The aroma of warm spices wafting through your kitchen while baking an Easter Hummingbird Cake is practically an invitation to a tropical paradise. Imagine biting into a slice filled with sweet bananas, juicy pineapples, and crunchy walnuts – pure bliss in cake form! This delightful dessert not only tastes like sunshine but also looks stunning on any festive table.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together!</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What is an Easter Hummingbird Cake?
- Can I freeze my Hummingbird Cake?
- What frosting pairs well with this cake?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Growing up, every Easter was marked by Grandma’s signature Hummingbird Cake. She would whip it up with such love that we could hardly wait for it to cool before diving in. This cake is perfect for family gatherings or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with something unique and scrumptious.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful Easter Hummingbird Cake is simple to make yet bursting with flavor.
- Its vibrant colors and tropical taste will brighten any spring gathering.
- Each slice is a feast for the eyes and palate alike.
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed at brunch or as a sweet treat after dinner.
My friends still rave about that one time I brought this cake to a potluck; even the skeptics were asking for seconds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use good-quality flour for the best texture; it helps create that lovely structure in your cake.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness; brown sugar can deepen the flavor if you prefer.
- Baking Powder: Ensure it’s fresh for the best rise; nobody wants a flat cake!
- Baking Soda: Works wonders with the acidic pineapple in the recipe to create that fluffy texture.
- Ground Cinnamon: A must-have spice here; it adds warmth and enhances all those tropical flavors.
- Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist; you can substitute with melted coconut oil for added flavor.
- Eggs: Fresh eggs help bind everything together while contributing moisture—look for large ones!
- Mashed Bananas: Ripe bananas are essential; they add natural sweetness and moisture to the batter.
- Canned Pineapple (crushed): Drain well before adding; this fruity addition brings sweetness and a hint of tartness.
- Chopped Walnuts (or Pecans): Adds crunchiness; you can toast them lightly for extra depth of flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances all the flavors beautifully—don’t skimp on this!
- Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients: Cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract come together in heavenly harmony.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together!
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This helps ensure that our beautiful cakes come out without a fight!
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined. The mix should smell aromatic and inviting.
Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in vegetable oil and crack in those eggs. Then add mashed bananas and crushed pineapple. Mix gently until just combined – don’t overdo it!
Add Nuts: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans carefully so they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. This adds lovely texture as you bite into each slice.
Divide Batter: Evenly split the batter between your prepared pans. Give them a little shake to level off if needed—no one likes lopsided cakes!
Bake: Place both pans in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean—this is crucial!
Once baked, let them cool completely on wire racks before frosting. In the meantime, prepare your cream cheese frosting by beating softened cream cheese with butter until smooth.
Spread generous amounts of frosting between layers first before covering the top and sides of your cakes! Don’t forget to decorate with some extra nuts on top if you’re feeling fancy.
And voilà! Your Easter Hummingbird Cake is ready to wow everyone at your gathering!
You Must Know
- Easter Hummingbird Cake is a delightful mix of flavors and textures, making it a crowd-pleaser.
- The aroma of bananas and pineapples while baking will have your neighbors knocking on your door.
- It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you crave something sweet and fruity.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing the dry ingredients, then whisk together the wet ones. Combine them gently to keep the cake light and fluffy.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding chopped nuts or swapping crushed pineapple with grated carrots for a unique twist. Each choice elevates the flavor profile beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy warm.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use ripe bananas for maximum sweetness; they ensure a moist texture in every bite.
- Avoid overmixing the batter; this keeps your cake light and airy.
- Always let your cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting!
Baking this cake became a family tradition after my cousin declared it her favorite dessert during Easter dinner, and now it’s a must-have every year!
FAQ
What is an Easter Hummingbird Cake?
Easter Hummingbird Cake combines bananas, pineapple, and spices for a delightful dessert.
Can I freeze my Hummingbird Cake?
Yes, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap before freezing to maintain freshness.
What frosting pairs well with this cake?
Cream cheese frosting complements the flavors perfectly and adds richness to each slice.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Easter Hummingbird Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12
Description
Easter Hummingbird Cake is a tropical-inspired dessert bursting with flavors of banana and pineapple, topped with creamy frosting. This moist cake is perfect for your spring celebrations!
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour
- Granulated Sugar
- Baking Powder
- Baking Soda
- Ground Cinnamon
- Vegetable Oil
- Eggs
- Mashed Bananas
- Crushed Pineapple (canned)
- Chopped Walnuts or Pecans
- Cream Cheese (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl.
- Mix in vegetable oil, eggs, mashed bananas, and crushed pineapple until just combined.
- Gently fold in chopped nuts.
- Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool on wire racks before frosting with cream cheese mixture.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use melted coconut oil instead of vegetable oil.
- Consider adding grated carrots for a unique twist on this classic recipe.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
