Southern Cakes > Hummingbird Cake

Hummingbird Cake with Cream Cheese and Pecan Filling Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
- 2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 4 medium bananas)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- Cream Cheese and Pecan Filling:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Special equipment needed:
- 3 round cake pans (9-inch)
- Electric mixer
- Parchment paper

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottom of each pan with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Mix well.

3. Add the beaten eggs, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined.

4. Add the crushed pineapple (with juice), mashed bananas, and chopped pecans to the batter. Mix until well combined.

5. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans.

6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of each cake comes out clean.

7. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and place them on wire racks to cool completely.

8. To make the cream cheese and pecan filling, beat the cream cheese and butter together in a large mixing bowl until smooth.

9. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until well combined.

10. Add the vanilla extract and chopped pecans to the cream cheese mixture. Mix until well combined.

11. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of the cream cheese and pecan filling over the top.

12. Repeat with the remaining cake layers and filling, stacking them on top of each other.

13. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.


- Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 350°F
Serving size:
- 12 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 670
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 360mg
- Carbohydrates: 80g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 60g
- Protein: 6g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of vegetable oil, you can use canola oil or melted coconut oil.
- Instead of chopped pecans, you can use walnuts or almonds.

Variations:
- You can add 1 cup of shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist.
- You can add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese filling for a tangy flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened before making the filling.
- Use a serrated knife to level the cake layers before assembling the cake.
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to help the filling set.

Storage instructions:
- Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Let the cake come to room temperature before serving.

Presentation ideas:
- Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar before serving.
- Garnish the cake with fresh fruit, such as sliced bananas or strawberries.

Garnishes:
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh fruit

Pairings:
- Serve the cake with a cup of coffee or tea.

Suggested side dishes:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Vanilla ice cream

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cake layers are sticking to the pans, run a knife around the edges of the pans before removing them.
- If the cream cheese filling is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure the cream cheese and butter are stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Wash your hands and all utensils thoroughly before preparing the cake.

Food history:
- The Hummingbird Cake is a traditional Southern dessert that originated in Jamaica. It was named after the island's national bird, which is known for its sweet beak.

Flavor profiles:
- Sweet, nutty, and fruity

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the cake as a dessert after a family dinner or at a special occasion, such as a birthday party or wedding.

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Taste: Sweet, Creamy, Nutty, Tangy, Rich