Hummingbird Cake is a beloved Southern dessert that combines the tropical flavors of ripe bananas and crushed pineapple with warm spices and a rich cream cheese frosting. This moist, flavorful cake has its origins in Jamaica, where it was known as “Doctor Bird Cake,” named after the island’s national bird. The recipe gained popularity in the United States after being featured in Southern Living magazine in 1978, becoming one of the most requested recipes in the publication’s history.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Cake:

2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
¾ teaspoon baking powder
¾ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¾ cup (163.5 g) canola or vegetable oil
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 ⅓ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 bananas)
8 ounces crushed pineapple, drained
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
¾ cup (82 g) toasted, chopped pecans

For the Frosting:

½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ½ cups (312.5 g) sifted confectioners’ sugar
1 pinch kosher salt

For the Topping:

¾ cup (82 g) toasted, chopped pecans

Directions

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil, eggs, mashed bananas, crushed pineapple, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Add Pecans:
Gently fold in the toasted, chopped pecans.
Bake the Cake:
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Cool the Cakes:
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, remove the cakes from the pans and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Frosting:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and beat until combined. Gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar and salt, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Assemble the Cake:
Place one layer of the cooled cake on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
Decorate the Cake:
Sprinkle the toasted, chopped pecans over the top and sides of the frosted cake for decoration.

Nutritional Facts

Based on a standard serving size of 1 slice (approximately 1/12th of the cake), the estimated nutritional information is as follows:

Calories: Approximately 426 kcal
Protein: 3.18 g
Carbohydrates: 45.98 g
Fat: 21.08 g
Fiber: 1.3 g
Sugars: 34.66 g
Sodium: 43 mg
Cholesterol: 43 mg
Vitamin A: 373 IU
Vitamin C: 2.1 mg
Calcium: 80 mg
Iron: 1.1 mg

What is Hummingbird Cake?

Hummingbird Cake is a rich, moist dessert that combines ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, and chopped pecans, typically topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. It is a Southern classic, beloved for its tropical flavors, soft crumb, and indulgent sweetness. Often considered a hybrid between banana bread and spice cake, Hummingbird Cake delivers an unforgettable taste experience with every bite.

Despite the name, there are no birds in the recipe! The name “Hummingbird Cake” is whimsical and charming, much like the cake itself. The origin of the name is debated, but many believe it refers to the idea that the cake is “so sweet it could attract hummingbirds.”

The History and Origins of Hummingbird Cake

Hummingbird Cake has an intriguing origin story that begins not in the American South, where it became famous, but in Jamaica. It is believed that the cake was first developed in the late 1960s or early 1970s. In Jamaica, it was known as the “Doctor Bird Cake,” a reference to the national bird of Jamaica, the Red-billed Streamertail hummingbird, also called the Doctor Bird.

The original Jamaican version emphasized tropical flavors and was sent to the United States as part of a tourism promotion campaign by the Jamaica Tourist Board. Recipes for the cake were included in press kits distributed to American media outlets, showcasing the flavors of Jamaica and encouraging Americans to visit the island.

The cake began appearing in Southern community cookbooks in the early 1970s, quickly gaining popularity. Its American debut in print came through Southern Living magazine in 1978, submitted by Mrs. L.H. Wiggins of Greensboro, North Carolina. That recipe struck a chord with readers and quickly became one of the magazine’s most requested recipes of all time.

What Makes Hummingbird Cake Unique

Several features distinguish Hummingbird Cake from other classic layer cakes:

Tropical Ingredients: The inclusion of bananas and crushed pineapple gives the cake a fruity richness that’s unlike anything else. These ingredients also contribute to the cake’s extraordinary moisture.
Oil-Based Batter: Instead of butter, Hummingbird Cake uses oil, which helps keep the crumb soft and tender over several days.
No Mixer Required: Traditionally, this cake can be made without an electric mixer. Everything can be stirred together by hand, making it a simple but rewarding baking project.
Pecans for Texture: Chopped pecans add a pleasant crunch, enhancing the cake’s texture and providing a counterpoint to its soft crumb and smooth frosting.
Cream Cheese Frosting: A staple of Southern cakes, the tangy sweetness of cream cheese frosting balances the rich, fruity cake base perfectly.

Cultural Significance in the Southern United States

Hummingbird Cake is more than just a delicious dessert — it’s a cultural icon in the American South. Much like Red Velvet Cake or Lane Cake, it embodies Southern hospitality, tradition, and an appreciation for bold flavor combinations.

It is often served at family gatherings, holidays, and church potlucks. The cake’s impressive appearance, with multiple layers and generous frosting, makes it a centerpiece dessert — ideal for celebrations like Easter, Thanksgiving, and birthdays.

In many Southern households, the recipe is passed down through generations. Bakers often add their own touches, such as coconut, raisins, or a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg, while still staying true to the cake’s essential character.

Tips for a Perfect Hummingbird Cake

Although the recipe is forgiving, a few tips can ensure an outstanding result:

Use very ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the cake will be.
Drain the pineapple just enough: Don’t completely dry out the crushed pineapple. A bit of juice helps with the cake’s signature moisture.
Toast the pecans: Toasting the pecans before adding them to the batter can elevate their flavor and add depth.
Don’t overmix the batter: Mix until just combined to avoid a dense cake.
Let the cake cool completely before frosting: Cream cheese frosting will melt if applied to a warm cake.

Variations of Hummingbird Cake

While the classic version remains beloved, creative bakers have found numerous ways to reinvent Hummingbird Cake. Here are a few popular variations:

Hummingbird Cupcakes: Perfect for parties, these individual servings offer the same great taste in a convenient size. They’re often topped with a swirl of cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of chopped pecans.
Hummingbird Sheet Cake: A more casual and easy-to-serve option, the sheet cake version is ideal for potlucks or family gatherings.
Hummingbird Bundt Cake: Baking the batter in a bundt pan gives it a beautiful shape and makes it slightly easier to slice.
Gluten-Free or Vegan Hummingbird Cake: With simple substitutions, such as gluten-free flour or plant-based dairy alternatives, the cake can be made accessible to those with dietary restrictions.
Coconut Addition: Adding shredded coconut intensifies the tropical vibe and pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.

Presentation and Serving Ideas

Hummingbird Cake is naturally a show-stopper, especially when layered and frosted generously. Here are some ideas for presentation and serving:

Garnish with whole or chopped pecans: This gives a rustic, inviting look and adds a crunchy topping.
Add decorative fruit: Banana slices, pineapple pieces, or even edible flowers can elevate the visual appeal.
Serve with coffee or tea: The sweetness and richness of the cake pair perfectly with a hot beverage, making it ideal for brunch or an afternoon treat.
Chill before slicing: Though not necessary, chilling the cake for an hour or so can make slicing neater and help the frosting set.

Why Hummingbird Cake Remains a Favorite

There’s a timeless appeal to Hummingbird Cake. It’s sweet, but not cloyingly so. Rich, but well-balanced. It brings together a medley of flavors and textures that are both comforting and exciting. Unlike many other cakes, Hummingbird Cake remains moist for days, making it a favorite for make-ahead baking.

Moreover, it has sentimental value for many people. Whether it reminds someone of their grandmother’s kitchen or of a special family celebration, Hummingbird Cake tends to create memories as much as it satisfies cravings.

The Cake’s Rise in Popularity Beyond the South

Thanks to social media, food blogs, and the global love for nostalgic desserts, Hummingbird Cake has found fans far beyond its Southern roots. Food bloggers and Instagram bakers frequently showcase their versions of the cake, introducing it to new audiences who are charmed by its story and flavor.

Bakeries around the world now feature Hummingbird Cake, often as a seasonal special or part of a Southern-themed dessert menu. It has become a symbol of both cultural authenticity and creative adaptation — a rare combination that contributes to its enduring success.

Hummingbird Cake vs. Other Classic Cakes

Hummingbird Cake is sometimes compared to other fruit-forward or spiced cakes like:

Carrot Cake: Both use oil, spices, and cream cheese frosting, but Hummingbird Cake skips the carrots in favor of bananas and pineapple.
Banana Bread Cake: Hummingbird Cake can be seen as a more elaborate version of banana bread, thanks to its multi-layer presentation and inclusion of tropical fruits and nuts.
Italian Cream Cake: While also Southern and topped with cream cheese frosting, Italian Cream Cake includes coconut and typically uses buttermilk in the batter.

Each of these cakes holds its own charm, but Hummingbird Cake stands out because of its tropical twist and layered richness.

Conclusion

Hummingbird Cake is much more than a dessert — it’s a slice of culinary history with roots stretching from the Caribbean to Southern kitchens across the United States. Its unforgettable blend of bananas, pineapple, and pecans, all enveloped in creamy frosting, makes it a standout among traditional cakes.

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