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Three-layer hummingbird cake with cream cheese frosting and pecans

Banana-pineapple spice cake with cream cheese frosting

Hummingbird Cake

Hummingbird Cake

50 minMedium

Prep Time

20 min

Cook Time

30 min

Total Time

50 min

Servings

14

1 three-layer cake

Difficulty

Medium

Cost

Moderate

$$

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Hummingbird Cake

Banana-pineapple spice cake with cream cheese frosting

A lush Southern layer cake packed with bananas, crushed pineapple, pecans, and warm spices, covered in tangy cream cheese frosting. A Southern Living icon since 1978.

20m

Prep Time

30m

Cook Time

50m

Total Time

14

Servings

Medium

Difficulty

Moderate $$

Cost

DessertVegetarian
Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen

June 15, 2024(Updated April 13, 2026)

Hummingbird cake is the most requested recipe in Southern Living history—a moist, fruity spice cake that tastes like banana bread's elegant cousin dressed up for a party.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of bananas and pineapple keeps this cake incredibly moist for days. Oil instead of butter ensures a tender crumb that never dries out.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups flour, 2 cups sugar, and 1 tsp each baking soda and cinnamon
  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
  • 1 cup vegetable oil and 3 eggs
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 16 oz cream cheese and 1/2 cup butter for frosting

Instructions

  1. 1

    Mix flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp salt. Stir in oil and eggs until combined.

  2. 2

    Fold in mashed bananas, crushed pineapple with juice, pecans, and 1.5 tsp vanilla.

  3. 3

    Divide among three greased and floured 9-inch round pans.

  4. 4

    Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.

  5. 5

    Beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy, add 4 cups powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla. Frost between layers and all over. Press pecans around the sides.

Serving Suggestions

Ways to Serve This Dish

  • Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream

  • Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate sauce before serving

Substitutions

PecansWalnuts or toasted coconut

Walnuts are a fine substitute; coconut adds tropical flair

Vegetable oilMelted coconut oil

Adds a subtle tropical flavor that complements the pineapple

DepthPantry

Test Kitchen Pick

Vanilla Extract

Helpful Pantry Staple

Why the vanilla matters

For baking and desserts, vanilla is often carrying more aroma than people expect. A better bottle gives the whole recipe a cleaner finish.

This is a small pantry move that usually makes baked goods taste more complete.

  • Improves aroma in desserts and bakes
  • Useful across cakes, cookies, and breakfast bakes

Vanilla extract is one of the easiest pantry upgrades to keep using.

Shop vanilla extract for this recipe

Tips & Storage

Pro Tips

  • Use very ripe bananas—the browner the better for the most intense banana flavor.

  • Drain the pineapple just slightly; some juice keeps the cake moist, but too much makes it soggy.

Storage

Refrigerate frosted cake up to 5 days. The cake stays moist thanks to the fruit.

Reheating

Bring to room temperature 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (55mg) · 14 servings

Calories480
LowModerateHigh

A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet

Protein6g
Carbohydrates24g
Fat64g
Fiber320mg
Sugar2g
Sodium46g

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called hummingbird cake?
The exact origin is debated, but it may relate to the cake being sweet enough to attract hummingbirds.
Can I make cupcakes?
Yes—fill liners 2/3 full and bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes.

Explore More

More DessertVegetarian RecipesOven Recipes
Sarah Chen

About Sarah Chen

Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.

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