Hummingbird Cake

Hummingbird Cake is a beloved Southern classic that’s sure to impress your family and friends. With its moist layers and rich flavors, this cake is perfect for any special occasion, from Easter celebrations to casual get-togethers. The combination of ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, and a creamy cream cheese frosting makes it an irresistible treat. Here’s how you can make this delectable cake at home.

Ingredients:

• For the Cake:
  • Nonstick baking spray
  • 2 sticks (1 cup) butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 4 large eggs
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup buttermilk
  • 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe banana (about 4 medium)
  • One 8-ounce can crushed pineapple
  • Optional garnishes: sweetened flaked coconut, chopped macadamia nuts
• For the Frosting:
  • 2 sticks (1 cup) butter, softened
  • Two 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch baking pans with nonstick baking spray to ensure your cake layers come out perfectly.
2. Prepare the Batter:
   In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract at medium speed until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined. Gently fold in the mashed bananas and crushed pineapple.
4. Bake the Cake:
   Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared pans. Gently tap the pans on the counter to release any air bubbles. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
5. Prepare the Frosting:
   For the frosting, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese with a handheld electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, beating until well combined. Finish by mixing in the lemon juice and vanilla extract.
6. Assemble and Garnish:
   Once the cakes have cooled, spread a layer of frosting between each cake layer. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting. For an extra touch, garnish with sweetened flaked coconut and chopped macadamia nuts if desired.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips

1. Allow Cake to Cool Completely:
   Make sure the cake is completely cooled before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a smooth finish.
2. Use a Serrated Knife:
   For clean, even slices, use a serrated knife to cut the cake. This helps in getting neat layers and reduces crumbling.
3. Add Garnishes Just Before Serving:
   If using optional garnishes like sweetened flaked coconut or chopped macadamia nuts, add them just before serving to keep them fresh and crunchy.
4. Serve at Room Temperature:
   For the best flavor and texture, serve the cake at room temperature. Remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving to let it come to the right temperature.
5. Pair with a Beverage:
   Enjoy the cake with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Its rich flavors complement a variety of beverages, enhancing your dessert experience.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigerate Leftovers:
   Store leftover Hummingbird Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cake will stay fresh for up to one week. The cool temperature helps preserve the cream cheese frosting and keeps the cake moist.
2. Freeze for Longer Storage:
   If you want to keep the cake for a longer period, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. This helps prevent freezer burn. The cake can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
3. Keep Frosting Separate:
   If you have leftover frosting, store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be used to frost additional cake layers or as a topping for other desserts.
4. Avoid Moisture:
   To maintain the cake’s texture, make sure it’s well-covered to prevent exposure to moisture in the refrigerator. Moisture can make the cake soggy over time.
5. Reheat Gently:
   If you prefer to enjoy the cake slightly warmed, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as this can affect the texture of the cake.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Hummingbird Cake remains as delicious and delightful as the day you baked it.

Variations:

1. Tropical Twist:

• Add Shredded Coconut: For an extra tropical flavor, fold 1 cup of sweetened shredded coconut into the batter along with the bananas and pineapple.
• Include Macadamia Nuts: Add 1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts to the batter for a delightful crunch and rich flavor.

2. Nutty Variation:

• Incorporate Pecans: Substitute walnuts with 1 cup chopped pecans in the batter. Pecans provide a different texture and a subtle nutty flavor.
• Add Nuts to Frosting: Stir in 1/4 cup finely chopped nuts into the frosting for a crunchy texture contrast.

3. Spiced Hummingbird Cake:

• Add Spices: Enhance the flavor by adding 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves to the dry ingredients.
• Use Apple Sauce: Replace half of the mashed bananas with unsweetened apple sauce for a spiced apple-banana cake.

4. Citrus Zing:

• Include Orange Zest: Add 1 tablespoon of grated orange zest to the batter for a fresh citrus flavor.
• Lemon Frosting: Replace lemon juice with orange juice in the frosting for a citrus twist.

5. Healthier Version:

• Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly denser and healthier cake.
• Reduce Sugar: Cut down the granulated sugar by 1/2 cup and use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup instead.

6. Cream Cheese Variations:

• Flavored Cream Cheese Frosting: Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract to the cream cheese frosting for a different flavor profile.
• Fruity Frosting: Mix in 1/4 cup of crushed fresh fruit (such as strawberries or raspberries) into the frosting for a fruity variation.

7. Chocolate Hummingbird Cake:

• Add Cocoa Powder: Mix 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder into the flour mixture for a chocolate twist on the classic cake.
• Chocolate Chips: Fold 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips into the batter for pockets of melted chocolate.

8. Vegan Hummingbird Cake:

• Substitute Eggs: Use flax eggs or chia eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg) instead of regular eggs.
• Dairy-Free Alternatives: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, and use a dairy-free milk substitute.

9. Gluten-Free Hummingbird Cake:

• Gluten-Free Flour Blend: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that it contains xanthan gum or guar gum to provide the structure.
• Check Baking Powder: Use a gluten-free baking powder to avoid any gluten contamination.

10. Mini Hummingbird Cakes:

• Bake in Muffin Tins: Divide the batter among muffin tins for individual-sized cakes. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Layered Cupcakes: Frost each mini cake with a dollop of cream cheese frosting and sprinkle with coconut or nuts.

These variations can help you customize the Hummingbird Cake to suit different tastes, dietary needs, and occasions. Enjoy experimenting with these ideas to create your perfect version of this classic dessert!

FAQs:

1. What is Hummingbird Cake?

Hummingbird Cake is a Southern classic cake made with mashed bananas, crushed pineapple, and a blend of spices. It’s often topped with a cream cheese frosting and can include nuts and coconut for added texture and flavor.

2. Can I make Hummingbird Cake in advance?

Yes, you can make the cake up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature. If frosted, it’s best to keep it in the refrigerator.

3. How do I store leftover Hummingbird Cake?

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing.

4. Can I use other fruits in Hummingbird Cake?

Yes, you can experiment with other fruits like diced apples or pears. Just be sure to adjust the quantity to maintain the cake’s moisture balance.

5. Is it possible to make Hummingbird Cake without nuts?

Absolutely! If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts from the recipe. The cake will still be delicious and moist.

6. Can I make a gluten-free version of Hummingbird Cake?

Yes, you can make a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the baking powder is gluten-free as well.