How To Make Hummingbird Cake

cream cheese

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: ricotta cheese

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess.

chopped pecans

🥗Healthier: chopped walnuts

💰Cheaper: sunflower seeds

Walnuts provide a similar texture and flavor.

granulated sugar

🥗Healthier: coconut sugar

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index.

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil adds a unique flavor and is dairy-free.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

In a large bowl, mash 2 cups of bananas using a potato masher until completely mashed.

Add 3/4 cup softened unsalted butter and 3/4 cup canola oil to the mashed bananas.

Stir in 1 cup of light or dark brown sugar and 1/2 cup granulated sugar, then cream together using an electric hand mixer.

With the mixer on low speed, add 2 large eggs and mix until combined.

Add 8 ounces of crushed pineapple (do not drain) and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, then mix by hand with a spatula.

In a separate large bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, whisking until well combined.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until about halfway combined.

Add 1 cup of toasted chopped pecans and continue to stir until fully combined, being careful not to over mix.

Divide the batter evenly between two greased and lined 9-inch cake pans.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Let the cakes cool for about 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edges to loosen them from the pans and invert onto a cooling rack to cool completely.

To make the cream cheese frosting, beat together 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter, 8 ounces softened cream cheese, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until smooth using an electric mixer.

Gradually add 4 cups of powdered sugar while mixing on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud.

If desired, add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream to achieve a thinner frosting consistency.

Assemble the cake by placing one layer on a plate and topping it with frosting, then add the second layer and frost the top and sides lightly for a rustic look.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens