My favourite Hummingbird cake

There’s something undeniably enchanting about a slice of My favourite Hummingbird cake. This delightful treat, bursting with tropical flavors, has a way of transporting you to a sun-soaked paradise with every bite. The harmonious blend of ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, and warm spices creates a symphony of taste that’s simply irresistible. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting and garnished with crunchy walnuts, this cake is perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations. Let’s dive into the details of how to create this beloved dessert that has captured my heart.

Why It Works Every Time

The beauty of My favourite Hummingbird cake lies in its simplicity and the balance of ingredients. The combination of sugar and sunflower oil results in a moist, tender crumb, while the bananas and pineapple not only add natural sweetness but also contribute to the cake’s moisture. The warm spices elevate the flavors, making each bite a delightful experience. This cake is forgiving, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers alike.

What You’ll Gather

• 4 eggs
• 1 ½ cups of white or light brown sugar
• 1 cup of sunflower oil
• 2 cups of cake flour
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda / baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• 2 cups of finely chopped pineapple (tinned or fresh)
• 1 ½ cups of finely chopped and slightly mashed bananas (about 4 small to medium)
• ¾ cup of chopped walnuts
• 100g butter (room temperature)
• 125g cream cheese
• 3 cups of icing sugar
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• Walnuts for decoration

Appliances & Accessories

• Mixing bowls – for combining your ingredients seamlessly.
• Whisk – essential for beating eggs and mixing the batter.
• Measuring cups and spoons – precise measurements ensure consistent results.
• Rubber spatula – perfect for folding in ingredients and scraping the bowl.
• 9-inch round cake pans – ideal for baking your cake evenly.
• Cooling rack – allows your cake to cool properly before frosting.

My favourite Hummingbird cake: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly and rises beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare Your Cake Pans

Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This step is crucial to prevent your cake from sticking, ensuring a smooth release after baking.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, sift together the cake flour, salt, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices throughout the flour.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and sunflower oil until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thickened.

Step 5: Incorporate the Bananas and Pineapple

Gently fold in the finely chopped bananas and pineapple into the wet mixture. This adds both flavor and moisture to your cake.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake.

Step 7: Add Walnuts

Fold in the chopped walnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. This adds a delightful crunch to your cake.

Step 8: Bake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool the Cakes

Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Gradually add the icing sugar and lemon juice, mixing until you reach a fluffy consistency.

Step 11: Frost the Cake

Once the cakes have completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top, then place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.

Step 12: Decorate

Finish with a sprinkle of walnuts on top for decoration. This adds both texture and visual appeal to your stunning My favourite Hummingbird cake.

Spring–Summer–Fall–Winter Ideas

• Spring: Serve with fresh berries for a burst of color and flavor.
• Summer: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a refreshing dessert.
• Fall: Add a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top for a tropical twist.
• Winter: Warm individual slices in the microwave and serve with whipped cream.

Avoid These Mistakes

• Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake; mix just until combined.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately can affect the cake’s texture.
• Using cold eggs and butter can prevent proper mixing; ensure they are at room temperature.
• Not allowing the cakes to cool completely before frosting can cause the frosting to melt.

Make-Ahead & Storage

You can bake the cakes a day in advance. Once cooled, wrap them in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. The cream cheese frosting can also be made ahead of time; just keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to serve, frost the cake and enjoy!

Common Qs About My favourite Hummingbird cake

Can I use different nuts instead of walnuts?

Absolutely! Pecans or almonds can be used as a delightful substitute, adding their unique flavor to the cake.

How do I ensure my cake is moist?

Using ripe bananas and crushed pineapple adds moisture. Additionally, be careful not to overbake the cake, as this can dry it out.

Can I freeze Hummingbird cake?

Yes, you can freeze the un-frosted layers. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container for up to three months.

What’s the best way to serve Hummingbird cake?

This cake is best served at room temperature. You can also accompany it with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat.

Similar Recipes

• Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
• Banana Bread with Walnuts
• Pineapple Upside Down Cake
• Zucchini Bread with Cream Cheese Glaze

Hungry for More?

If you’re as enamored with baking as I am, you’ll find that each recipe is a journey of flavors, textures, and creativity. This My favourite Hummingbird cake is just one of the many delicious adventures you can embark on in your kitchen. From decadent desserts to wholesome meals, there’s always something new to discover and try. So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let’s create some magic together!

The joy of baking is in the process, the taste, and the memories made along the way. I hope you enjoy making My favourite Hummingbird cake as much as I do. Happy baking!