Easter Hummingbird Cake Recipe

Easy Easter Hummingbird Cake Recipe: Sweet Spring Treasure

Tucked away in my grandmother’s cherished cookbook, this easter hummingbird cake recipe whispers memories of southern hospitality.

Sweet banana and pineapple dance together, creating a melody of tropical flavors.

Warm spices weave through each tender crumb, promising comfort in every slice.

Cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious blanket of smoothness that makes you pause and savor.

Pecans bring a delightful crunch, disrupting the cake’s velvety texture with unexpected delight.

Rich and indulgent, this dessert celebrates spring’s cheerful spirit with every magical bite.

You won’t be able to resist cutting a generous slice and sharing the joy.

Ways To Change Easter Hummingbird Cake Recipe

  • Spring Bloom Version: Replace pecans with sliced almonds and add dried apricots for a lighter, more floral flavor profile that captures the essence of spring.
  • Tropical Breeze Remix: Incorporate shredded coconut into the batter and replace some cream cheese frosting with a passion fruit glaze for a vibrant, sunny twist.
  • Carrot Cake Crossover: Mix in grated carrots alongside the bananas and swap ground cinnamon for a blend of warm spices like nutmeg and ginger to create a more complex, earthy cake experience.
  • Chocolate Chip Easter Celebration: Fold mini chocolate chips into the batter and garnish the frosted cake with pastel-colored chocolate eggs for a festive, kid-friendly version that adds extra sweetness and visual appeal.

FAQs About Easter Hummingbird Cake Recipe

  • What makes this Hummingbird Cake special for Easter?

This cake combines classic Southern flavors like banana, pineapple, and pecans with a festive Easter twist. The light, moist texture and cream cheese frosting make it perfect for spring celebrations and family gatherings.

  • Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure the blend is designed for baking and has a similar protein content to help maintain the cake’s structure.

  • How do I know when the cake is perfectly baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. Avoid overbaking, which can make the cake dry and tough.

  • Can I add extra mix-ins to the batter?

Absolutely! Consider adding shredded coconut, mini chocolate chips, or dried fruit like cranberries to give the cake your personal touch while keeping the traditional flavor profile.

Why Easter Hummingbird Cake Recipe Is So Sweet

  • Whip Up Easter Magic: This hummingbird cake transforms a classic dessert into a festive springtime treat that'll wow your family and friends with its rich, tropical flavors.
  • Foolproof Baking Adventure: Incredibly easy to prepare with simple mixing techniques, this recipe welcomes bakers of all skill levels to create a stunning layer cake without stress or complicated steps.
  • Quick and Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Ready in under an hour, this cake serves a crowd perfectly and works wonderfully for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or special Easter celebrations with its moist texture and crowd-favorite combination of pineapple, banana, and pecans.
  • No-Fuss Festive Dessert: Perfect for busy home bakers who want a delicious homemade dessert that looks impressive but requires minimal effort, using basic pantry ingredients and straightforward mixing methods.

Everything Inside Easter Hummingbird Cake Recipe

Cake Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and helps bind the cake ingredients together.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
  • Baking Soda: Essential for helping the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Brings warm, aromatic flavor to the cake.
  • Salt: Balances and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the cake ingredients.
  • Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the cake's flavor.
  • Crushed Pineapple: Brings moisture and tropical sweetness to the cake.
  • Ripe Bananas: Contributes natural sweetness and helps keep the cake moist.
Texture and Crunch Ingredients:
  • Pecans, Chopped: Adds nutty flavor and provides a pleasant crunch to the cake.
Frosting Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a tangy, rich base for the frosting.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth frosting texture.
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps thicken the frosting.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the frosting's flavor.
  • Milk or Heavy Cream: Helps adjust the frosting's consistency.

How To Make Easter Hummingbird Cake Recipe Easily

Step 1: Prepare Baking Essentials

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Grab your cake pans and generously coat them with butter or cooking spray, then dust with flour to prevent sticking. This ensures your cake will slip out smoothly.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and toss in:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Baking soda
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Kosher salt

Whisk these ingredients together until they’re perfectly combined and free of lumps.

Step 3: Mix Wet Components

In a separate bowl, crack open the eggs and whisk them energetically. Pour in vegetable oil and vanilla extract. Gently fold in:
  • Crushed pineapple (with its tropical juice)
  • Ripe mashed bananas
  • Chopped pecans

Stir until everything looks wonderfully harmonious.

Step 4: Create Cake Batter

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold everything together using a spatula. Stop mixing the moment ingredients are just combined – overmixing makes cakes tough!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Cool Down

Allow cakes to rest in their pans for 10 minutes. Carefully transfer to wire cooling racks and let them cool completely. Patience is key for perfect frosting!

Step 7: Whip Up Creamy Frosting

In a mixer, blend:
  • Cream cheese
  • Softened butter

Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla. Adjust consistency with milk or cream until spreadable.

Step 8: Assemble Delightful Cake

Once cakes are totally cool, start layering. Spread frosting between each layer, then cover the entire cake with remaining frosting. Decorate with extra pecans or spring-themed sprinkles if desired.

Enjoy your spectacular Easter Hummingbird Cake!

Pro Tips For Easter Hummingbird Cake Recipe

  • Prevent Overmixing: Stop stirring as soon as wet and dry ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender and light, avoiding tough texture.
  • Master Moisture Magic: Use fully ripe, soft bananas and include pineapple juice to guarantee a supremely moist, delectable cake that stays fresh longer.
  • Smart Pecan Placement: Toast pecans before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide an extra crunch that elevates the cake's overall taste profile.
  • Cream Cheese Frosting Finesse: Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for smooth, lump-free frosting that spreads effortlessly across cake layers.
  • Temperature Precision: Let cakes cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and maintain a professional, clean decorative finish.

How To Store Easter Hummingbird Cake Recipe Properly

  • Refrigerate your Easter hummingbird cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Keep the cake covered with plastic wrap or a cake dome to prevent drying out.
  • Store at a consistent temperature between 34-40°F to maintain freshness and texture.
  • Freeze individual slices or whole cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for maximum preservation – they'll stay delicious for 2-3 months.
  • Thaw frozen cake overnight in the refrigerator before serving, allowing it to come to room temperature for the best flavor and moisture.

Great Pairings With Easter Hummingbird Cake Recipe

  • Sip Tropical Tea Delight: Pair this sweet, fruity cake with a light chamomile or jasmine tea that complements the pineapple and banana flavors without overwhelming the delicate dessert.
  • Enhance with Nutty Beverage: Serve alongside a creamy almond milk or hazelnut latte, which will echo the pecan notes and provide a smooth, rich contrast to the cake's sweetness.
  • Match with Sparkling Celebration: Enjoy with a chilled moscato or sparkling rosé that brings out the cake's festive Easter mood and adds a playful, effervescent touch to each bite.
  • Craft a Coffee Companion: Select a medium roast coffee with caramel or vanilla undertones that harmonizes beautifully with the cake's warm cinnamon and sweet cream cheese frosting.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Easter Hummingbird Cake Recipe

Easter Hummingbird Cake Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Creamy Southern Easter Hummingbird Cake blends ripe bananas, pineapple, and pecans into a moist celebration of seasonal sweetness. Cream cheese frosting crowns this classic dessert, inviting you to savor a slice of pure spring delight.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 4 bananas)
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 (8 ounces/226 grams) can crushed pineapple in juice (do not drain)
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Wet Ingredients:

  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 8 ounces/226 grams cream cheese, softened

Seasoning and Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 12 tablespoons milk or cream, if needed for spreading consistency

Optional Garnish:

  • Chopped or whole pecans
  • Dried pineapple flowers or fresh edible flowers

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350F (175C). Thoroughly coat three 8-inch round cake pans or two 9-inch pans with grease and flour to prevent sticking.
  2. Create a dry ingredient foundation by whisking flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt together in a spacious mixing bowl until completely integrated.
  3. In a separate vessel, energetically beat eggs with oil and vanilla until smooth. Gently fold in crushed pineapple, ensuring juice is included, then incorporate mashed bananas and chopped pecans.
  4. Merge wet and dry mixtures by pouring liquid ingredients into the flour blend. Stir carefully until just combined, maintaining a slightly lumpy texture to ensure tender cake structure.
  5. Distribute batter evenly across prepared pans, using a spatula to smooth surfaces. Place in preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until a inserted toothpick emerges clean and free of raw batter.
  6. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to wire cooling racks. Permit complete cooling to room temperature to prevent frosting from melting.
  7. Craft the creamy frosting by whipping cream cheese and butter until silky. Gradually introduce powdered sugar, blending thoroughly. Enhance with vanilla and adjust consistency using milk or cream.
  8. Construct the cake by layering frosting between each cake tier, then generously cover top and exterior surfaces with remaining cream cheese mixture. Smooth edges for a polished presentation.

Notes

  • Swap bananas with applesauce for a lighter texture and reduce oil content, perfect for health-conscious bakers.
  • Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the cake’s overall profile.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smoother mixing and a more consistent cake batter, preventing potential lumps.
  • Adjust frosting thickness by gradually adding powdered sugar or milk, creating a spreadable consistency that won’t slide off cake layers.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 50 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 70 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Dave Mitchell

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Grilling Techniques and Innovations​
  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Culinary Education and Workshops​
  • Food Photography and Styling

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking. ​


Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.

Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star