Hummingbird Cake, the inspiration for this bread, has its roots in the southern United States and is believed to have originated in Jamaica. This bread version takes all the beloved flavors of the classic cake – bananas, pineapple, coconut, and pecans – and transforms them into a more casual, everyday treat.
What sets this Hummingbird Bread apart is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The banana provides a moist base, while the pineapple adds bursts of tangy sweetness. The coconut and pecans contribute delightful texture and nutty depth. And the cinnamon cream cheese frosting? It’s the perfect creamy, spiced finish that elevates this bread from delicious to irresistible.
As we dive into this recipe, I’ll guide you through each step, sharing insider tips and techniques I’ve honed over years of perfecting this dish. By the end, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to create a loaf that will transport you to a tropical paradise with every bite.
Ingredients
For this scrumptious Hummingbird Bread with Heavenly Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting that serves 10-12, you’ll need:
For the bread:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup (60ml) canola or vegetable oil
- 1 and 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (40g) sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup (120g) diced pineapple, patted dry
- 1/2 cup (60g) chopped pecans
For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan
Let’s start by setting up our baking environment:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If using a fan-forced oven, reduce the temperature to 325°F (165°C).
- Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray. For easy removal, you can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the long sides.
2. Make the Bread Batter
Now, let’s create our tropical-inspired batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, mash 3 ripe bananas with a fork until smooth but still slightly chunky.
- Add 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 large egg, and 1/4 cup oil to the mashed bananas. Mix well until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 and 1/2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in 1/2 cup shredded coconut, 1/2 cup diced pineapple (make sure it’s well-drained to prevent the bread from becoming too moist), and 1/2 cup chopped pecans.
3. Bake the Bread
Time to transform our batter into a delicious loaf:
- Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- If the top of the bread starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil about halfway through baking.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, remove the bread from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
4. Prepare the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
While the bread is cooling, let’s make our heavenly frosting:
- In a medium bowl, beat 4 ounces of softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup softened butter until smooth and creamy. An electric mixer works best for this.
- Gradually add 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, beating until well combined.
- Mix in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Beat until the frosting is smooth and all ingredients are well incorporated.
5. Frost and Serve
The final, delicious touch:
- Once the bread has cooled completely, spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- If desired, sprinkle some additional chopped pecans over the frosting for extra crunch and visual appeal.
- Slice and serve your Hummingbird Bread. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
This Hummingbird Bread with Heavenly Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is a rich, indulgent treat. Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving (assuming 12 servings):
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 4g
Please note that these values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve just created a Hummingbird Bread with Heavenly Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting that’s sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. This bread is more than just a sweet treat; it’s a celebration of tropical flavors that will transport you to a sunny paradise with every bite.
What makes this Hummingbird Bread truly special is the perfect harmony of its ingredients. The ripe bananas provide a moist, tender base, while the pineapple adds bursts of tropical sweetness. The coconut and pecans contribute delightful texture and nutty depth. And the cinnamon cream cheese frosting? It’s the perfect creamy, spiced finish that ties all these flavors together beautifully.
Remember, the key to a great quick bread lies in not overmixing the batter. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to ensure a tender crumb. Also, be sure to pat your pineapple dry to prevent the bread from becoming too moist.
This Hummingbird Bread is incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for a special breakfast or brunch, a delightful afternoon snack with tea or coffee, or even as a dessert. It also makes a wonderful gift for friends and neighbors – if you can resist eating it all yourself!
As you savor a slice of this delightful bread, take a moment to appreciate the layers of flavor and texture you’ve created. The moist, fruity crumb is perfectly complemented by the creamy, cinnamon-spiced frosting. It’s a testament to the magic that can happen in your kitchen with just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of love.
So whether you’re baking for your family, friends, or just treating yourself, this Hummingbird Bread with Heavenly Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is sure to bring joy and a taste of the tropics to your day. Happy baking and even happier eating!
