Hummingbird Cake Southern Classic (Printable)

Moist Southern layer cake featuring bananas, pineapple, and pecans with cream cheese frosting

# What You Need:

→ For the Cake

01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 cups granulated sugar
03 - 1 tsp baking soda
04 - 1 tsp ground cinnamon
05 - ½ tsp salt
06 - 3 large eggs, room temperature
07 - 1 cup vegetable oil
08 - 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
09 - 1 cup toasted pecans, chopped
10 - 2 cups ripe bananas, mashed
11 - 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained

→ For the Cream Cheese Frosting

12 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
13 - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
14 - 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
15 - 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
16 - Pinch of salt

# How To Make:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans, or line with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
03 - In another bowl, beat eggs, oil, and vanilla until well combined.
04 - Stir in mashed bananas, crushed pineapple with juice, and chopped pecans.
05 - Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
06 - Divide batter evenly among the prepared pans.
07 - Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
08 - Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool completely on wire racks.
09 - Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
10 - Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, beating until fluffy and spreadable.
11 - Spread frosting between layers and over the top and sides of the cake.
12 - Garnish with extra toasted pecans.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Incredibly Moist: Thanks to the combination of oil, mashed bananas, and crushed pineapple, this cake has a tender, moist crumb that stays fresh for days.
  • Rich Flavor: The warm spice of cinnamon perfectly complements the sweet fruit and toasted nuts, creating a complex and satisfying flavor profile.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Topped with a classic tangy cream cheese frosting, this cake is a guaranteed hit at potlucks, family gatherings, and celebrations.
02 -
  • To save time, the cake layers can be baked a day in advance. Once cooled completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature until you are ready to frost.
  • Ensure your cream cheese and butter are fully softened to room temperature. This is crucial for achieving a perfectly smooth, lump-free frosting.
  • Do not overmix the batter after combining the wet and dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to ensure a tender, light crumb.
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