Ina Garten’s Heavenly Hummingbird Cake Recipe That Wows

Hummingbird cake represents a Southern classic that tantalizes taste buds with its rich, moist texture and complex flavor profile.

Sweet tropical ingredients dance together in perfect harmony, creating a dessert that feels like a culinary celebration.

Generations of bakers have embraced this delightful recipe, transforming simple pantry staples into something extraordinary.

Delicate spices weave through the cake, offering warmth and depth that comfort and surprise in equal measure.

Creamy frosting complements the dense, fruit-filled interior, making each bite a multi-layered sensory experience.

Baking skills matter less than passion when preparing this forgiving and impressive dessert.

Southern hospitality shines through every slice, inviting friends and family to gather around the table: savor the magic.

Why the Hummingbird Cake Stands Out

• Flavor Explosion: Dive into a tropical paradise of sweet bananas, tangy pineapple, and warm spices that dance together in every single bite.
• Texture Wonderland: Experience a magical combination of moist cake, crunchy toasted pecans, and silky cream cheese frosting that creates an incredible mouthfeel.
• Baking Brilliance: Master a foolproof recipe that transforms simple ingredients into an impressive dessert perfect for special gatherings or weekend baking adventures.
• Stress-Free Preparation: Enjoy a straightforward method that doesn't require complicated techniques, making this cake accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

What You’ll Need for the Tropical Treat

• All-Purpose Flour: Essential base for cake structure, choose unbleached for better texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with cake's tender crumb.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients and adds richness to the cake.
• Vegetable Oil: Creates moisture and softness in the cake, neutral flavor preferred.

• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger: Warm spices that provide depth and complexity to the cake.
• Baking Soda: Helps cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Bananas, Pineapple: Fresh, ripe fruits add natural sweetness and moisture.
• Pecans: Toasted nuts provide crunch and rich, nutty flavor, preferably fresh and whole.

• Cream Cheese: Tangy base for creamy frosting, room temperature for smooth mixing.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps stabilize frosting.
• Confectioners' Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet frosting texture.
• Lemon Zest: Bright, fresh note that cuts through sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor, pure extract recommended.

Hummingbird Cake Steps You’ll Want to Follow

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

• Butter the entire pan surface
• Line with parchment paper
• Add another light butter layer
• Dust with a sprinkle of flour

Step 2: Roast Those Nutty Buddies

Spread pecans on a baking sheet and send them into the oven. Let them get golden and fragrant for about 8 minutes. Once done, chop them into delightful chunks.

Step 3: Create A Fruity Nut Party

• Chopped pecans
• Ripe bananas
• Juicy pineapple chunks
• Flour to coat everything

Step 4: Blend Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Ginger
• Baking soda
• Salt

Step 5: Whip Up The Batter Magic

• Beat eggs and sugar until super fluffy
• Slowly drizzle in vegetable oil
• Fold flour mixture gently
• Add fruity nut blend carefully

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake for 50-55 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cakes cool in pans for 25 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Step 7: Craft The Dreamy Frosting

• Beat cream cheese until fluffy
• Add butter gradually
• Sift in powdered sugar
• Mix in lemon zest and vanilla
• Whip until light and airy

Step 8: Build Your Cake Masterpiece

• Place first cake layer on serving plate
• Spread half the frosting
• Add second cake layer
• Cover entire cake with remaining frosting

Enjoy your incredible Hummingbird Cake!

Tips to Make Every Slice Moist and Lush

• Select Ultra-Ripe Bananas: Dark spotted bananas bring maximum sweetness and deeper banana flavor to the cake, creating a more intense and moist texture.
• Toast Pecans Carefully: Spread chopped pecans on a baking sheet and roast at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until fragrant, releasing their rich nutty essence and adding delightful crunch.
• Fold Ingredients Delicately: Use a rubber spatula to gently combine wet and dry ingredients, preventing overmixing that can create a tough, dense cake texture.
• Chill Cakes Completely: Allow cake layers to cool on wire racks for at least 1 hour before frosting, ensuring the cream cheese frosting stays perfectly smooth and doesn't melt.
• Soften Dairy Ingredients: Remove cream cheese and butter from refrigerator 30-45 minutes before baking, allowing them to reach room temperature for silky, lump-free frosting that spreads effortlessly.

Storage Tips for Keeping Hummingbird Cake Fresh

• Preserve Whole Cake: Carefully wrap the entire uncut cake in multiple layers of plastic wrap, ensuring zero air exposure. Slide into an airtight container to prevent moisture loss and flavor absorption from other refrigerator items.
• Individual Slice Storage: Separate remaining slices using parchment paper between each piece. Place in a sealed container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain moisture and prevent drying out. Slices remain delectable for 4-5 days when refrigerated properly.
• Freezing Strategy: Detach cream cheese frosting before freezing to maintain optimal texture. Wrap cake layers separately in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil for maximum protection. Label with freezing date and consume within 3 months for best quality. Thaw overnight in refrigerator, allowing gradual temperature adjustment to prevent condensation.

Try These Versions of Ina’s Hummingbird Cake

• Tropical Paradise Spin: Replace half the pecans with macadamia nuts and add a splash of coconut extract to the batter for a more tropical flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Garden Fresh: Swap wheat flour with almond flour and gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, keeping the same measurements and adding extra ground cinnamon for depth.
• Chocolate Banana Boost: Fold in 1/2 cup of mini dark chocolate chips into the batter and sprinkle cocoa powder between cake layers for a rich chocolate undertone.
• Spiced Rum Celebration: Drizzle each cake layer with 2 tablespoons of dark rum before frosting and add a hint of ground cardamom to the dry ingredients for a more complex spice profile.

Hummingbird Cake Recap with a Sweet Twist

Louisiana’s signature sweet delight emerges as more than mere dessert – it’s cultural storytelling through layers of banana, pineapple, and warm spices.

Ina Garten’s hummingbird cake recipe connects generations with its rich Southern heritage and complex flavor profiles.

Delicate pecans provide textural contrast against moist cake layers, creating sensory memories with each slice.

Cream cheese frosting adds luxurious smoothness that transforms simple ingredients into sophisticated culinary art.

Caribbean and Southern American influences dance harmoniously within this extraordinary confection.

Passionate bakers and curious palates will discover pure magic when sharing this remarkable cake – so snap that perfect photo, tag friends, and spread deliciousness across social networks!

Ina Garten Hummingbird Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hummingbird cake brings Southern charm straight from Ina Garten’s kitchen, blending ripe bananas, pineapple, and pecans into a moist, spiced masterpiece. Rich cream cheese frosting crowns this classic dessert, inviting you to savor each delectable bite of pure comfort.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 ¾ cups (345g) all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
• 1 cup (115g) pecan pieces
• 3 ripe bananas, chopped
• ½ cup (120g) finely chopped fresh pineapple

Spices and Seasonings:

• ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ¼ teaspoons baking soda

Frosting and Preparation:

• 2 packages cream cheese (8 ounces each, 225g each)
• 12 tablespoons (170g) unsalted butter
• 2 cups (250g) confectioners’ sugar
• 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Unsalted butter, for greasing

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and meticulously prepare two 8-inch (20 centimeters) round cake pans by generously greasing with butter, lining with parchment paper, and dusting with a light coating of flour.
2. Carefully distribute pecans on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for approximately 8 minutes until they release a rich, nutty aroma. Allow to cool completely, then chop into rustic pieces.
3. Combine chopped pecans with diced bananas, crushed pineapple, and of flour in a separate mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
4. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the remaining 2 of flour, ground cinnamon, freshly grated nutmeg, powdered ginger, baking soda, and salt until well integrated.
5. Using an electric mixer, vigorously beat eggs and granulated sugar at high speed until the mixture becomes thick and pale, approximately 5 minutes. Slowly incorporate vegetable oil, then gently fold the flour mixture into the egg blend, creating a luscious batter.
6. Delicately fold the pecan-fruit mixture into the batter, ensuring even distribution without deflating the mixture’s airiness.
7. Evenly divide the batter between the prepared cake pans and bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a inserted toothpick emerges clean and the cake shows a golden-brown surface.
8. Remove cakes from the oven and allow to cool in pans for 25 minutes on a wire rack, then carefully transfer to the rack to cool completely.
9. For the frosting, use an electric mixer to beat cream cheese until fluffy, gradually adding butter and creating a smooth consistency.
10. Sift confectioners’ sugar into the cream cheese mixture, beating until silky. Incorporate fresh lemon zest and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting becomes light and airy.
11. Position the first cake layer on a serving plate, spreading half the frosting across the surface. Gently place the second cake layer on top, then lavishly cover the entire cake with remaining frosting.

Notes

• Grab those bananas hiding in your fruit bowl with brown spots, as they’ll transform your cake with intense sweetness and incredible moisture.
• Toss pecans into a dry skillet before mixing, releasing their rich, nutty aroma that elevates the entire dessert’s flavor profile.
• Treat the batter delicately, using a gentle folding technique that keeps the texture light and prevents a tough, compact cake.
• Patience matters when frosting – allow cakes to cool completely, preventing a melty mess and ensuring a pristine, professional finish.
• Pull butter and cream cheese from the refrigerator an hour before baking, letting them soften naturally for a silky, lump-free frosting that spreads like a dream.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 597 kcal
• Sugar: 53 g
• Sodium: 284 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 61 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 98 mg