This Hummingbird Cake Recipe combines some of the best cake and dessert features there are. While it is super light and fluffy, it still has a nice and satisfying crunch to it from the nuts and the cream cheese frosting, these ingredients create just the right amount of richness and body without making it too heavy or dense.
Right now, I wish I could sit down on a soft and fluffy Hummingbird Cake.
But First - Motorcycle Journeys!
You see, my husband and I went on a motorcycle road trip on Saturday. To be specific, my dear husband rode the motorcycle, while I was the backseat passenger… for 7 full hours!
K grew up riding motorcycles and all kinds of other 2-wheeled vehicles in South America. He used to transport his mother and sister and even his older brother. He just loved it and he was good at it, so everybody let him.
Here in SE Asia, the easiest and most convenient modes of transportation are scooters. K has been maneuvering us safely through Asian traffic for the last 12 months, always on a scooter. Around here people call them ‘motobikes’ (stressing the last syllable), but they are pretty small and best suited for city driving.
Cruising Along and Making the Best of It
For the weekend, we wanted to do something different and cruise the mountains around Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand. There are plenty of places renting out motorcycles and scooters, usually in all shapes and sizes. But we didn’t consider that, as it is festival week.
The city is bustling full of people. Tourists are coming to experience this holiday in Thailand’s cultural capital and locals are returning home to spend the holiday with family. And they all seem to be renting bikes.
Our original plan of renting a comfortable chopper didn’t pan out, simply because none were available anymore. And we tried many places. Dang! So we ended up with a small sports bike and we had a ton of fun riding outside of the city and exploring the mountainside, taking in fresh air and stunning views, albeit the ride not being so comfortable. Ah well! Such is life!
Two days later, my behind is still complaining. Not being used to this kind of adventure I was pretty much done after our journey. I slept for almost 10 hours that night and then still had a looong Sunday afternoon nap. My bum lets me know every time I sit down on a hard chair that it hasn’t forgiven me yet.
Hummingbird Cake Heaven
It’s asking for fluffy, cushioned seats. Seats that remind me of the Hummingbird Cake I recently enjoyed at an outlet of The Coffee Bean.
To be honest, I had never heard of Hummingbird Cake until Carla from Carla’s Confections blogged about it on her site earlier this year. I was intrigued by the delicious pictures and the easy one-bowl, no-mixer cake recipe.
While I didn’t have the chance to bake one myself yet, her introduction to Hummingbird Cake made me try it as soon as I saw it in the coffee shop. I certainly didn’t regret it. It was absolutely wonderful.
Have you tried Hummingbird Cake? What do you think? If you’d like to bake one at home, then be sure to enjoy this recipe!
Recipe
Hummingbird Cake Recipe
Ingredients
For the cake layers
- 3 cups self-raising flour
- 2 cups sugar
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- ⅓-1/2 cup chopped walnuts and pecans more for decoration
- 8 oz pineapple canned and crushed, or 15 oz/430g can for added pineapple in the filling
- 2 mashed ripened bananas
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 4 large eggs beaten
For the frosting
- 9 oz/250 g cream cheese softened
- 6 tablespoon butter softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- dash of milk
- 24 oz/700 g icing sugar
Instructions
Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350F. Prepare two 9” cake pan by greasing and flouring them. Put all cake ingredients into one large mixing bowl and stir everything with a wooden spoon until just combined.
- Divide batter into prepared pans and bake for about 45 minutes (until skewer inserted in the center comes out clean). Cool layer in cake pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto wire cake and cool fully.
Frosting:
- Beat softened butter and cream cheese with mixer for about 5 minutes, until fluffy. Stir in vanilla and milk. Add icing sugar in small increments until you reach desired consistency.
Assembly:
- Level cake layers. Place one layer onto a cake platter, spread some of the frosting on top as filling and add remaining crushed pineapple, if desired. Top with second cake layer and ice the sides and top of the cake with the rest of the frosting. Sprinkle chopped nuts on top and sides.
Pin this Hummingbird Cake Recipe for later?
Other Recipes You Might Enjoy
Check out these similar recipes for more delicious options!
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Random Questions?
The Hummingbird Cake typically includes ingredients such as mashed bananas, crushed pineapple, pecans or walnuts, and a blend of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. These ingredients contribute to its unique and delightful flavor profile.
The origin of the name "Hummingbird Cake" is not entirely clear, but some believe it's named after the bird because it was known for enjoying sweet nectar. Similarly, this cake is sweet and delightful, and its flavors are as enticing as the nectar for hummingbirds.
While both cakes share a moist and dense texture, Hummingbird Cake is distinct due to its inclusion of bananas and pineapple, which provide a unique tropical flavor. On the other hand, Carrot Cake predominantly features grated carrots, lending a slightly different taste and texture.
Several factors can contribute to a dry Hummingbird Cake, such as overbaking or using too little oil or other moist ingredients. Ensure you follow the recipe precisely, and consider adding a bit more oil or fruit puree to maintain the cake's moisture. Additionally, check the baking time and temperature to prevent overcooking.
Jacquee
Hahaaaa, I had a similar experience in Cuba. Those things are not meant for extended travel. Hope your behind has forgiven you some by now. 😉 I absolutely LOVE Hummingbird Cake, but I have never made it. That's about to change...
Regina
Yeah, never again will I spend that much time on the back of a sport's bike 😉
Erin @ Texanerin Baking
You're adventurous! 🙂
I also had never heard of hummingbird cake until I started reading food blogs and everyone claims that it's a Southern thing. But I'd never heard of it. I'm happy to see that I'm not alone! I love how much cake you eat. Traveling around on scooters and eating cake sounds like a pretty awesome life. 😉
Regina
Haha...yeah I came to love scooters. Much quicker going through the city with them than a car! I truly love the traveling live, aside from not baking as much as I would love to.
Carla @ Carlas Confections
Thank you so much for the link up 🙂 You are so sweet! This cake is seriously so delicious! I am glad you enjoyed it too!
Regina
Thanks so much for visiting, Carla!
amy @ fearless homemaker
I had never heard of a hummingbird cake until a year or two ago, when my mother-in-law brought one to a family party. They are sooo good + yours looks just amazing. YUM!
Regina
Thank you Amy!