Moist Hummingbird Bread Recipe with Pineapple, Bananas, and Cream Cheese Frosting

This Hummingbird Bread is a dream come true for dessert lovers and makes a delightful addition to any tea spread or special occasion. A bit of decadence wrapped in the simplicity of a loaf, it’s a real crowd-pleaser!

Why is hummingbird cake called hummingbird?

The name “hummingbird cake” likely comes from its tropical flavor profile and sweetness. The cake was originally known as “doctor bird cake,” named after the “doctor bird” (a species of hummingbird) in Jamaica. The cake’s ingredients, such as banana, pineapple, and coconut, are sweet and appealing, much like the nectar that attracts hummingbirds. The cake became popular in the United States in the 1970s, thanks to its tropical flavours and moist texture.

What is hummingbird bread flavor?

Hummingbird bread is a delightful blend of tropical and comforting flavours. It combines the sweetness of bananas, the tanginess of pineapple, and the nuttiness of pecans, all tied together with a hint of cinnamon. The addition of coconut gives it an extra layer of texture and flavour, making it both rich and refreshing. The bread itself is moist and slightly spiced with cinnamon, giving it a comforting, sweet, and fruity taste, enhanced by the cream cheese frosting.

How Is Hummingbird Bread Different From Banana Bread?

While both are moist, fruit-based breads, hummingbird bread includes ingredients like crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, and pecans, which are not typically found in banana bread. This gives it a more tropical flavour profile compared to the simpler, sweeter taste of banana bread.

Hummingbird cake vs. Hummingbird bread:

Hummingbird cake is traditionally a layered cake that is frosted, often with cream cheese frosting, and can be richer due to its fluffy texture. Hummingbird bread, on the other hand, is a quick bread made in a loaf pan, usually topped with cream cheese frosting, and has a denser, more moist texture. The cake tends to be more decadent and celebratory, while the bread is simpler and perfect for snacking or casual gatherings.

Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

This Hummingbird Bread is a delightful twist on the classic Southern cake, featuring a moist loaf enriched with mashed bananas, crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans. Topped with a luscious cinnamon cream cheese frosting, this bread is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Its tropical flavors and warm spices create a comforting treat that everyone will love.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Resting Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 50 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 10 slices (depending on thickness)

Calories 316 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Hummingbird Bread:

• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter softened
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas about 2 large bananas
• 1 cup crushed pineapple drained
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• ¾ cup chopped pecans toasted

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

 

• Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
• Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, softened butter, and vegetable oil until well combined. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
• Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
• Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
• Fold in Fruits and Nuts: Gently fold in the mashed bananas, crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
• Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for about 60 to 70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Prepare Frosting: While the bread is cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed until combined. Stir in vanilla extract and cinnamon.
• Frost and Serve: Once the bread is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top. Garnish with additional chopped pecans or shredded coconut if desired.
• Enjoy: Slice and serve your delicious Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting as a delightful snack or dessert!

Notes

• Drain the Pineapple Thoroughly
  Excess moisture from the crushed pineapple can make the bread overly dense or soggy. Use a fine mesh strainer to press out any liquid before adding it to the batter.
• Use Overripe Bananas
  For the best flavour and natural sweetness, choose bananas with plenty of brown spots. They’ll mash easily and blend seamlessly into the batter.
• Toast the Pecans
  Lightly toasting the pecans before adding them to the batter enhances their nutty flavour and adds a delightful crunch to the bread.
• Do Not Overmix
  Once the dry ingredients are combined with the wet, stir only until just incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf instead of a tender crumb.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting
  Make sure the bread is fully cooled before spreading on the cream cheese frosting. If it’s still warm, the frosting will melt and slide off the loaf.

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Serving Suggestions

Hummingbird Bread is perfect as it is, but if you’re feeling creative, here are some ideas:

• Elevate your presentation: Sprinkle the frosting with extra toasted pecans and a light dusting of cinnamon.
• Accompaniments: Serve slices alongside a steaming cup of Irish Breakfast Tea or a rich espresso.
• Dessert twist: Add a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of salted caramel for indulgence.

Storing Instructions

Keep any leftovers (if there are any!) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cream cheese frosting means refrigeration is essential to maintain freshness. If freezing, skip the frosting and wrap the bread tightly in cling film and foil, storing it for up to 3 months. Frost once thawed

Conclusion

This dish brings the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, tropical fruits, and a creamy topping. It’s a versatile bake that works as well for breakfast as it does for dessert. Let us know how you customise your loaf, and don’t forget to share your photos and feedback in the comments. If you love recipes like this, sign up for our newsletter to get more delivered straight to your inbox!

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