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Moist Classic Hummingbird Cake Recipe with Easy Cream Cheese Frosting

moist classic hummingbird cake - featured image

A moist, fruity, spiced hummingbird cake featuring ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, and warm cinnamon, topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for gatherings and a crowd-pleaser with a tender, velvety crumb.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups (about 360g) crushed pineapple, drained
  • 2 cups (about 450g) ripe bananas, mashed (about 23 medium bananas)
  • 1 cup (100g) chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and line bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined.
  3. In a separate large bowl, beat sugar and eggs on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Slowly drizzle in vegetable oil while mixing. Add vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
  5. Gently fold in mashed bananas, drained crushed pineapple, and chopped nuts if using.
  6. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, folding carefully until just combined.
  7. Pour batter evenly into prepared pans. Tap pans gently to release air bubbles.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
  10. For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
  11. Gradually add powdered sugar on low speed to avoid sugar clouds.
  12. Add vanilla extract and pinch of salt, then beat on high for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
  13. Place one cake layer on serving plate and spread a generous layer of frosting on top.
  14. Add second cake layer and frost top and sides evenly. Swirl frosting gently for a rustic look.
  15. Chill cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing to let frosting set.

Notes

Use ripe bananas for best moisture and sweetness. Drain pineapple thoroughly to avoid sogginess. Chill frosting before applying if kitchen is warm. For gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free blend including xanthan gum. For vegan, use flax eggs and dairy-free cream cheese and butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: hummingbird cake, cream cheese frosting, banana cake, pineapple cake, moist cake, classic cake, tropical cake, easy cake recipe