HUMMINGBIRD CAKE

Adapted from SOUTHERN LIVING
[via Sally's Baking Addiction]

Rolling Pins Up!

I have to admit that even though I have heard about the wonderful Hummingbird Cake for years, now, I have never enjoyed one bite of one!  But this cake has all the goodies I love so much in a special treat:  Bananas, pineapple and nuts.  In my favorites list of desserts banana bread and pineapple upsidedown cake beckon me, so I believe every tantalizing word I have heard about the Hummingbird Cake.

My daughter, Wynter Corcoran watches her gluten, and she has been blessed by her friend Happy Weinhold with the gift of the gluten free version,  I have not found that recipe, but I will check with these gals to see about getting that recipe to post here.

In the meantime,  I hope you will try this recipe and share your thoughts with us here!

💙💙💙

HUMMINGBIRD CAKE

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (250g) Diamond of California chopped pecans1
• 3 cups (370g) all-purpose flour (spoon & leveled)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups mashed banana (4 ripe bananas)
• one 8 ounce can crushed pineapple2
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2/3 cup (160ml) vegetable or canola oil (or melted coconut oil)
• 1 cup (200g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Frosting

• two 8 ounce (450g) block cream cheeses, softened room temperature (16 ounces)
• 3/4 cup (175g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 5 cups (600g) confectioners' sugar
• 1 Tablespoon milk
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt, or more to taste


Powered by Chicory

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (149°C). Spread pecans onto a lined baking pan. Toast for 8 minutes. Remove from the oven. Turn oven up to 350°F (177°C), then grease and lightly flour three 9-inch cake pans.
2. Whisk the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, and salt together in a large bowl.
3. Whisk the rest of the cake ingredients in a medium bowl. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and whisk until completely combined. Fold in 1 and 1/2 cups toasted pecans. (Save the rest for garnish.)
4. Spread batter evenly between the 3 prepared cake pans. Bake for 26-29 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Rotate pans halfway through baking.
5. Remove cakes from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pans set on a wire rack. Once completely cooled, remove cakes from pan and level the tops off so they are flat. I simply use a serrated knife. Discard the tops or eat. YUM!
6. Make the frosting: In a large bowl using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, beat the cream cheese and butter together on high speed until smooth and creamy. Add confectioners' sugar, vanilla, milk, and salt. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, then switch to high speed and beat for 2 minutes. Taste. Add more salt if needed.
7. Assemble and frost: Place 1 cake layer on your cake stand or serving plate. Evenly cover the top with frosting. Top with 2nd layer and evenly cover the top with frosting. Finish with the third cake layer and spread the remaining frosting all over the top and sides. Garnish with leftover toasted pecans. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing or else the cake may gently fall apart as you cut.
8. Leftover cake is delicious covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Make ahead tip: Prepare cakes and frosting 1 day in advance. Keep cakes at room temperature, covered tightly. Refrigerate prepared frosting in an airtight container, then bring to room temperature when ready to use. Frosted or unfrosted cakes may be frozen up to 2 months, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature, if desired, before serving.

Recipe Notes:

1. I've gotten several questions about leaving out the pecans due to allergy. You can leave them out without replacing with anything. Stirring in 1 cup of sweetened shredded coconut would be wonderful though!
2. Slightly drain the crushed pineapple. You want a little juice, but not all of it!

Want to make cupcakes or another size cake? This recipe will make at least 32-35 cupcakes. Fill liners 2/3 full and bake 20-22 minutes or until cooked through. You can halve the recipe for less cupcakes, but things get tricky with the eggs. I recommend using 1 egg plus this: crack a 2nd egg in a separate bowl, whisk it, and use about half. This recipe also fits into a bundt pan, though the bake time will be long-- 55-65 minutes. Use a toothpick to test for doneness. Too much batter for a 9x13 pan, but a 12x17 sheet pan would be perfect. About 20-25 minutes, keep a close eye to not overbake.

Adapted from Southern Living

Please drop by again - coffee's on!