A deliciously moist Hummingbird Cake made with bananas, pineapple and pecans. This stunning one–layer cake is topped with tangy cream cheese frosting and homemade pecan cookie crumbs. It’s a classic American dessert that is sure to wow your friends and family.
Hello hummingbird β€οΈ
Have you ever had Hummingbird Cake before? It’s incredible. This popular American spiced cake is filled with bananas, pecans and pineapple, and topped with cream cheese frosting.
All that goodness makes it super soft and moist, and it stays that way for days. I make mine even better by adding homemade pecan cookie crumbs for crunch. AH-mazing!
why you will love this recipe
- The cake is a simple mix and stir recipe
- It makes one BIG cake (feeds a crowd)
- It’s super moist and stays that way for days
- The frosting and cookie crumbs make it extra special
recipe testing
I can’t remember where I had my first slice of Hummingbird Cake. But it’s one of my favourite cake flavours because it’s just so different.
If you love banana cake, you’ll be ALL OVER this American classic. Filled with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, ripe (aka smelly) bananas, juicy pineapple and crunchy pecans, it’s one of the most flavourful cakes out there.
Because it’s made with oil instead of butter, it’s super moist with a soft, tender crumb. And it’s made complete with lashings of homemade cream cheese frosting.
Just like my favourite Milk Bar Cake and Peanut Butter Cake, I couldn’t resist adding some cookie crumbs for decoration. Trust me, these little shortbread crumbs are i-r-r-e-s-i-s-t-i-b-l-e.
what you will need for the cake
This is a simple mix and stir recipe. Here’s what you will need:
- Plain flour: Or all-purpose flour.
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Cinnamon & nutmeg: These spices add a lovely flavour to the cake.
- Caster sugar: Or granulated sugar.
- Brown sugar
- Pecans: Pecans add crunch to the cake. You can use another nut if you prefer, like walnuts, or for a nut-free version, just leave them out.
- Banana: Make sure you use VERY ripe, spotty bananas for maximum flavour and sweetness.
- Pineapple: This recipe calls for canned crushed pineapple in juice, rather than rings or pineapple pieces.
- Vegetable oil: Or another flavourless oil.
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
how to make hummingbird cake
This cake is very quick and easy to make. Here’s how in three simple steps:
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, caster sugar, brown sugar and pecans.
- Add mashed banana, pineapple, oil, eggs and vanilla. Stir until combined.
- Transfer to prepared pan and bake until a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean.
let’s talk cream cheese frosting
Traditionally, Hummingbird Cake is paired with cream cheese frosting and it’s not hard to see why. It really is a match made in heaven. The creamy, yet slightly tangy, frosting pairs perfectly with the fragrant, tender cake.
My cream cheese frosting uses just four ingredients: butter, cream cheese, vanilla and sugar. Be sure to use a full-fat block of cream cheese, rather than a light or spreadable kind.
And for a smooth frosting, let your cream cheese come to room temperature before attempting to beat it – and be sure to sift your icing sugar.
frequently asked questions
YES. I’ve chosen to make this as one BIG 8-inch cake, pictured here, but you can slice the cake into two layers after it’s baked. Or you can split the batter into two 8-inch cake pans, or three 6-inch cake pans. Just remember if you do this, the cakes will cook faster. I recommend checking them around the 30-35 minute mark.
Yes, you can omit the pecans in the cake and not worry about the pecan cookie crumbs. The cake will still be delicious, promise!
No but you’re missing out. These shortbread cookies are HEAVEN.
Did you make this recipe? Donβt forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. Hungry for more? Join me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter for more amazing recipe ideas.
Let’s Bake
Hummingbird Cake
A beautiful moist Hummingbird Cake with cream cheese frosting and crunchy pecan cookie crumbs.
Ingredients
- 245 grams (1 and 3/4 cups) plain flour or all purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 150 grams (3/4 cup) caster sugar or granulated sugar
- 45 grams (1/4 cup) brown sugar
- 105 grams (1 cup) pecans, roughly chopped
- 250 grams (1 cup) mashed banana (approximately 2–3 overripe bananas)
- 275 grams (1 cup) canned crushed pineapple in juice
- 180 ml (3/4 cup) vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pecan cookie crumbs
- 105 grams (1 cup) pecans, finely chopped
- 70 grams (1/2 cup) plain flour or all purpose flour
- 50 grams (1/4 cup) caster sugar or granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornflour or cornstarch
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 60 grams (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted
Cream cheese frosting
- 60 grams (1/4 cup) butter, softened
- 250 grams (1 and 1/4 cup) full fat cream cheese, softened, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 435 grams (3 and 1/2 cups) icing sugar or powdered sugar
Instructions
- Hummingbird cake
Preheat oven to 180 C (350 F) standard / 160 C (320 F) fan-forced. Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with baking or parchment paper. - In a large bowl, add flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt,Β caster sugar,Β brown sugar and pecans. Stir briefly.
- Make a well in the centre of the dry ingredients, then add mashed banana, pineapple, oil, eggs and vanilla.
- Use a spatula to gently stir until all ingredients are combined. Pour into prepared cake pan and bake for approximately 60-70 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean.
- Transfer cake to a cooling rack and leave to cool completely before frosting.
- Pecan cookie crumbs
To make the pecan cookie crumbs, add pecans, flour, sugar, cornflour and salt to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Pour over melted butter and stir until crumbs resemble wet sand. - Line a baking tray with baking or parchment paper. Add cookie crumbs and spread into one even layer. Bake for approximately 10-12 minutes or until just golden. Leave to cool completely.
- Cream cheese frosting
To make the frosting, add butter, cream cheese and vanilla to a large mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes or until smooth and creamy. - Add sugar, 1 cup at a time, and continue to beat until smooth.
- Spread frosting over the top of the cake. Sprinkle over pecan cookie crumbs. Cut into slices and serve.
Notes
Cake size: This recipe makes one large (deep) 8-inch cake. I prefer to use an 8-inch cake pan thatβs 3 inches deep (rather than the standard 2 inches). You can easily make this into a two-layer cake by slicing the cake into two once it’s completely cooled. Or you can split the batter between two 8-inch cake pans. Note the cooking time will need to be adjusted. I recommend checking them around the 30-35 minute mark. Youβll know theyβre ready when a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
Bananas: Make sure your bananas are super ripe and spotty for maximum flavour and sweetness. Also, mash them really well with a fork, otherwise you’ll get gummy banana bits in your cake.Β
Pecan cookie crumbs: Store any leftover cookie crumbs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Cream cheese frosting: I recommend using a block of full-fat cream cheese, rather than a light or spreadable cream cheese. To ensure a super smooth frosting, make sure your cream cheese has time to soften to room temperature. Also be sure to sift your icing sugar.Β
Make ahead: You can make the cake a day or two in advance. Once the cake is completely cooled, wrap it in plastic wrap and keep it in an airtight container at room temperature. Alternatively, you can freeze it. You can also make the cream cheese frosting in advance. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. To serve, let it sit out for 15 minutes, then give it a good mix by hand before frosting your cake.
Kelly says
Delicious cake! Easy to make too. Thank you very much
Jessica Holmes says
So glad you enjoyed it Kelly! βΊοΈ
Linda Exton says
I loved this recipe. It turned out really well. I did add my own things to it that enhanced the cake. I used 1/2 cup mariaschino cherries, and 1/4 cup coconut. I also used a German chocolate frosting instead of the cream cheese frosting. I baked it in a Spring form pan. Moistest cake ever! Definitely making it again. Itβs a keeper
★★★★★
Jessica Holmes says
Wow that sounds amazing Linda! Love the idea of adding cherries π Thank you for the kind feedback!
Doreen Jolly says
I made this recipe for colleagues for my birthday and it was so very yummy! The batter was perfect for my bundt cake pan and it was in the oven for 45 minutes. When I make it again, Iβd chop the nuts roughly (not finely) for the topping and half the recipe for the cookie crumble.. Thanks for a lovely keeper of a recipe!
Jessica Holmes says
Thanks for the lovely feedback Doreen! So pleased you enjoyed it! βΊοΈ
Doreen says
Looks yummy! The photo shows roughly chopped nuts on top but the recipe says finely chopped on top (and roughly chopped in the batter. Is this correct?
Jessica Holmes says
Hi Doreen! Youβre right! The pecans on tops are part of the cookie crumble and they probably are more roughly chopped than finely chopped – but either way will work just fine βΊοΈ
Karen says
This a really easy recipe. It turned out moist and the crumble on the top was divine!
Thankyou for the recipe
Jessica Holmes says
So glad you enjoyed it Karen! Thanks for the lovely feedback! βΊοΈ
Nicole says
Do you drain the juice from the pineapple.?
Jessica Holmes says
Hi Nicole, great question! No need to drain, just use everything in the can, pineapple and juice π I hope you enjoy the cake!
Bridget says
Really moist and beautiful cake and delicious icing! Would definitely recommend and make again.
★★★★★
Jessica Holmes says
Thanks so much for lovely feedback Bridget! So glad you enjoyed it xx
Karen says
Hi, is it traditional, meaning the ingredients of bananas, pineapple and pecans, are carrots a traditional ingredient for this cake, thanks
Jessica Holmes says
Hi Karen! Yes bananas, pineapples and pecans are the traditional combination for Hummingbird cake. Sometimes coconut is added but not carrot. I hope you enjoy it!
Georgia says
One of the best cakes I’ve made! I used only 2 cups of icing sugar for the icing as this seemed like plenty of icing for my cake and i dont like things too sweet. Everyone was obsessed with this cake, WIll be making again next week π Thankyou!
Jessica Holmes says
Aw I’m so glad you enjoyed it Georgia! π Thank you for your lovely comment!
Mary says
Hi! This looks amazing. I only have a 9β round cake pan. Do you think that would be an ok substitution?
Jessica Holmes says
Hi Mary! Absolutely, it may just take a little less time to cook. I’d check it every 5 minutes from about 45 minutes. Hope you enjoy it!!
gay says
can this cake be made in a bundt pan?
Jessica Holmes says
Hi, I haven’t tried making it in a bundt pan myself, so I can’t personally recommend – sorry!
Saira says
Best cake ever , yummilicious, tried for the first time and was loved by my friends, perfect brunch dessert π
★★★★★
Jessica Holmes says
So glad to hear that Saira! Thank you for the lovely feedback!!
Dunia says
Jessica,
This cake was so moist and delicious and yes, the cream cheese frosting topped it off
very well! Yummy π. Thank you so much for this keeper of a recipe.
Dunia
★★★★★
Jessica Holmes says
Hi Dunia! I’m so pleased to hear you enjoyed this cake! Thank you so much for the lovely feedback π
Halima says
Hi this cake looks amazing but I’m alergic to pineapple…..will it affect the taste too much if I leave it out or can you suggest another ingredient?
Jessica Holmes says
Hi Halima, thanks for your comment. Unfortunately the pineapple is an important ingredient in this recipe and it wouldn’t be the same without it. For a similar cake, I suggest making my Banana Snack Cake, you can swap walnuts for pecans and use the cream cheese frosting in this recipe on top. Hope that helps!
Josh says
This cake was delicious, my favourite part was the cream cheese frosting!
★★★★★
Jessica Holmes says
So glad you enjoyed it Josh! I know, the cream cheese frosting just might be the best part! π