Step into my kitchen for a bit as we dive into something truly delightful—the Hummingbird Bundt Cake. Now, if you haven't had the pleasure of trying this gem, you're in for a treat. This cake is all about the sunshine of ripe bananas, sweet crushed pineapple, and a sprinkle of warm spices that work together in harmony. And let's not forget the toasted pecans—talk about a satisfying crunch!
When you drizzle that cream cheese icing over the top, it doesn't just taste good; it looks like something you'd want to show off at Sunday dinner. The origins of this cake are a bit of a chat, too; it's got some Southern roots, and trust me, it's a favorite for gatherings and celebrations. So, roll up your sleeves, dust off that Bundt pan, and let's get to baking this comforting, flavorful cake!
Ingredients
The Hummingbird Bundt Cake is a delightful blend of tropical and comforting flavors, making it a unique dessert choice. The combination of ripe bananas and crushed pineapple forms the core of this cake's tropical taste, while toasted pecans contribute a crunchy texture. All-purpose flour is the foundational ingredient mixed with both baking soda and baking powder, which guarantee the cake has the perfect rise. The inclusion of warm spices like cinnamon and allspice enhances the overall flavor, providing an aromatic balance. To temper the sweetness, a pinch of salt is added, creating a well-rounded flavor profile that appeals to a wide audience.
Eggs and oil act as binders and moisture providers in this recipe, with options such as vegetable, canola, or melted coconut oil for varying flavors. The slight tanginess from either sour cream or plain Greek yogurt works harmoniously with the cake's sweetness, while granulated sugar and brown sugar provide depth to the flavor. Vanilla extract is essential for an added aromatic essence that ties everything together. Finally, the lush Cinnamon-Spiced Cream Cheese Icing made from cream cheese, butter, confectioner's sugar, and warm milk envelops the cake in a layer of creamy indulgence. This icing adds an extra dimension of warmth and spice to each slice, making it a delicious treat that's hard to resist.
| Ingredient | Description |
|---|---|
| Ripe Bananas | Key fruit ingredient |
| Crushed Pineapple | Adds sweetness and moisture |
| Toasted Pecans | Provides texture and nutty flavor |
| All-purpose Flour | Base of the cake |
| Baking Soda | Leavening agent |
| Baking Powder | Secondary leavening agent |
| Cinnamon | Warm spice for flavor |
| Allspice | Adds depth to the spice profile |
| Salt | Balances sweetness |
| Eggs | Acts as a binder |
| Oil | Keeps the cake moist |
| Pineapple Juice | Enhances pineapple flavor |
| Sour Cream/Greek Yogurt | Adds tang and moisture |
| Granulated Sugar | Sweetening agent |
| Brown Sugar | Provides richness |
| Vanilla Extract | Adds aroma and flavor |
| Cream Cheese | Base for the icing |
| Butter | Adds richness to the icing |
| Confectioners Sugar | Sweetener for the icing |
| Warm Milk | Adjusts the icing consistency |
Recipe
Hummingbird Bundt Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the tropical flavors of bananas, pineapple, and toasted pecans. This moist and flavorful cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it be a casual family gathering or a more formal event. The hint of spices adds an aromatic touch that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the fruits.
Before you begin, make sure you have all ingredients prepped and ready. This includes mashed ripe bananas, crushed pineapple (drained), and toasted pecans, which will provide the nutty crunch to the cake.
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and generously grease a 10- to 12-cup Bundt pan, making sure it's thoroughly covered to prevent the cake from sticking.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, allspice, and salt to create your dry mixture.
In a separate medium-sized bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly and mix in the oil, pineapple juice, and sour cream until smooth. Gradually add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract to this wet mixture, stirring until fully combined.
Carefully fold in the mashed banana, crushed pineapple, and 1 cup (130g) of the toasted pecans. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake in your preheated oven for 55–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with only a few crumbs clinging to it, indicating the cake's doneness. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes on a wire rack before carefully inverting it onto a plate.
For extra tips, make sure all your ingredients, like eggs and sour cream, are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
When greasing your Bundt pan, you might consider using a nonstick baking spray with flour or a combination of butter and flour for best results.
Additionally, toast the pecans ahead of time by spreading them on a baking sheet and placing them in the oven while it preheats, resulting in a more aromatic flavor.
Cooking Tips
Baking a beautiful Hummingbird Bundt Cake requires more than just following a recipe—attending to a few key tips can elevate your cake to a new level. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and verify your Bundt pan is thoroughly greased and floured. Trust me, you don't want your masterpiece to stick to the pan Toasted pecans are a delightful addition; toast them at 300°F (149°C) for 7–8 minutes to bring out their rich, nutty flavor.
Center of Cake | Room Temperature | Toothpick
————–|——————|———
The key part to test | Eggs, sour cream, butter | Insert for doneness
Baking Time | Rich, moist texture | Lightly moist crumbs
Happiness | Cake's best version | Perfectly baked
While mixing, remember that room temperature ingredients—especially eggs and butter—are vital for a smooth batter. When baking, patience is your best friend. After the 50-minute baking time, check the cake by inserting a toothpick in the center every 3 minutes. It's done when it comes out with lightly moist crumbs. Let the cake cool in the pan for an hour, then carefully invert it. Top with luscious cream cheese icing, and your cake will not just look stunning, but taste heavenly too Enjoy your creation; you've earned it
History
Originating from the vibrant island of Jamaica, the Hummingbird Cake is a delightful fusion of tropical flavors, including pineapple, banana, and spices. I get why it's such a favorite When you think about a cake that's truly moist and flavorful, it's hard to beat.
Even though it started in Jamaica, this cake has made a name for itself across the Southern United States, particularly after Mrs. L. H. Wiggins shared her recipe with Southern Living magazine in the 1970s. That moment turned this humble cake into a Southern classic, loved by many.
The story behind its name is as sweet as the cake itself. It's said that the sweetness of the Hummingbird Cake is so enticing, it could attract real hummingbirds. While I've never seen a hummingbird nibble on one, I can definitely see why people love it!
The traditional recipe, packed with pineapple and banana, has evolved over the years. Nowadays, you'll often find a Hummingbird Bundt cake variation, making it even easier to prepare. Of course, it wouldn't be complete without that iconic cream cheese frosting on top. It really is a delightful slice of history
Conclusion
In wrapping up this Hummingbird Bundt Cake recipe, I hope you find not just a cake, but a little slice of comfort that brings back fond memories or perhaps creates new ones. It's a simple combination of bananas, pineapple, and just the right amount of spice that makes it stand out without fuss. Whether you bake it for a family gathering or just to indulge yourself, this cake is sure to satisfy those sweet cravings. So, preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and don't forget to enjoy the process – after all, good food is meant to be shared. Happy baking!