for a more tender, delicate crumb. Around 2 cups of flour are typical for a standard 9×13 inch hummingbird cake recipe.
White Granulated Sugar
Regular white granulated cane sugar sweetens the cake. Some recipes use a combination of white and brown sugars. Around 1 to 1 1/2 cups of white sugar is common for a hummingbird cake.
Cinnamon
Ground cinnamon provides warmth and spice that complements the pineapple and banana flavors. About 1-2 teaspoons is usually adequate – too much can be overpowering.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla enhances the other flavors and provides depth. Use real vanilla extract rather than artificial vanilla for best flavor. Around 1-2 teaspoons is typical.
Baking Soda
A teaspoon or two of baking soda helps provide lift and lightness to the cake. It reacts with the acidity of the pineapple and bananas.
Salt
A pinch of salt balances out some of the sweetness and allows the other flavors to shine. Around 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon is usually sufficient.
Chopped Nuts
Chopped pecans or walnuts add crunch and flavor and keep the cake moist. Avoid finely ground nuts, as they can make the cake dense. Around 1 cup is standard.
Frosting
A sweet cream cheese frosting complements the spice cake and helps keep it moist:
Ingredient | Role |
---|---|
Powdered sugar | Sweetens the frosting |
Cream cheese | Provides creamy texture |
Butter or margarine | Adds richness and moisture |
Vanilla | Enhances flavor |
The ingredients are simply creamed together until smooth and spreadable. Some extra cream cheese frosting can be reserved for decoration.
Baking Tips
Here are some helpful tips for baking perfect hummingbird cake:
- Use very ripe bananas for maximum flavor and moisture.
- Don’t overmix the batter – just mix until the flour is incorporated.
- Slice bananas and pineapple into small pieces for even distribution.
- Chop nuts coarsely so they don’t sink – pecan pieces work well.
- Grease the cake pans well so the cake doesn’t stick.
- Rotate the cake layers midway through baking for even rising.
- Let the cake layers cool completely before assembling and frosting.
- Use an offset spatula to frost smoothly and cleanly.
Serving Suggestions
Hummingbird cake tastes great on its own but there are also some fun ways to serve it:
- Dust with powdered sugar or cinnamon
- Garnish with sliced bananas or pineapple
- Serve with whipped cream or ice cream
- For occasions, decorate with fresh flowers
- Pair with coffee, spiced tea, or tropical cocktails
- Box slices as gifts for friends and family
With its incredible homemade flavor and texture, hummingbird cake is perfect for everything from everyday coffee breaks to celebrations and potlucks. It keeps well refrigerated for several days.
Substitutions
The basic ingredients for hummingbird cake are fairly flexible. Here are some possible substitutions:
- Applesauce or mashed ripe pears for the bananas
- Drained crushed mango for the pineapple
- Almond or coconut oil for vegetable oil
- Coconut milk for whole milk
- Whole wheat pastry flour for some of the all-purpose flour
- Pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, or macadamia nuts for the chopped nuts
- Dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting (use butter or shortening)
Be mindful that substituting too many ingredients may alter the original character of the cake. But some adjustments can be made based on preferences and ingredients on hand.
Hummingbird Cake Recipes
There are many different hummingbird cake recipes out there, but most follow a similar formula. Here are two highly rated options:
Classic Hummingbird Cake Recipe
This recipe from Paula Deen is simple to prepare and considered by many to be the definitive hummingbird cake:
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Ripe bananas, mashed | 2 1/2 cups |
Vegetable oil | 1 1/4 cup |
Eggs | 3 large |
Vanilla | 1 teaspoon |
All-purpose flour | 2 1/4 cups |
Granulated sugar | 2 cups |
Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
Cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
Pecans, chopped | 1 cup |
Crushed pineapple, drained | One 8-ounce can |
Low Sugar Hummingbird Cake
For a lower sugar option, this recipe reduces the amount of sugar and uses Greek yogurt and honey:
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Ripe bananas, mashed | 2 cups |
Avocado oil or canola oil | 3/4 cup |
Eggs | 2 large |
Vanilla | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
Granulated sugar | 3/4 cup |
Greek yogurt | 1/2 cup |
Honey | 1/4 cup |
Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
Cinnamon | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
Pecans, chopped | 3/4 cup |
Pineapple tidbits, drained | One 8-ounce can |
Nutrition Information
Like most cakes, hummingbird cake is high in calories, carbohydrates, and fat. But the nutrition can vary based on the specific ingredients used.
Here is the approximate nutrition information for one slice (1/12th) of a typical hummingbird cake made with oil and frosted with cream cheese frosting:
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 410 |
Fat | 19g |
Saturated fat | 6g |
Carbohydrates | 55g |
Sugar | 36g |
Fiber | 1g |
Protein | 4g |
The cake provides a quick energy boost from the sugar and refined carbohydrates. The banana, pineapple, eggs, and nuts also contribute small amounts of micronutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium.
Overall, hummingbird cake is best enjoyed occasionally as a special treat. Opt for reasonable slice sizes, share with others, and accompany it with fruit, yogurt, or other healthier choices to help balance your diet.
Cost Analysis
Here is an approximate cost breakdown for making a 9×13 inch hummingbird cake serving 12 people:
Ingredient | Estimated Cost |
---|---|
Bananas | $0.50 |
Pineapple | $1.50 |
Vegetable oil | $0.50 |
Eggs | $0.75 |
Flour | $0.30 |
Sugar | $0.75 |
Cinnamon | $0.05 |
Pecans | $2.00 |
Cream cheese | $1.50 |
Powdered sugar | $0.25 |
Butter | $0.50 |
Total | $8.60 |
The biggest contributors to the cost are the pineapple, nuts, and cream cheese. Buying generic or store-brand ingredients can lower the price. Overall, at around $0.70 per slice, hummingbird cake is a fairly affordable dessert option for feeding a crowd.
Conclusion
With its blend of banana, pineapple, spice, and cream cheese frosting, hummingbird cake has become a quintessential Southern treat. The key to great hummingbird cake is using very ripe bananas, well-drained pineapple, warm spices, crunchy nuts, and plenty of frosting. While the cake does contain a lot of sugar and refined flour, it can be a nice occasional indulgence, especially when shared with others. Hummingbird cake makes a memorable dessert for backyard barbecues, church functions, and any celebration in the American South and beyond.