Introduction
Are you ready to transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise with the Pioneer Woman’s Hummingbird Cake recipe? This sweet and fruity cake is a perfect dessert for any occasion, from family gatherings to dinner parties. With its combination of banana, pineapple, and pecans, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more. So, let’s get started!
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple, undrained
- 2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 4 medium)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
For the frosting:
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans. 2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon. 3. Add eggs and oil, stirring until dry ingredients are moistened. 4. Stir in vanilla, pineapple, bananas, and pecans. 5. Pour batter evenly into prepared pans. 6. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. 7. Cool in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes. 8. Remove from pans and cool completely on wire racks. 9. For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter in a large bowl until smooth. 10. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until light and fluffy. 11. Stir in pecans. 12. Spread frosting between layers and on top and sides of cake.
Nutritional Information
This recipe makes 12 to 16 servings. Each serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 715
- Total fat: 40g
- Saturated fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 89mg
- Sodium: 378mg
- Total carbohydrates: 86g
- Dietary fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 62g
- Protein: 7g
Cooking Time
This recipe takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to prepare and bake.
Equipment
- 3 9-inch round cake pans
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Wire racks
- Cake stand or serving plate
Serving Suggestions
This cake is perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to holidays. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra sweet treat.
Variations
Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun variations to try:
- Add 1 cup of shredded coconut to the cake batter for a tropical twist.
- Substitute walnuts or macadamia nuts for the pecans in the frosting.
- Use a different type of frosting, such as cream cheese frosting or buttercream frosting.
Substitutions
Don’t have all the ingredients on hand? Here are some easy substitutions:
- Use canola oil instead of vegetable oil.
- Substitute chopped walnuts or macadamia nuts for the pecans in the cake batter.
- Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a richer flavor.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for the cream cheese in the frosting.
Storage
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Make sure to grease and flour the cake pans well to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- For a more professional look, use a cake leveler to trim the tops of the cake layers before frosting.
Notes
This recipe can easily be halved to make a smaller cake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time? A: Yes, you can make the cake and frosting ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Just let them come to room temperature before frosting the cake. Q: Can I freeze this cake? A: Yes, you can freeze the cake layers and frosting separately for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw in the refrigerator before assembling and frosting the cake.
Final Thoughts
The Pioneer Woman’s Hummingbird Cake recipe is a delicious and unique dessert that is sure to impress your guests. With its combination of tropical flavors and creamy frosting, this cake is a perfect treat for any occasion. So, what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise!