Hummingbird Cake Southern Classic (Printable)

Moist Southern layer cake loaded with bananas, pineapple, and pecans, topped with creamy frosting.

# What You'll Need:

→ For the Cake

01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 cups granulated sugar
03 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 - ½ teaspoon salt
06 - 3 large eggs, room temperature
07 - 1 cup vegetable oil
08 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
09 - 1 cup toasted pecans, chopped
10 - 2 cups ripe bananas, mashed (about 3 bananas)
11 - 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained

→ For the Cream Cheese Frosting

12 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
13 - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
14 - 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
15 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
16 - Pinch of salt

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans, or line with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
03 - In another bowl, beat eggs, oil, and vanilla until well combined.
04 - Stir in mashed bananas, crushed pineapple with juice, and chopped pecans.
05 - Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
06 - Divide batter evenly among the prepared pans.
07 - Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
08 - Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool completely on wire racks.
09 - Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
10 - Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, beating until fluffy and spreadable.
11 - Spread frosting between layers and over the top and sides of the cake.
12 - Garnish with extra toasted pecans.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Incredibly Moist: A trifecta of mashed bananas, crushed pineapple, and oil guarantees a tender crumb that stays moist for days.
  • Complex Flavor: Sweet, tangy, and nutty notes from fruit, cinnamon, and toasted pecans create a perfectly balanced taste.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Classic: Topped with tangy cream cheese frosting, this beloved Southern dessert is perfect for any celebration or special occasion.
02 -
  • Use Ripe Bananas: For the best flavor and sweetness, make sure your bananas are very ripe with plenty of brown spots.
  • Don't Overmix: Mix the batter until the ingredients are just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense cake.
  • Cool Completely: Ensure the cake layers are completely cool before frosting. A warm cake will melt the cream cheese frosting.
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