If you’re a fan of cakes, you’ve probably heard of the hummingbird cake. But why is it called that way? Is it because it’s so sweet and delicious that it attracts hummingbirds? Or is it because it’s made with tropical ingredients that hummingbirds love? In this article, we’ll explore the origins of this popular cake and provide you with a detailed recipe that will make your taste buds sing like a hummingbird.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
- 2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 4 medium)
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 9-inch cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs, oil, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until well combined.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Add the crushed pineapple, mashed bananas, and chopped pecans, and mix until well combined.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and let them cool completely on wire racks.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, frost them with your favorite frosting (we recommend cream cheese frosting).
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 547
Total Fat: 33g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 47mg
Sodium: 401mg
Total Carbohydrates: 62g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 41g
Protein: 5g
Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Equipment
- 3 9-inch cake pans
- Electric mixer
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Wire racks
Serving Suggestions
Hummingbird cake is a delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. You can serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s also great with a cup of coffee or tea.
Variations
If you want to switch things up, here are some variations you can try:
- Instead of pecans, use walnuts or macadamia nuts.
- Add 1 cup of shredded coconut to the batter.
- Use different frosting flavors, such as caramel or chocolate.
- Make cupcakes instead of a cake.
Substitutions
If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand, here are some substitutions you can make:
- Instead of vegetable oil, use canola oil or melted butter.
- If you don’t have crushed pineapple, you can use pineapple tidbits or chunks that you puree in a blender or food processor.
- If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can use unsweetened applesauce.
- If you’re allergic to nuts, you can omit them or use sunflower seeds instead.
Storage
You can store leftover hummingbird cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply let it sit at room temperature for a few hours.
Tips
- Make sure your bananas are ripe for maximum flavor.
- To toast the pecans, spread them on a baking sheet and bake them at 350°F for 5-10 minutes or until fragrant.
- Don’t overmix the batter, or your cake will be tough.
Notes
This recipe makes three 9-inch cake layers. If you only want to make one layer, you can divide the recipe by three. If you want to make a two-layer cake, you can divide the recipe by two.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does hummingbird cake taste like?
Hummingbird cake is a moist and flavorful cake that’s similar to a carrot cake or a banana bread. It’s sweet and slightly tangy, with a hint of cinnamon, and a crunch from the pecans.
Why is it called hummingbird cake?
The exact origins of the name are unclear, but it’s believed that the cake was named after the hummingbird bird, which is known for its love of sweet nectar. The cake’s sweet and tropical flavors, as well as its vibrant colors, are reminiscent of the hummingbird’s habitat.
Can I make hummingbird cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make hummingbird cake ahead of time. You can bake the cake layers and freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw the layers at room temperature and frost them with your favorite frosting.
Hummingbird cake is a delicious and fun dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just want to treat yourself, this cake is sure to please. With its tropical flavors, moist texture, and crunchy pecans, it’s no wonder why this cake has become so popular. So why not try making it yourself and see what all the fuss is about? We hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do!