Decadent Hummingbird Bread Recipe

Sweet Symphony: Hummingbird Bread & Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Soft, moist, and bursting with tropical flavors, this hummingbird bread balances sweet bananas and pineapple in a delightful Southern-inspired treat.

Packed with warm spices and toasted pecans, the bread delivers a rich, comforting experience that delights every bite.

cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious layer of creamy indulgence to the tender crumb.

Each slice tells a story of classic Southern baking traditions, blending ripe fruits and nuts into a harmonious dessert.

Perfectly spiced and wonderfully textured, this bread transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Grab a slice and savor the magic of this irresistible Southern classic that’s sure to become a new favorite at your table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 217 kcal

Servings: 13

Everything You Need for Hummingbird Bread Magic

For Wet Ingredients:
  • Ripe Bananas: Choose soft, deeply spotted bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture in the bread.
  • Egg: Provides structure and helps bind ingredients together smoothly.
  • Canola Oil: Creates a tender, soft texture and keeps bread moist.
  • Cream Cheese: Offers richness and creamy texture for the frosting.
  • Butter: Adds depth of flavor and creates a smooth, spreadable frosting.
For Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the bread with essential structure.
  • Sugar, Brown Sugar: Brings sweetness and helps with caramelization.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile of the bread.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Ensure proper rising and light texture.
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, spreadable frosting.
For Mix-In and Topping Ingredients:
  • Sweetened Shredded Coconut: Adds tropical texture and subtle sweetness.
  • Diced Pineapple: Introduces bright, tangy flavor and moisture.
  • Pecans: Provides crunch and nutty depth to the bread.
  • Vanilla: Rounds out flavors with warm, aromatic notes.
  • Cinnamon: Delivers warm, comforting spice to the frosting.

Baking Tool Checklist for Moist Hummingbird Loaf

  • Electric mixer: Perfect for creating smooth, creamy frosting with minimal effort.
  • Loaf pan: Essential for baking the bread and giving it its classic rectangular shape.
  • Mixing bowl: Large enough to combine all ingredients and mix thoroughly.
  • Wire rack: Helps cool the bread evenly and prevent soggy bottoms.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Toothpick: Used to check if the bread is fully baked by testing the center.
  • Spatula: Helps fold ingredients and spread frosting smoothly.

Instructions to Whip Up Banana-Pineapple Nut Bread

  • Oven Preparation

Warm the oven to a cozy 350°F and lightly coat a loaf pan with cooking spray, creating a welcoming home for your soon-to-be delicious bread.

  • Banana Blend

Mash ripe bananas in a large bowl, mixing in sugars, egg, and oil until the mixture becomes a smooth, golden canvas of flavor.

  • Dry Ingredient Magic

Gently fold flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into the banana mixture, creating a harmonious base for your tropical-inspired treat.

  • Tropical Treasure Mix-Ins

Sprinkle in coconut flakes, juicy pineapple chunks, and crunchy pecans, transforming the batter into a paradise of textures and tastes.

  • Baking Adventure

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and slide it into the oven, letting it bake for about an hour until the top turns a beautiful golden brown.

  • Cooling Moment

Rescue the bread from the oven and let it rest on a wire rack, allowing it to cool and settle into its delightful form.

  • Frosting Fantasy

Whip cream cheese and butter into a dreamy, creamy mixture, then gradually introduce powdered sugar, vanilla, and a whisper of cinnamon for a topping that’ll make taste buds dance.

  • Final Flourish

Once completely cooled, lavish the bread with the cinnamon cream cheese frosting and sprinkle a handful of pecans on top for a crowning touch of crunch and flavor.

How to Make the Frosting Even More Addictive

  • Swap fresh pineapple for canned to adjust moisture levels and intensify natural sweetness.
  • Toast pecans beforehand in a dry skillet to enhance their rich, deep flavor profile and create extra crispiness.
  • Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture, keeping it fresh for up to 4 days at room temperature or refrigerate for extended preservation.
  • Replace regular flour with gluten-free alternatives for those with dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delectable treat without compromising taste or texture.
  • Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom in the cream cheese frosting to create unique and unexpected flavor combinations that will surprise and delight your taste buds.

Best Times and Occasions to Serve This Bread

  • Tropical Breakfast Companion: Pair this delightful hummingbird bread with a fresh tropical smoothie for a vibrant morning meal that complements its fruity flavors.
  • Elegant Dessert Transformation: Slice the bread into thin pieces, lightly toast, and serve as a unique dessert option alongside vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
  • Brunch Centerpiece Approach: Create an impressive brunch spread by arranging bread slices on a beautiful wooden board, garnishing with fresh mint leaves and extra toasted pecans for a visually stunning presentation.
  • Gifting Gourmet Option: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper and tie with a rustic twine, making it a perfect homemade gift for friends and neighbors who appreciate artisan baked goods with a Southern charm.

Storing the Bread with Frosting Without Sogginess

  • Smart Storage Solutions: Keep your hummingbird bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil at room temperature for 2-3 days, ensuring maximum freshness and delicious flavor.
  • Refrigeration Tactics: Extend your bread's life by storing in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to one week. Bring to room temperature before serving for best taste and texture.
  • Freezing Finesse: Slice bread before freezing for convenient single-serving portions. Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze up to 3 months for future enjoyment.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the bread and frosting separately up to 2 days in advance. Store bread at room temperature and refrigerate frosting. Assemble just before serving to maintain optimal moisture and crispness.
Print
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Decadent Hummingbird Bread Recipe

Decadent Hummingbird Bread


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4.7 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Southern bakers treasure this hummingbird bread as a delightful twist on classic banana cake. Moist banana, pineapple, and pecans create a rich dessert that delights with creamy cinnamon frosting you’ll savor to the last crumb.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large egg
  • 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • ¼ cup (57 g) butter, softened
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) canola or vegetable oil
  • ½ tsp vanilla
  • 1 ½ cups (188 g) flour
  • ½ cup (100 g) sugar
  • ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup (50 g) sweetened shredded coconut
  • ½ cup (75 g) pineapple, diced and patted dry
  • ⅓ cup (40 g) chopped pecans
  • ½ cup (60 g) chopped pecans
  • ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
  • ½ tsp cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Ignite the oven to 350°F and generously coat a loaf pan with nonstick spray, ensuring complete coverage.
  2. Banana Base: Pulverize ripe bananas into a silky puree, then vigorously whisk with sugars, egg, and vegetable oil until the mixture achieves a frothy, uniform consistency.
  3. Dry Integration: Sift flour, leavening agents, and salt directly into the banana mixture, gently folding with a wooden spoon until just combined to maintain a tender crumb.
  4. Flavor Fusion: Delicately incorporate coconut flakes, crushed pineapple, and pecans, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter for a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
  5. Baking Process: Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula, and bake for 55-65 minutes, rotating midway to guarantee uniform golden-brown coloration; confirm doneness with a toothpick test.
  6. Cooling Stage: Allow the bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transition to a wire rack for complete cooling before frosting.
  7. Frosting Preparation: Whip cream cheese and butter using an electric mixer until light and airy, gradually introducing powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until achieving a luxurious, smooth consistency.
  8. Final Assembly: Generously spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting across the cooled bread, creating elegant swirls with an offset spatula, and garnish with additional chopped pecans for textural contrast.

Notes

  • Ripeness Matters: Use extremely ripe bananas with dark brown spots for maximum sweetness and deeper flavor development.
  • Prevent Overmixing: Stir flour mixture gently to avoid tough, dense bread texture; lumps are perfectly acceptable.
  • Even Baking Technique: Rotate pan halfway through baking to ensure consistent golden-brown color and prevent uneven heating.
  • Cooling is Crucial: Allow bread to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and maintain pristine cream cheese frosting appearance.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 217
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 151 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

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