Hummingbird Layer Cake Recipe

If you’re searching for a cake that truly celebrates a symphony of tropical flavors and comforting spices, this Hummingbird Layer Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a lush, moist cake loaded with ripe bananas, tangy crushed pineapple, and crunchy pecans, all embraced by a luscious cream cheese frosting that makes every bite a delightful experience. Whether for a cozy family gathering or a special celebration, this cake brings warmth, nostalgia, and a surprising twist of sweetness that never fails to impress. Get ready to dive into a slice of Southern charm with every forkful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Hummingbird Layer Cake Recipe comes from a handful of simple but essential ingredients. Each contributes something important: the bananas add moisture and natural sweetness, pineapples bring a bright, juicy zing, and pecans introduce a satisfying crunch. The spices and cream cheese frosting tie everything together with rich, comforting notes.

• Cooking spray for pans: Ensure your pans are well-prepped to prevent sticking and easy cake removal.
• 3 cups all-purpose flour: The base that creates the soft and tender crumb of the cake.
• 2 cups granulated sugar: Adds essential sweetness and helps with browning.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder: Gives the cake a perfect rise, keeping it light.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Infuses the cake with warm, inviting spice.
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
• 4 large eggs: Bind everything together and add structure.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Adds depth and a sweet, floral note.
• 1/2 cup canola oil: Keeps the cake wonderfully moist without overpowering the flavors.
• 1 cup whole milk: Adds tenderness and richness to the batter.
• 1 cup mashed banana: Brings a natural sweetness and velvety texture.
• 1 cup chopped pecans, plus more for garnish: Provides a delightful crunch and nutty undertone.
• 1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple in juice, drained: Adds juicy bursts of tropical flavor and moisture.
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, at room temperature: The star of the frosting that makes every bite creamy and tangy.
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature: Combines perfectly with cream cheese to create luscious frosting texture.
• 5 cups confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the frosting for easy spreading.

How to Make Hummingbird Layer Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Pans and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and make sure to grease and flour three 8-inch cake pans. This simple prep step is key to ensuring your cakes come out perfectly without sticking or crumbling.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This combination creates a flavorful and well-leavened base ready to welcome the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Next, mix in eggs, vanilla extract, canola oil, whole milk, and mashed banana. Whisk everything together until smooth and uniform. The bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, making the cake incredibly tender.

Step 4: Incorporate Pecans and Pineapple

Once your batter is smooth, fold in the chopped pecans and drained crushed pineapple. These add pleasant chewiness and a burst of tropical flavor that makes this cake unforgettable.

Step 5: Bake the Layers

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans, smoothing the tops. Bake for 28-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen at this stage is simply irresistible.

Step 6: Cool the Cakes Properly

Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This pause prevents breakage and helps with easy frosting later.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat together room temperature cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and creamy—that takes about 1 to 2 minutes. Then, add vanilla and gradually mix in the confectioners’ sugar until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.

Step 8: Assemble the Cake Layers

If your cakes have domed tops, carefully level them with a serrated knife so the layers stack evenly. Start with one layer on your cake stand or plate, spread about 3/4 cup of frosting evenly on top, then repeat with the remaining layers. Finish by covering the top and sides with a final layer of frosting.

Step 9: Garnish and Chill

Sprinkle chopped pecans over the top for a beautiful finishing touch and extra crunch. The cake is stunning served immediately, but chilling for an hour allows the flavors to meld perfectly.

How to Serve Hummingbird Layer Cake Recipe

Garnishes

The classic garnish for this Hummingbird Layer Cake Recipe is chopped pecans, which brings texture contrast and nutty richness. You could also add a few pineapple tidbits or banana slices on the side for an extra tropical vibe.

Side Dishes

Serve your cake with a dollop of lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to complement the cake’s tropical sweetness. Fresh berries on the side can also offer a tart contrast that balances the rich cream cheese frosting perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving individual mini hummingbird cupcakes with the same layers and frosting. Alternatively, dust the top with a little ground cinnamon or even a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes to enhance the cake’s tropical charm visually and texturally.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover cake in an airtight container and refrigerate. The cream cheese frosting holds up well in the fridge, and the cake stays moist and flavorful for 2-3 days. Remember to bring slices to room temperature before serving for optimal softness and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake layers before frosting by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then frost as usual. The assembled cake can also be frozen but wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating

Since this is a frosted cake, reheating isn’t typically necessary or recommended. Instead, allow refrigerated slices to come to room temperature naturally. If you prefer a warm dessert, try gently warming a slice without frosting or enjoy it alongside warm coffee or tea.

FAQs

Can I substitute the canola oil with another oil?

Absolutely! You can use vegetable oil or melted coconut oil as great alternatives. Just keep in mind that coconut oil may impart a slight coconut flavor, which some people find delightful in this cake.

What if I don’t have crushed pineapple in juice?

Fresh pineapple chopped finely works well too. Just be sure to drain or pat it dry so you don’t add extra moisture that could affect your cake’s texture.

How ripe should the bananas be for this cake?

Very ripe bananas with brown spots are best because they’re sweeter and mash easily. This enhances the cake’s natural sweetness and moistness dramatically.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, but it requires a suitable gluten-free flour blend that usually includes xanthan gum to mimic the texture of all-purpose flour. Expect slight textural differences, but the flavors will still shine.

What’s the best way to level cake layers?

The easiest method is to use a serrated knife to trim off the domed tops gently. Alternatively, a cake leveler tool can help create perfectly flat layers, especially important for stacking multiple layers evenly.

Final Thoughts

This Hummingbird Layer Cake Recipe is a true showstopper that delivers amazing flavor with every forkful. It’s the kind of dessert that invites you to slow down, savor, and come back for just one more bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this cake’s moist texture, tropical notes, and creamy frosting make it an absolute joy to make and share. So go ahead, gather the ingredients, and let the kitchen fills with the delicious aroma of this Southern classic.

Print