Dessert

The Best Hummingbird Cake Recipe

ByElara Stone December 7, 2025December 7, 2025

Introduction

Hummingbird Cake is a moist, flavorful Southern classic packed with bananas, pineapples, and pecans. This deliciously spiced layered cake topped with cream cheese frosting is perfect for any celebration or a sweet treat anytime.

A two-layer cake with light brown sponge filled with two thick layers of creamy white frosting, covered fully with smooth white frosting on the sides and top. The top edge is decorated with a circle of chopped brown nuts, and one slice is removed to show the inside layers. The cake sits on a clear glass cake stand with a detailed base, placed on a white marbled surface. A piece of the cake is visible in the bottom right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1¾ cups pecans, chopped
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups ripe mashed bananas (3 to 4 bananas)
1¼ cups vegetable oil
3 large eggs
8 ounces crushed pineapples, undrained
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
16 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ cup salted sweet cream butter, softened
3½ cups powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 300°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and evenly spread the chopped pecans on the sheet. Roast for 6 to 8 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Let cool completely.
Step 2: Once cooled, divide the pecans into 1 cup for the cake batter and ¾ cup for garnish. Increase oven temperature to 350°F. Line and lightly spray the bottoms of three 9-inch round cake pans; set aside.
Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk mashed bananas, vegetable oil, eggs, crushed pineapples with juice, and vanilla extract until combined.
Step 4: Carefully combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients. Fold in 1 cup of the chopped pecans. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans.
Step 5: Bake for 25 to 28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool completely before frosting.
Step 6: To make the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter on medium-high speed until creamy, about 1 to 1½ minutes. Lower speed, add vanilla and powdered sugar slowly. Increase speed to medium and mix until smooth.
Step 7: Place the first cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thin layer of frosting on top. Repeat with the second cake layer.
Step 8: Place the third cake layer on top and frost the top with a thicker, even layer. Spread the remaining frosting around the sides of the cake.
Step 9: Decorate the top edge of the cake with the remaining chopped pecans. Serve and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra moisture, swap half the vegetable oil for melted butter.
Use toasted shredded coconut in addition to pecans for a tropical twist.
Ensure bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and flavor.
If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce powdered sugar slightly.

Storage

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh. Bring slices to room temperature before serving for best flavor. The cake layers can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before frosting.

How to Serve

The image shows a three-layer round cake on a clear glass cake stand, sitting on a white marbled surface. Each layer of the cake is light brown with visible small textures from nuts or spices inside. Between the layers, there is a thick white creamy frosting. The whole cake is covered in smooth white frosting, and the top is decorated with a thick ring of chopped brown nuts around the edge. A slice is cut out from the cake, showing the inside layers clearly, and the cut slice is placed on a white plate next to the cake. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for proper texture. Baking times may vary slightly.

Can I prepare the cake in advance?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day ahead and keep them wrapped in plastic wrap. Prepare the frosting and assemble on the day you plan to serve for the freshest result.