12/7/24, 15:41
Hummingbird Cake Recipe
SUBSCRIBE
Buy Tickets Now To The FOOD & WINE Classic
FOOD AND RECIPES
DESSERTS
CAKES
LAYER CAKES
Hummingbird Cake
4.8 (82)
72 REVIEWS
The Hummingbird Cake is a Southern gem that boasts three incredibly moist
layers flavored with canned pineapple and bananas.
By Pam Lolley | Updated on November 22, 2023
Recipe tested by Southern Living Test Kitchen
RATE
PRINT
SHARE
Ad : (0:13)
SKIP TO CONTENT
https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/hummingbird-cake-recipe
1/23
12/7/24, 15:41
Hummingbird Cake Recipe
SUBSCRIBE
Buy Tickets
Now To
The FOOD & WINE
Classic
Active
Time:
Total
Time:
30 mins
2 hrs 15 mins
Servings:
12
When the Hummingbird Cake was first submitted to Southern Living in 1978
by Mrs. L.H. Wiggins of Greensboro, North Carolina, we had no idea the cake
would become our most popular and beloved Southern cake recipe ever.
Without a doubt, the cake is a beauty with its three moist layers topped with
cream cheese frosting and pecans; but it's the taste that really keeps us
coming back.
There are a few rules for success in this recipe that make it truly stand out:
First, vegetable oil is used instead of butter to get the moist, quick-bread-like
texture of the layers. The original recipe, as printed below, calls for 1 1/2
cups of oil. Over the years we reprinted the recipe several times and, in
keeping with cooking trends of the time, altered the amount of oil and
sodium called for in the ingredient list. The quality of the finished product
was never altered, however.
Second, you need a can of crushed pineapple in its juices, which you will NOT
drain. The juices add so much flavor to the cake batter and keep it incredibly
moist.
Lastly, always take the time the toast your pecans. It's a game-changer. Forty
years may have passed since we discovered this Southern gem, but we keep
making it year after year!
SKIP TO CONTENT
https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/hummingbird-cake-recipe
2/23
12/7/24, 15:41
Hummingbird Cake Recipe
SUBSCRIBE
Buy Tickets Now To The FOOD & WINE Classic
PHOTO: CAITLIN BENSEL; FOOD STYLIST: TORIE COX
Hummingbird Cake Ingredients
To make hummingbird cake, you'll need only ordinary, easily accessible
ingredients:
Flour: All-purpose flour provides the right texture and density.
Sugar: Granulated sugar provides the right amount of sweetness without
overpowering the fruits' sugar and flavor.
Table salt: Just a bit will balance the cake's overall flavors.
Baking soda: This gives the cake layers the power to lift and rise until
fluffy.
Ground cinnamon: This warming spice is beautiful with the fruit and
other ingredients. Some recipes use allspice, ginger, even nutmeg, but we
SKIP TO CONTENT
like to keep things simple with the single spice.
https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/hummingbird-cake-recipe
3/23
12/7/24, 15:41
Hummingbird Cake Recipe
SUBSCRIBE
Eggs: Eggs bring the batter together and give the final cake layers a nice
Buy Tickets Now To The FOOD & WINE Classic
density.
Vegetable oil: Butter provides a lot of flavor, but it also has a lot of water.
Using oil instead of butter means there is more fat in the batter for a
richer, more moist cake. Plus, with oil, you don't have to get out your
stand mixer to cream butter and sugar; you can mix this cake by hand.
Vanilla extract: Elevates all of the flavors in the cake.
Canned crushed pineapple in juice: Don't drain the canned fruit. You
want the sweet syrupy juice, too for flavor and sweetness.
Bananas: Brown and spotty bananas are welcome here. Their extra
sweetness and softer texture makes for the best flavor and blends easily
into the batter.
Pecans: Toasted pecans in the batter adds a delicate bite to the cake that
balances some of the sweetness.
Vegetable shortening: For greasing the cake pans. You could also use a
cooking spray with flour.
For the cream cheese frosting, you'll need:
Softened cream cheese: Essential for the tang and texture of the classic
frosting.
Butter: Adds richness and creaminess to the frosting.
Powdered sugar: Adds body and makes the cream cheese-butter mixture
stiff for spreading.
Vanilla extract: Elevates the frosting's flavors.
For the top, you'll need more pecans. It's important for the best flavor and
texture
that you toast pecans. The gentle heating makes them crispier and
SKIP TO
CONTENT
enhances the nutty flavor
https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/hummingbird-cake-recipe
4/23
12/7/24, 15:41
enhances the nutty flavor.
Hummingbird Cake Recipe
SUBSCRIBE
Buy Tickets Now To The FOOD & WINE Classic
PHOTO: FRED HARDY II; FOOD STYLIST: EMILY NABORS HALL; PROPS STYLIST: CHRISTINA BROCKMAN
How To Make a Hummingbird Cake
The full recipe for this classic cake is further below, but here's a brief outline:
Step 1. Make batter: Whisk together dry ingredients—flour, sugar, salt,
baking soda, and cinnamon—in a large bowl. Add the eggs and oil, stirring
just enough to moisten the dry ingredients. Stir in vanilla, fruits, and
pecans.
Step 2. Add batter to pans: Next, divide the batter into three greased and
floured round cake pans.
Step 3. Bake cake: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Cool completely.
Step 4. Make frosting: To make the frosting, beat softened cream cheese
and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar until blended, and then add
vanilla, beating until fluffy.
SKIP TO CONTENT
https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/hummingbird-cake-recipe
5/23
12/7/24, 15:41
Hummingbird Cake Recipe
Step 5. Assemble: Spread cream cheese frosting between layers, up
SUBSCRIBE
sides, and on top. Finish with a circle of toasted pecans around the edge
of the cake top.
Buy Tickets Now To The FOOD & WINE Classic
PHOTO: FRED HARDY II; FOOD STYLIST: EMILY NABORS HALL; PROPS STYLIST: CHRISTINA BROCKMAN
Do You Refrigerate a Hummingbird Cake?
Because of the cream cheese frosting, hummingbird cake is best stored in the
fridge, where it retains both its freshness and flavor up to 5 days. You may
also freeze hummingbird cake to make it last even longer (that is, if you can
resist eating it first). In the freezer, the cake will last up to 3 months. Thaw in
the fridge overnight and let sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes
before eating.
RELATED: Does Cream Cheese Frosting Need To Be Refrigerated?
Why Is My Hummingbird Cake Dry?
SKIP TO CONTENT
Your hummingbird cake can be dry due to common mistakes such as draining
https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/hummingbird-cake-recipe
6/23
12/7/24, 15:41
Hummingbird Cake Recipe
Your hummingbird cake can be dry due to common mistakes, such as draining
your crushed pineapples.
SUBSCRIBE
Don't drain your crushed pineapple before adding it to the recipe; make sure
Buy Tickets Now To The FOOD & WINE Classic
you're using it along with its juice, which imparts not only tons of flavor, but
exquisite moistness, too.
Make sure you're using vegetable oil instead of butter. Oil makes cake and
baked goods more moist and tender because it doesn't have any water like
butter.
Further, make your cake with over-ripe bananas, which are always best in
baking for results with the best possible flavor and moistness.
What Does a Hummingbird Cake Taste Like?
A hummingbird cake has a sweet, fruity, spicy flavor profile that might be
described as carrot cake meets banana bread.
You might say hummingbird cake tastes like a tropical vacation, befitting its
Caribbean origins. These same flavors make for delicious variations, such as
Hummingbird Bundt Cake and Hummingbird Bread.
SKIP TO CONTENT
https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/hummingbird-cake-recipe
7/23
12/7/24, 15:41
Hummingbird Cake Recipe
SUBSCRIBE
PHOTO: FRED HARDY II; FOOD STYLIST: EMILY NABORS HALL; PROPS STYLIST: CHRISTINA BROCKMAN
Why Is It Called Hummingbird Cake?
Buy Tickets Now To The FOOD & WINE Classic
When the banana-heavy cake originated in Jamaica, it went by the name
"doctor bird cake," so named for the island's national bird, the red-billed
streamertail. This type of hummingbird has a long beak that appears to
examine flowers the way a doctor might examine a patient; further, the black
crest and tails of the bird resemble the top hat and long tailcoats doctors
once wore. By the mid 1970s, the treat made its way to the U.S., where it
more popularly took on the nickname hummingbird cake—a fitting name for
a cake sweet enough to attract hummingbirds.
Community Tips
Feel free to adapt the nuts to your group's tastes or allergies. "My boyfriend
doesn't like pecans that much so I didn't include any in the cake, but roasted
some with sugar and cinnamon for the top," ​community member
scastrodesigns said. "It was a perfect crunch for a cake that is so moist."
Another Southern Living community member said simply, "I skip the nuts
because my family doesn't care for them — but boy do they love the cake!"
Cocgirl616 adds, "Def toast the pecans. It elevates the taste. I add toasted
coconut for certain times when I want it. Absolutely a never fail recipe."
Editorial contributions by Alesandra Dubin.
SKIP TO CONTENT
https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/hummingbird-cake-recipe
8/23
12/7/24, 15:41
Hummingbird Cake Recipe
SUBSCRIBE
Buy Tickets Now To The FOOD & WINE Classic
PHOTO: CAITLIN BENSEL; FOOD STYLIST: TORIE COX
Ingredients
Cake Layers:
3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for pans
2 cups granulated sugar
1 tsp. table salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
SKIP TO CONTENT
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/hummingbird-cake-recipe
9/23
12/7/24, 15:41
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
Hummingbird Cake Recipe
SUBSCRIBE
1 (8-oz.) can crushed pineapple in juice, undrained (such as Publix Crushed
Buy Tickets Now To The FOOD & WINE Classic
Pineapple in Pineapple Juice)
2 cups chopped bananas (about 4 medium bananas)
1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
Vegetable shortening
Cream Cheese Frosting:
2 (8-oz.) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 (16-oz.) packages powdered sugar
2 tsp. vanilla extract
Additional Ingredient:
1 cup pecan halves, toasted
Directions
Step 1
Make cake batter:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Whisk together flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, and
cinnamon in a large bowl; add eggs and oil, stirring just until dry ingredients
are moistened. Stir in vanilla, pineapple, bananas, and toasted pecans.
SKIP TO CONTENT
https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/hummingbird-cake-recipe
10/23
12/7/24, 15:41
Hummingbird Cake Recipe
SUBSCRIBE
Buy Tickets Now To The FOOD & WINE Classic
PHOTO: FRED HARDY II; FOOD STYLIST: EMILY NABORS HALL; PROPS STYLIST: CHRISTINA BROCKMAN
Step 2
Add batter to cake pans:
Divide batter evenly among 3 well-greased (with shortening) and floured 9inch round cake pans.
SKIP TO CONTENT
https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/hummingbird-cake-recipe
11/23
12/7/24, 15:41
Hummingbird Cake Recipe
SUBSCRIBE
Buy Tickets Now To The FOOD & WINE Classic
PHOTO: FRED HARDY II; FOOD STYLIST: EMILY NABORS HALL; PROPS STYLIST: CHRISTINA BROCKMAN
Step 3
Bake cake layers:
Bake in preheated oven until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out
clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes. Remove from
pans to wire racks, and cool completely, about 1 hour.
SKIP TO CONTENT
https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/hummingbird-cake-recipe
12/23
12/7/24, 15:41
Hummingbird Cake Recipe
SUBSCRIBE
Buy Tickets Now To The FOOD & WINE Classic
PHOTO: FRED HARDY II; FOOD STYLIST: EMILY NABORS HALL; PROPS STYLIST: CHRISTINA BROCKMAN
Step 4
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
Beat cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer on medium-low speed
until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating at low speed until
blended after each addition. Stir in vanilla. Increase speed to medium-high,
and beat until fluffy, 1 to 2 minutes.
SKIP TO CONTENT
https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/hummingbird-cake-recipe
13/23
12/7/24, 15:41
Hummingbird Cake Recipe
SUBSCRIBE
Buy Tickets Now To The FOOD & WINE Classic
PHOTO: FRED HARDY II; FOOD STYLIST: EMILY NABORS HALL; PROPS STYLIST: CHRISTINA BROCKMAN
Step 5
Assemble Cake:
Place first cake layer on a serving platter; spread top with 1 cup of the
frosting.
SKIP TO CONTENT
https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/hummingbird-cake-recipe
14/23
12/7/24, 15:41
Hummingbird Cake Recipe
SUBSCRIBE
Buy Tickets Now To The FOOD & WINE Classic
PHOTO: FRED HARDY II; FOOD STYLIST: EMILY NABORS HALL; PROPS STYLIST: CHRISTINA BROCKMAN
Top with second layer, and spread with 1 cup frosting. Top with third layer,
and spread remaining frosting over top and sides of cake.
SKIP TO CONTENT
https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/hummingbird-cake-recipe
15/23
12/7/24, 15:41
Hummingbird Cake Recipe
PHOTO: FRED HARDY II; FOOD STYLIST: EMILY NABORS HALL; PROPS STYLIST: CHRISTINA BROCKMAN
SUBSCRIBE
Arrange pecan halves on top of cake in a circular pattern.
Buy Tickets Now To The FOOD & WINE Classic
PHOTO: FRED HARDY II; FOOD STYLIST: EMILY NABORS HALL; PROPS STYLIST: CHRISTINA BROCKMAN
RATE IT
PRINT
Additional reporting by Alesandra Dubin
Reviews (72)
SKIP TO CONTENT
What do you think of this recipe?
Share your experience to help others.
https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/hummingbird-cake-recipe
16/23
12/7/24, 15:41
Hummingbird Cake Recipe
SUBSCRIBE
ADD RATING & REVIEW
Buy Tickets Now To The FOOD & WINE Classic
Mary Ann Ramos
04/21/2024
This is absolutely the best cake you will ever eat, hands down!
Southern Living Member
04/08/2024
This is our favorite cake ever. I did modify it a little, since I have never seen an 8 oz. can
of crushed pineapple, I had a 20 oz. can, so I used that, and added just a little more
flour. Be sure to bake the cake at 325 not 350 so that the middle gets done - I notice
this recipe does not tell you that. Before I learned this mine did not turn out!
Southern Living Member
04/06/2024
I have never tasted a Hummingbird cake but made one as requested by a friend. I did
reduce the oil as the story recommended. The recipe makes 2.5 dozen cupcakes. Half
of which I scooped up before I added the pecans. I was a little disappointed not to taste
the pineapple but overall they were yummy.
Southern Living Member
SKIP TO CONTENT
I
t
04/01/2024
tC
di
l h h d
https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/hummingbird-cake-recipe
h
d f/t i d H
i
bi d
k
til
17/23
12/7/24, 15:41
Hummingbird Cake Recipe
I am a west coast Canadian gal who had never heard of/tried a Hummingbird cake until
seeing some recipes in my news feed, so of course I figured why not try it forSUBSCRIBE
dessert
for Easter dinner. It really was simple to make and smelled divine while cooking.
Frosting a three-layered cake after not frosting a layered cake in about 100 years was
Buy Tickets
Now To The
FOOD
WINE
nerve-wracking
but
I did it&and
wasClassic
very pleased with my result. Along with decorative
pecans on top, I added some candied carrots and yellow duckies, in keeping with the
Easter theme. After reading a couple of negative reviews saying the cake was mushy
and terrible, I was worried a bit, concerned if I hadn't cooked it enough, but it was
perfect! The cake was extremely well-received by my family and after everyone took
leftovers (funny how no one said no to leftovers!), I was left with one small slice for
myself that I will enjoy this evening. I will be making this cake again. So good!!
djbrundage
03/25/2024
Absolutely delicious. Very moist and the icing was amazing
Sammy Staats
03/09/2024
I still haven't made this but it's most definitely something I want to try to make with my
son, who has a passion for cooking and baking. Thanks for this new recipe!
Southern Living Member
03/05/2024
This cake is so moist and so delicious. I will be making it again soon. My family and
friends loved it,
Southern Living Member
SKIP TO CONTENT
02/20/2024
https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/hummingbird-cake-recipe
18/23
12/7/24, 15:41
Hummingbird Cake Recipe
02/20/2024
SUBSCRIBE
There is a local restaurant in Conway, SC called the Pickled Cucumber that serves this
Buy Tickets
Now To
FOOD
Classic in finding out the difference in baking time
cake, which
is The
where
I had&itWINE
first. Interested
if you do it as a 9 x 13 or a bunt recipe?
Southern Living Member
02/19/2024
Absolutely the BEST cake ever...........I will say, though, for me now, I will make your
Bundt cake version of this cake.....it's just easier for me and also easier to store if you
aren't serving a crowd. Love this cake!
LOAD MORE REVIEWS
Related Articles
LAYER CAKES
Million Dollar Cake
By Amanda Holstein
LAYER CAKES
German Chocolate Cake
SKIP TO CONTENT
By Pam Lolley
https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/hummingbird-cake-recipe
19/23
12/7/24, 15:41
Hummingbird Cake Recipe
SUBSCRIBE
CAKES
Buy Tickets Now To The FOODLAYER
& WINE
Classic
Apple-Pecan Carrot Cake
By Southern Living Test Kitchen
PECANS
Caramel Pecan Tart
By Southern Living Test Kitchen
CHOCOLATE
Jimmy Carter Dessert
By Ann Taylor Pittman
QUICK BREADS
Hummingbird Bread
By Jessica Furniss
LAYER CAKES
Pecan Pie Cake With Browned Butter Frosting
By Pam Lolley
CAKES
Million Dollar Pound Cake
By Southern Living Test Kitchen
SKIP TO CONTENT
https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/hummingbird-cake-recipe
20/23
12/7/24, 15:41
Hummingbird Cake Recipe
SUBSCRIBE
Buy Tickets Now To The FOOD & WINE Classic
CAKES
Old-Fashioned Caramel Cake
By Southern Living Test Kitchen
PIES
Texas Pecan Pie
By Southern Living Test Kitchen
CUPCAKES
Hummingbird Cupcakes
By Pam Lolley
PIES
Egg Custard Pie
By Marianne Williams
PIES
Utterly Deadly Southern Pecan Pie
By Southern Living Test Kitchen
LAYER CAKES
Italian Cream Cake
SKIP TO CONTENT
By Southern Living Test Kitchen
https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/hummingbird-cake-recipe
21/23
12/7/24, 15:41
Hummingbird Cake Recipe
By Southern Living Test Kitchen
SUBSCRIBE
Buy Tickets Now To The FOODPIES
& WINE Classic
Pecan Pie
By Southern Living Test Kitchen
PIES
Pecan Cheesecake Pie
By Southern Living Test Kitchen
NEWSLETTERS
Follow us
FOOD
GARDEN
SKIP TO CONTENT
https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/hummingbird-cake-recipe
HOME
TRAVEL
22/23
12/7/24, 15:41
Hummingbird Cake Recipe
HOLIDAYS
CULTURE
STYLE
NEWS
SHOPPING
PODCASTS
About Us
Subscribe
Editorial Guidelines
Diversity and Inclusion
Pledge
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service
Advertise
Careers
Your Privacy Choices
Contact Us
Buy Tickets Now To The FOOD & WINE Classic
SUBSCRIBE
Access
TRUSTe's
Enterprise
Privacy
Certification
program
Southern Living is part of the Dotdash Meredith publishing family.
https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/hummingbird-cake-recipe
23/23