Tropical Hummingbird Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: A Slice of Paradise

Name: Tropical Hummingbird Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 3/4 cup packed brown sugar; 3 large eggs; 1 cup vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups smashed ripe bananas (approximately 4 bananas); 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained; 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional); 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)

Are you in search of a delightful dessert that brings a taste of summer into your kitchen, no matter the season? Look no further than this incredible Tropical Hummingbird Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting! Perfect for busy moms and professionals alike, this cake is a sweet escape that combines the fruity flavors of banana and pineapple with a hint of spice, all crowned with a luscious cream cheese frosting. It’s ideal for everything from brunch with friends to an afternoon pick-me-up, so let’s dive right in and discover why this cake is a must-bake!

Why You’ll Love This Tropical Hummingbird Cake

First off, who doesn’t want a slice of a cake that transports you straight to the tropics? It’s the ultimate comfort food, offering the kind of flavors that make you feel warm and fuzzy inside—yes, like a cozy hug! On top of its amazing taste, this cake is layered with memories just waiting to be made. Maybe it’ll become your family’s new birthday cake tradition, or perhaps it’ll be the show-stopper at your next gathering. Either way, this recipe is both simple and rewarding, so bust out your apron, and let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for your tropical adventure:

For the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
3 large eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups smashed ripe bananas (approximately 4 bananas)
1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)

Steps to Cake Happiness

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. If you’re feeling fancy, line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This step is essential—don’t skip it! Think of it as giving your dry ingredients a cozy little spa day before they join the cake party.
Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until well combined. Slowly drizzle in the vegetable oil and mix in the vanilla. Now, fold in those mashed bananas, crushed pineapple, and nuts if you’re using them.
Bring it All Together: Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. We want to keep our cake fluffy, not dense like a brick!
Bake!: Evenly divide the batter between your prepared pans. Pop them in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly—this is the absolute best part!
Cool Down: Once the cakes are done, let them sit in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then gently turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely. Patience is key here; we don’t want to mess up that perfect cream cheese frosting by putting it on a warm cake!

Tips for Success

No Ripe Bananas? If you don’t have ripe bananas, toss your firmer bananas in a 300°F oven for about 15-20 minutes. They’ll be perfect for mashing quickly!
Cream Cheese Frosting Fun: Don’t forget to taste your frosting! It’s hard to resist sneaking spoonfuls. If your frosting feels too thick, just add that milk, bit by bit, until it reaches your desired spreadability.

And remember, in the world of baking, there are no accidents—just delicious surprises. So if your frosting looks like it has had a rough day, it’ll still taste divine!

Personal Touches

This Tropical Hummingbird Cake quickly became my family’s go-to dessert during gatherings. I remember the first time I made it; my kids were practically dancing in the kitchen with glee when the aroma wafted through the house. It’s made its way into birthday celebrations and simple Sunday brunches alike. It’s amazing how food can bring back memories, isn’t it?

FAQs

Can I substitute the nuts in this recipe?

Absolutely! If there are nut allergies, you can simply leave them out or replace them with shredded coconut for that extra tropical flair!

How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. But let’s be honest—leftovers are rare when this cake is around!

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Definitely! You can bake the cakes a day in advance and frost just before serving. It’ll give the flavors a little time to meld together, making it even tastier!

Now that you have the recipe for this delightful Tropical Hummingbird Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, it’s time to embrace your inner baker! Whether you’re sliding it onto the table during a family gathering or treating yourself to a well-deserved slice, you’re going to love the joyous flavor explosion. Don’t forget to share a picture—let’s show off those yummy creations!

This Tropical Hummingbird Cake is the perfect recipe for any event. Quick, easy, and delicious, this dish will become your go-to dessert. Try it today for a tropical escape you won’t forget!

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