Spring is here, and that means it’s time for Easter Hummingbird Cake! This delightful dessert, packed with flavors of bananas, pineapples, and warm spices, will brighten your holiday table. Plus, it’s topped with creamy frosting that everyone loves! I’m excited to share my step-by-step guide to making this cake a hit at your gathering. Ready to impress your friends and family? Let’s dive in and create something special together!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
– 1 cup vegetable oil
– 3 large eggs, room temperature
– 2 cups ripe bananas, mashed (about 4 medium bananas)
– 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans
– 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 cups powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 tablespoon milk (if needed for consistency)
Making this Easter Hummingbird Cake starts with gathering fresh and flavorful ingredients. The dry ingredients create a soft base, while the wet ingredients add moisture and sweetness. The cream cheese frosting pulls it all together with rich creaminess.
Using ripe bananas and crushed pineapple gives this cake its unique flavor. You can also use nuts for crunch. If you like coconut, add it for extra texture and taste.
For the cream cheese frosting, the key is softening both the cream cheese and butter. This helps blend them smoothly with the sugar. You want a creamy, spreadable frosting that complements the cake well.Happy baking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
– Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking. Grease three 9-inch round cake pans and line their bottoms with parchment paper.
– Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Mix 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 cups of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt until they are well combined.
– Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients. Combine 1 cup of vegetable oil, 3 large eggs at room temperature, 2 cups of ripe bananas (mashed), 1 cup of drained crushed pineapple, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 cup of finely chopped walnuts or pecans. Stir these together until fully mixed.
Baking and Assembly
– Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. A few lumps are fine. If you like coconut, fold in 1/2 cup of shredded coconut at this step.
– Divide and Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, they are ready. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before moving them to wire racks to cool completely.
– Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add in 4 cups of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. If the frosting is too thick, add milk by the tablespoon until you reach the right consistency.
Final Assembly and Decoration
– Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are cool, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Add the second layer and repeat the frosting process. Finally, add the third layer and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
– Decorate (Optional): For a fun touch, sprinkle more chopped nuts and coconut on top. You can also add edible flowers to match the Easter theme. This makes the cake look even more festive and inviting.
Tips & Tricks
Baking Tips
Ensuring Perfect Texture
To get the best texture, you need to measure your flour correctly. Fluff the flour first, then spoon it into your measuring cup. Level it off with a knife. This way, you avoid using too much flour. Too much flour can make the cake dry and heavy.
Preventing Overmixing
When mixing your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. A few lumps are okay! Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Gently fold in any optional ingredients like coconut or nuts. This keeps your cake light and fluffy.
Frosting Tips
Achieving the Right Consistency
For the best cream cheese frosting, start with softened cream cheese and butter. Beat them together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar. If it’s too thick, add milk. Just one tablespoon at a time helps you reach the desired consistency.
Alternatives to Cream Cheese Frosting
If you want to try something different, consider whipped cream or buttercream. A lemon buttercream adds a nice zing. For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream. Just whip it up until fluffy and sweeten to taste.
