Name: Hummingbird Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 28 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting); 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup brown sugar (packed); ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 cup chopped pecans; ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut; 3 large eggs; 8 ounce can crushed pineapple (with juice); 4 ripe bananas (mashed); ½ cup vegetable oil; ½ cup full-fat buttermilk; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 16 ounces cream cheese (softened); ¾ cup butter (softened); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 6-7 cups powdered sugar; 4-6 tablespoons heavy cream; ½ cup chopped pecans (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 60 reviews

If you are searching for a dessert that perfectly balances tropical sweetness and rich creaminess, look no further than this classic Hummingbird Cake Recipe. Bursting with ripe bananas, juicy crushed pineapple, toasted pecans, and shredded coconut, this moist and tender cake is frosted with a luscious cream cheese icing that turns every bite into a celebration. Whether it’s for a special occasion or simply delighting yourself on a weekend afternoon, this Hummingbird Cake Recipe brings a joyful, homemade vibe that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows 13 small clear glass bowls and one white bowl on a white marbled surface. The white bowl in the center holds peeled yellow bananas, pale and firm-looking. Around it, going clockwise from top left, there is a glass of light yellow oil, three white eggs resting on the surface, a small bowl filled with light brown sugar, a tiny clear bowl with a dark brown liquid, a glass bowl of white sugar, a glass bowl of chopped pecans with rich brown and cream tones, a darker bowl holding bright yellow mashed bananas in syrup, a tiny clear bowl with white powder, a tiny clear bowl with white baking soda, a small bowl of cinnamon powder with dark reddish-brown color, a small bowl filled with shredded white coconut, and lastly a glass bowl of white flour with a soft, powdery texture. All bowls are laid out in a loose circular pattern, well spaced and viewed from above. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to baking a spectacular Hummingbird Cake Recipe. Each element contributes uniquely—flour and leavening make the cake light and fluffy, bananas and pineapple add moisture and natural sweetness, while pecans and coconut bring texture and a subtle crunch.

3 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting): The base that gives the cake its structure and tender crumb.
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon: Warm spice that adds depth and a hint of sweetness.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cake rise beautifully and keeps it soft.
1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavors.
1 cup brown sugar (packed): Adds rich molasses flavor and moisture.
½ cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and lightness.
3 large eggs: Bind all ingredients and contribute to a rich texture.
8 ounce can crushed pineapple: Adds natural tropical sweetness and lots of moisture.
4 ripe bananas (mashed): Infuses moistness and a fruity aroma that’s unmistakable.
½ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake wonderfully moist and tender.
½ cup full-fat buttermilk: Adds a slight tang and enhances the cake’s softness.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Brings warmth and amplifies other flavors.
1 cup chopped pecans: Offers crunch and a nutty character.
½ cup sweetened shredded coconut: Gives chewy texture and tropical flair.
16 ounces cream cheese (softened): The creamy base for the luscious frosting.
¾ cup butter (softened): Adds richness and smooth texture to the frosting.
6-7 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting perfectly.
4-6 tablespoons heavy cream: Adjusts the frosting’s consistency to silky smooth perfection.
½ cup chopped pecans (for garnish): Adds a final decorative and textural touch on top.

How to Make Hummingbird Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Cake Pans and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures the cake bakes evenly from the moment it goes in. Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans thoroughly—this step prevents sticking and helps get those perfect layers. Then, sift together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt; sifting makes sure your dry ingredients are evenly mixed and light.

Step 2: Mixing the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This creates a fluffy and sweet base for your batter. Next, add the crushed pineapple with its juice, mashed bananas, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Mix just until everything blends—this combination infuses the cake with moistness and natural sweetness you’ll love.

Step 3: Combining Dry and Wet Ingredients

Slowly add your sifted flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until it’s evenly combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense, so a gentle touch here keeps it light and airy. Once combined, fold in the chopped pecans and shredded coconut carefully to distribute them evenly without deflating the batter.

Step 4: Baking the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula to create even layers. Bake for about 20 to 28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. As tempting as it is, let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely—this keeps the layers intact and easy to handle.

Step 5: Making the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake cools, whip up that irresistible frosting. Beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add four cups of powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and four tablespoons of heavy cream, mixing well. Then, add powdered sugar in half-cup increments until the frosting reaches a thick but spreadable texture. Feel free to add a little more cream if you want a creamier consistency.

Step 6: Assembling Your Hummingbird Cake

To assemble, place the first cake layer on your serving platter and spread about one cup of frosting evenly on top. Repeat this for the second layer, then place the third layer flat side up on top. Cover the sides and top of the entire cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing it out. Finally, sprinkle chopped pecans around the outer edge of the top layer for a beautiful, crunchy garnish.

How to Serve Hummingbird Cake Recipe

A round golden brown cake sits inside a light gold baking pan, filling it fully with a slightly uneven top texture showing small bits of nuts and possibly fruit mixed in, giving it a speckled look of darker and lighter brown spots. The surface looks soft with a few small cracks and the pan is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While chopped pecans provide a classic finishing touch, consider adding toasted coconut flakes or even a few fresh banana slices to enhance the tropical vibe. These garnishes add both texture and visual appeal that invite your guests to dig in.

Side Dishes

A rich slice of Hummingbird Cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. If you’re serving tea or coffee, a warm cup of chai or espresso complements the cake’s spices beautifully, making the overall experience indulgently cozy.

Creative Ways to Present

To wow your guests, serve your Hummingbird Cake Recipe on a beautiful cake stand and surround it with fresh fruit like sliced kiwi or mango. You could also turn this classic into individual mini cakes by baking the batter in muffin tins and frosting each cupcake, perfect for parties or gift-giving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cream cheese frosting keeps the cake moist and flavorful for up to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy a slice whenever you want.

Freezing

If you want to make the cake ahead or save leftovers for later, wrap the unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil, then freeze. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the layers overnight in the fridge, then frost as usual. The layered, frosted cake can also be frozen — just make sure to wrap it very well to protect the delicate frosting.

Reheating

Since this cake is best enjoyed chilled, it’s not typically reheated. If you prefer, you can let refrigerated slices sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to soften the frosting and enhance flavors.

FAQs

Can I substitute ingredients in the Hummingbird Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! For example, you can swap out vegetable oil for melted coconut oil for a subtle tropical twist. You can also use crushed pineapple in juice rather than syrup if you prefer a less sweet cake. Just keep ingredient proportions close to maintain the texture.

Is there a gluten-free version of this cake?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking mix designed as a 1-to-1 replacement. Be sure your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free to keep the cake safe for those with allergies.

Can the Hummingbird Cake be made into cupcakes?

Definitely! This batter works beautifully for cupcakes. Reduce baking time to about 18-22 minutes and frost once cooled. Cupcakes make a fun, portable way to serve this classic dessert.

Why does the recipe call for both brown and granulated sugar?

Combining brown and granulated sugar creates a balanced sweetness and moisture level. Brown sugar adds caramel-like depth and helps keep the cake tender, while granulated sugar lightens the texture and taste.

How do I avoid the cake being too dense?

Make sure not to overmix after adding the flour, and sift the dry ingredients before mixing. Also, ensure your baking soda is fresh, as it’s crucial for proper rising. Following these steps helps you get that perfectly light crumb every time.

Final Thoughts

This Hummingbird Cake Recipe is truly a love letter to everything tropical, rich, and delicious in one unforgettable dessert. It’s easy enough to bake any day but impressive enough to make the centerpiece of any celebration. I’m so excited for you to try it and experience just how magical this cake can be — one bite and you’ll understand why it’s a beloved classic!