The Best Hummingbird Cake Recipe | Pineapple Banana Pecan Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

vegetable oil

🥗Healthier: applesauce

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Applesauce reduces fat while keeping moisture.

cream cheese

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: ricotta cheese

Greek yogurt lowers calories while maintaining creaminess.

chopped pecans

🥗Healthier: chopped walnuts

💰Cheaper: sunflower seeds

Sunflower seeds are nut-free and more affordable.

powdered sugar

🥗Healthier: coconut sugar

💰Cheaper: granulated sugar

Granulated sugar is a more cost-effective option.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper and spray the sides with baking spray.

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of buttermilk, 1 cup of canola oil, 4 large eggs (at room temperature), 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 1 cup of white granulated sugar. Mix with a hand mixer until smooth.

In another bowl, combine 2 and 1/3 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 2 teaspoons of baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Mix together.

Sift the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and mix with the hand mixer until just incorporated, being careful not to over mix.

Fold in 1 cup of diced pecans, 1 cup of mashed bananas, and 1 (8-ounce) can of drained crushed pineapple into the batter using a spatula.

Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared cake pans, using a kitchen scale if desired to ensure even amounts.

Bake in the preheated oven for 24 to 26 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare cream cheese frosting according to a separate recipe, allowing it to chill in the refrigerator overnight and warm to room temperature for easy spreading.

Level the cooled cake layers with a knife for even assembly.

Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting between each cake layer using an offset spatula.

Apply a thin layer of cream cheese frosting around the outside of the cake for a crumb coat and refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes.

Chill the remaining frosting in the refrigerator to prevent it from getting too warm while the cake chills.

Use a comb cake scraper to create a decorative edge on the frosting and press diced pecans into the sides of the cake.

Garnish the top of the cake with edible flowers, ensuring they are safe to eat.

Transfer the cake from the turntable to a cake stand using two spatulas or a spatula and a long knife, making sure it is not stuck to the turntable.

Cut into the cake to reveal the layers and enjoy.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens