Hummingbird Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Hummingbird Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, undrained
• 2 cups chopped ripe bananas (about 3 bananas)
• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (plus extra for garnish)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Pecans or walnuts (whole or chopped, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or one 9×13-inch pan.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
   • Add the beaten eggs and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients, and stir until just moistened. Do not overmix.
   • Stir in the vanilla extract, crushed pineapple (with juice), chopped bananas, and chopped pecans. Mix until evenly combined.
3. Bake the Cake:
   • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans (or pour into the 9×13-inch pan).
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes for round pans or 40-45 minutes for a 9×13-inch pan, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   • Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
   • In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
   • Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
   • Stir in the vanilla extract and continue to beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
5. Assemble the Cake:
   • If using round cake layers, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a thick layer of cream cheese frosting over the top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
   • If using a 9×13-inch pan, simply spread the frosting evenly over the top of the cake.
6. Garnish:
   • Garnish the top of the cake with whole or chopped pecans, as shown in the image. You can also pipe some frosting on top for an added decorative touch.
7. Serve:
   • Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to set. Slice and enjoy!

This Hummingbird Cake is a classic Southern dessert, known for its moist texture and rich flavors of banana, pineapple, and pecans, all wrapped up in a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for special occasions or as a delightful treat for your family!

If you have any additional requests or need further customization, feel free to ask!