HUMMINGBIRD CAKE

Hummingbird Cake is a classic Southern dessert that’s irresistibly moist, packed with tropical flavors of banana, pineapple, and coconut, and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. With hints of cinnamon and a deliciously tender crumb, this cake is perfect for celebrations or just an indulgent treat. It’s often garnished with chopped pecans for added texture and flavor.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained
• 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 bananas)
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup chopped pecans (optional, plus extra for garnish)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (if needed, for thinning)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line the bottoms with parchment paper for easier removal.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
3. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Stir in the crushed pineapple (with its juice), mashed bananas, coconut, and chopped pecans.
4. Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. Make the frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to achieve the desired consistency.
2. Frost the cake: Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of frosting over the top of one cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top, then frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
3. Garnish: Garnish with extra chopped pecans, coconut, or fresh fruit if desired.

This Hummingbird Cake is a flavorful, moist, and sweet cake with a luscious cream cheese frosting that perfectly complements the tropical flavors. It’s a crowd-pleaser for any special occasion or family gathering!