Hummingbird Cake: A Southern Classic Making a Sweet Comeback
Hummingbird Cake is one of the South’s most beloved desserts, and it’s having a well-deserved moment in the spotlight. With moist banana and pineapple cake layers, warm cinnamon, crunchy pecans, and luscious cream cheese frosting, this cake is both nostalgic and irresistibly delicious. Originally created in the 1960s in Jamaica and popularized in the Southern U.S. in the 1970s, it’s now back in the spotlight, trending across social media and gracing tables at birthdays, holidays, and special occasions.
This tropical-inspired cake is like a fusion of banana bread and carrot cake, with a rich yet light texture, balanced sweetness, and a depth of flavor that improves with time. It’s easy to make, requires no fancy techniques, and stays moist for days—making it a foolproof dessert for entertaining.
Let’s look at everything you need to know to make the perfect hummingbird cake, including tips for the best texture, ingredient swaps, and creative variations.
Why Hummingbird Cake Is Popular
Southern desserts are making a comeback, and hummingbird cake stands out for its unique mix of tropical fruit, warm spices, and rich cream cheese frosting.
Here’s why it’s trending:
✅ Nostalgic Yet Modern – A classic cake with a light, fruity twist.
✅ Ultra-Moist & Flavorful – Bananas, pineapple, and pecans create the perfect texture.
✅ Easy to Make – No fancy techniques or special tools required.
✅ Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for birthdays, brunches, or casual gatherings.
✅ Stays Moist for Days – The fruit keeps it soft and tender, even after refrigeration.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
1. Bananas: The Secret to Moistness
Overripe bananas are essential for a soft, moist cake. The riper, the better—those with brown spots bring the most flavor.
Substitutions: Applesauce or mashed sweet potatoes (but banana is best!).
2. Crushed Pineapple: Tropical Sweetness
Pineapple adds moisture, natural sweetness, and a slight tang that balances the rich frosting.
Use canned pineapple in juice (not syrup), and don’t drain the juice—it keeps the cake extra soft.
3. Warm Spices: Cinnamon & Nutmeg
A touch of cinnamon and nutmeg adds warmth and depth, making this cake feel cozy and inviting.
Optional: Add ginger or cardamom for a little extra spice.
4. Chopped Pecans: Crunch & Flavor
Pecans add a nutty crunch and contrast beautifully with the soft cake.
Walnuts work too, but pecans are the classic choice.
5. Cream Cheese Frosting: The Perfect Pairing
The tangy, rich frosting balances the cake’s sweetness, making each bite decadent yet refreshing.
Upgrade with brown butter for extra depth!
6. Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flair
- Toasted coconut flakes – A beautiful topping.
- Golden raisins – Add extra sweetness and chew.
- Lime zest – Brightens up the tropical flavors.
Equipment You’ll Need
✔ Three 9-inch cake pans – For a classic layered cake.
✔ Electric mixer – To make the cream cheese frosting smooth and fluffy.
✔ Mixing bowls – For combining wet and dry ingredients.
✔ Spatula – To gently fold in the pecans.
How to Make Hummingbird Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 (8-oz) can crushed pineapple (with juice)
- 2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 4 large bananas)
- 1 cup chopped pecans (plus extra for garnish)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp heavy cream (for a smoother consistency)
Optional Garnishes:
- Extra chopped pecans
- Toasted coconut flakes
- Lime zest
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Oven & Pans
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
- Stir in the mashed bananas and crushed pineapple (with juice).
Step 4: Fold Everything Together
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Gently fold in chopped pecans. Avoid overmixing!
Step 5: Bake the Cakes
- Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until fluffy.
- Stir in vanilla extract and heavy cream until smooth.
Step 7: Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting over it.
- Repeat with the second and third layers.
- Frost the outside of the cake and smooth the edges.
Step 8: Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with extra pecans, toasted coconut, or lime zest.
- Chill for 30 minutes before slicing for the best texture.
Common Mistakes & Troubleshooting
1. Cake Too Dense?
- Make sure to measure flour correctly (spoon & level, don’t pack it).
- Don’t overmix—stir until just combined.
2. Frosting Too Runny?
- If too soft, chill it for 10 minutes before frosting.
- Add extra powdered sugar to thicken.
3. Cake Sticking to the Pan?
- Grease and line pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Serving Suggestions
🍰 With Coffee: A cup of espresso or cinnamon latte enhances the warm spices.
🥭 With Fresh Fruit: Serve with mango slices or berries for a refreshing contrast.
🍷 With Wine: A glass of Moscato or Riesling pairs beautifully with the cake’s sweetness.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- To Store: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- To Freeze: Wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To Serve: Let the cake sit at room temp for 30 minutes before slicing.
Final Thoughts
Hummingbird Cake is a Southern gem that deserves its viral moment. With moist banana-pineapple cake, rich cream cheese frosting, and crunchy pecans, it’s a show-stopping dessert that’s both easy to make and impossible to resist.
Hummingbird Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 large eggs lightly beaten
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 8-oz can crushed pineapple (with juice)
- 2 cups mashed ripe bananas about 4 large bananas
- 1 cup chopped pecans plus extra for garnish
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 8-oz package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp heavy cream for a smoother consistency
Optional Garnishes:
- Extra chopped pecans
- Toasted coconut flakes
- Lime zest
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Oven & Pans
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
- Stir in the mashed bananas and crushed pineapple (with juice).
Step 4: Fold Everything Together
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Gently fold in chopped pecans. Avoid overmixing!
Step 5: Bake the Cakes
- Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until fluffy.
- Stir in vanilla extract and heavy cream until smooth.
Step 7: Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting over it.
- Repeat with the second and third layers.
- Frost the outside of the cake and smooth the edges.
Step 8: Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with extra pecans, toasted coconut, or lime zest.
- Chill for 30 minutes before slicing for the best texture.
Notes
Don’t overmix—stir until just combined. 2. Frosting Too Runny? If too soft, chill it for 10 minutes before frosting.
Add extra powdered sugar to thicken. 3. Cake Sticking to the Pan? Grease and line pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Serving Suggestions 🍰 With Coffee: A cup of espresso or cinnamon latte enhances the warm spices.
🥭 With Fresh Fruit: Serve with mango slices or berries for a refreshing contrast.
🍷 With Wine: A glass of Moscato or Riesling pairs beautifully with the cake’s sweetness. Storage & Make-Ahead Tips To Store: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
To Freeze: Wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 3 months.
To Serve: Let the cake sit at room temp for 30 minutes before slicing.
Over 10