This Hummingbird Bundt Cake is a tropical-inspired cake bursting with flavors of banana, pineapple, and toasted pecans. The combination of warm spices and cream cheese icing makes this cake incredibly moist and flavorful. This Bundt version of the beloved Hummingbird cake is not only easy to make but also perfect for celebrations, family gatherings, or any time you’re craving a sweet treat.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1 and 1/4 cups chopped pecans, divided
3 cups all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs, at room temperature
3/4 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons pineapple juice
1/2 cup sour cream, at room temperature
1 and 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 bananas)
1 cup finely chopped pineapple (fresh or canned)

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

4 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons milk, slightly warmed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of cinnamon (optional)

Directions

Toast the pecans: Preheat the oven to 300°F (149°C). Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 7-8 minutes. Let cool.
Prepare the Bundt pan: Grease a 10-12 cup Bundt pan and set aside.
Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, allspice, and salt.
Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, mix the eggs, oil, pineapple juice, sour cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla. Stir in the bananas, pineapple, and 1 cup of toasted pecans.
Combine wet and dry: Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.
Bake: Pour the batter into the Bundt pan and bake at 350°F (177°C) for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for an hour before transferring it to a wire rack.
Make the icing: Beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, then beat until smooth. Stir in cinnamon if desired.
Serve: Drizzle the icing over the cooled cake and sprinkle with remaining toasted pecans.

Nutrients

Calories: 440 kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 4g
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 63mg
Sodium: 205mg
Sugar: 36g
Fiber: 3g

The Story Behind Hummingbird Cake

The Hummingbird Cake, a beloved dessert in Southern cuisine, was first introduced to the public in the 1970s. Legend has it that the cake got its name from the bright and vibrant ingredients that are reminiscent of the colors of a hummingbird. A cake that was originally made with tropical fruits and nuts, it quickly became a popular recipe across the United States, especially in the South, where it remains a staple at many gatherings. The original recipe was known for its moist texture and the richness of ingredients like bananas, pineapples, and cream cheese frosting, all of which come together to create a truly unique and indulgent treat.

The Bundt version of this cake is a modern twist on the traditional, allowing for easier serving and a beautifully sculpted shape. The dense, flavorful cake is perfectly complemented by the sweet and tangy cream cheese icing, which adds an extra layer of richness. Whether you serve it for a holiday, birthday, or just because, the Hummingbird Bundt Cake is sure to impress your guests with its tropical flavors and decadent texture.

Why Choose a Bundt Cake?

Bundt cakes are the epitome of both simplicity and elegance. The ring shape ensures an even baking process, allowing the batter to cook uniformly, resulting in a perfectly moist and fluffy interior. Bundt cakes also have the benefit of being easy to serve, making them an ideal choice for parties or gatherings where you want a dessert that is both beautiful and functional. With its striking presentation, the Hummingbird Bundt Cake becomes an instant centerpiece, inviting your guests to enjoy a slice of tropical indulgence.

The Ingredients That Make This Cake Special

The magic of the Hummingbird Bundt Cake lies in its carefully chosen ingredients. The base is made with mashed ripe bananas and finely chopped pineapple, which contribute to the cake’s moisture and flavor. The bananas offer natural sweetness, while the pineapple adds a burst of citrusy tang, creating a balanced sweetness that isn’t overwhelming. The toasted pecans provide a nutty crunch and an earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the fruity base, adding texture and depth.

The cake is spiced with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and nutmeg, giving it a warm and comforting flavor that is perfect for any season. These spices help balance the sweetness of the fruit and create a complex, satisfying flavor profile. The addition of sour cream in the batter also helps keep the cake incredibly moist, ensuring that each bite melts in your mouth.

The Cream Cheese Icing: The Finishing Touch

No Hummingbird Cake would be complete without its signature cream cheese icing. The rich and tangy cream cheese balances the sweetness of the cake, creating the perfect contrast. The icing is made with simple ingredients like butter, powdered sugar, and a splash of milk, resulting in a smooth, velvety texture that glides over the cake. A pinch of cinnamon is often added to enhance the flavors and bring a warm, spiced note to the frosting.

When drizzled over the top of the cooled Bundt cake, the cream cheese icing adds an irresistible sweetness and a luxurious finish. To make the cake even more special, a sprinkle of additional toasted pecans provides a satisfying crunch and a visual appeal that makes the cake even more inviting.

The Versatility of the Hummingbird Bundt Cake

One of the best things about the Hummingbird Bundt Cake is its versatility. While it is delicious as is, you can customize it to suit your preferences. Want to make it a bit more decadent? Add extra layers of cream cheese frosting between the cake layers for a truly indulgent treat. You can also switch up the nuts, using walnuts or macadamia nuts in place of the pecans for a different flavor profile.

This cake is also incredibly adaptable for special diets. You can make it gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. For a dairy-free version, you can swap the butter and cream cheese for dairy-free alternatives. Additionally, you can make the cake ahead of time, as it stays fresh for several days when stored properly, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or a make-ahead dessert for a special occasion.

Perfect for Any Celebration

The Hummingbird Bundt Cake is perfect for a wide range of occasions. Whether you’re celebrating Easter, a birthday, or simply enjoying a cozy family gathering, this cake fits the bill. Its tropical flavors evoke feelings of sunshine and warmth, making it especially fitting for spring and summer events. However, the comforting spices also make it a great choice for fall and winter gatherings, where its richness is sure to warm you from the inside out.

This cake is also a fantastic option for gatherings with a large group of people, as it’s easy to slice and serve. Its unique and eye-catching appearance makes it an ideal centerpiece for a dessert table, ensuring that it stands out among other treats.

Conclusion: A Must-Try Southern Classic

In conclusion, the Hummingbird Bundt Cake is a truly exceptional dessert that blends tropical flavors with Southern comfort. Its moist, flavorful cake filled with ripe bananas, sweet pineapple, and toasted pecans is complemented by the rich, tangy cream cheese icing that brings the entire dessert together. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday, a special occasion, or a casual gathering, this cake is sure to delight your guests and satisfy their sweet cravings. With its ease of preparation, impressive presentation, and irresistible flavors, the Hummingbird Bundt Cake is a must-try recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your baking collection.

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