County fairs and baking competitions were once resplendent with prized hummingbird cakes. This layered sweet is a marvel to behold, and with cream cheese frosting on top, it’s sure to earn praise all around.
Ingredients
Cake
- Butter, for the pans
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon grated nutmeg
- 1⅓ cups vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 cups mashed ripe bananas
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
- 1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple with juice
Frosting
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 7 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of kosher salt
- 1 cup chopped toasted pecans
- Halved pecans, for top of cake (optional)
How to Make It
-
For the Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 9-inch cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Add the vegetable oil, vanilla, and eggs and stir just to combine.
- Stir in the mashed banana, pecans, and pineapple just until mixed in.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 25 to 28 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pans for 10 to 15 minutes. Carefully remove and place on a wire rack to cool completely. For the Frosting
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or in a large bowl using a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese and butter until creamy.
- Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar and beat until fully incorporated and fluffy. Add the vanilla and salt.
- Place a cake layer on a cake stand or cake plate. Spread ¾ to 1 cup of the frosting between each layer.
- Spread the top and sides with the remaining frosting.
- Sprinkle the sides of the cake with the chopped pecans. Top the cake with pecan halves, if desired.
- Chill the cake for 1 hour before cutting. Serve.