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Old-Fashioned Hummingbird Cake is an old-fashioned three-layer banana pineapple spice cake, popular in the Southern United States.
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Old-Fashioned Hummingbird Cake
I have to confess that I’m not really a fan of cream cheese frosting. Don’t hate me. It’s just not “my thing” …. but that is traditionally what goes on Hummingbird Cake, so I went with it. I think this would be awesome with a pineapple frosting to accentuate the flavor of the cake! Maybe next time! Although this cake is hugely popular in the South, you don’t have to be a Southerner to love it! 🙂
This will be one of the desserts we enjoy this Easter – and if you’re looking for ideas, why don’t you give this a try?!
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Old-Fashioned Hummingbird Cake
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Ingredients
For the cake
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 eggs
- 2 cups mashed ripe bananas, about 3-4 medium
- 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
- 1 can crushed pineapple, undrained, 8 oz.
- 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
For the frosting
- 1 pound cream cheese, softened, 16 oz.
- 1 cup butter, softened, 2 sticks
- 2 pounds powdered sugar, 32 oz.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Additional toasted and chopped pecans for the top, if desired
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 9-in. round cake pans. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, baking soda and cinnamon. Add the eggs, bananas, oil, pineapple and vanilla. Beat until well combined. Stir in the nuts. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center tests clean. Cool 10 minutes; then remove the cakes from the pans to wire racks to cool completely.
- Combine all of the frosting ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Beat until the mixture is well combined. Spread the frosting between the layers and over the top and sides of the cake. Sprinkle with additional nuts, if desired.
Notes
- You can use bamboo skewers to help hold your cake layers together.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Originally published on March 26, 2014. Updated on April 26, 2021.
Can this be made in a 13 x 9 pan with the time adjusted ?
Absolutely. I have never baked it like that, but cakes that size generally bake for about 30-35 minutes at 350°F. Just be sure to keep an eye on it, so it’s not over or under-baked. Happy baking!
I have double the recipe and made a sheet cake before for our family reunion , turned out great .
I will certainly try this ! Thank You 😊 🌺🐝
Hi I’ve never actually never heard or tried hummingbird cake it sounds so delicious and I love to bake. Definitely want to try it but could I skip the cinnamon? I love to share stuff I make with in-laws sadly my mother in-law is allergic to cinnamon.
Thank you and have a blessed day
Christie
Looks wonderful! Any thoughts on converting this recipe to a Bundt cake form? Thanks
I’ve never done it, but I’m certain you can. You’ll need to adjust the baking time. I found this resource to be helpful in converting to different pans.
Just wanted you to know that your recipe is being featured today on Foodie Friday. I will be pinning and tweeting it this week too.
http://www.simplelivingeating.com/2014/04/warm-corn-salad-with-huevo-frito-foodie.html
I've never even heard of Hummingbird Cake, but you rocked these photos and have me craving it! It looks and sounds delicious! I will be featuring this recipe on SNF this Saturday so thank you for linking this up! 🙂