A hummingbird cake is a delicious spiced banana-pineapple cake that gets its name from the sugar content that attracts hummingbirds. The cake was created in Jamaica in the late 1960s and became popular in the Southern United States. Hummingbird cake has a layered texture with chopped bananas, crushed pineapple, nuts, and spices, all held together and moistened by a sweet cream cheese frosting.
The ingredients in a hummingbird cake contribute to its unique flavor profile and texture. While the exact ingredients can vary between recipes, there are some key components that make a hummingbird cake stand out. In this article, we will explore the typical ingredients that give hummingbird cake its signature taste and look at how each one contributes to the overall cake.
Bananas
One of the primary ingredients in a hummingbird cake is bananas. Most recipes call for 2-3 very ripe bananas to be mashed and added to the batter. Bananas provide a sweetness, moisture, and binder to hold the cake together. As bananas ripen, the starch turns into sugars, making them sweeter and softer – perfect for baking. The mashed ripe banana gives great banana flavor and allows the cake to stay moist for days after baking. Bananas also add potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and dietary fiber.
Pineapple
In addition to bananas, crushed pineapple is another essential ingredient in hummingbird cake recipes. An 8-ounce can of drained crushed pineapple is typically used. The tropical pineapple flavor pairs perfectly with the bananas. Pineapple also contains enzymes that help tenderize the cake and add moisture. It gives little bursts of sweet pineapple flavor in every bite. Pineapple adds vitamin C, manganese, and fiber to the cake as well.
Vegetable Oil
The primary fat used in hummingbird cakes is a neutral flavored vegetable oil like canola or vegetable oil. About 1 cup of oil is used to cream together the wet ingredients and give the cake a moist and tender crumb. Vegetable oil adds richness without a strong flavor that could overpower the other ingredients. The fat helps incorporate air into the batter, leading to a lighter cake texture.
Sugar
What really gives hummingbird cake its name is the high amount of sugar used. Most recipes call for 2 cups of regular granulated white sugar. The sugar sweetens the cake and helps the bananas and pineapple flavors shine. The granulated sugar gives the cake a fine, smooth crumb compared to using brown sugar. Sugar also helps the cake brown evenly. Some cooks use a full cup less sugar for a slightly healthier version. But the high level of sweetness is part of what makes hummingbird cake taste so good.
Eggs
Hummingbird cakes use eggs both for structure, richness, and leavening. Usually, 2 or 3 eggs are beaten with the sugar to help creaming and add volume. As the beaten eggs and sugar are creamed with the oil and mashed bananas, tiny air bubbles are incorporated, leading to a fluffier, lighter cake. The eggs also add moisture, fat, and protein to help set the structure. Egg yolks particularly contribute fat and emulsifiers like lecithin to create a smooth, tender texture.
All-Purpose Flour
The main baking element in a hummingbird cake recipe is all-purpose flour. About 2 cups of all-purpose flour is used to give the cake structure and substance. All-purpose flour contains enough gluten to give the cake structure, but not so much that it becomes tough. As the flour hydrates and absorbs the liquid ingredients, it forms a network of gluten that traps the leavening gases. This allows the cake to rise and sets the crumb. Using all cake flour can make the cake too delicate and soft.
Baking Soda and Powder
To help the cake rise properly, both baking soda and baking powder are used in hummingbird cakes. About 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 2 teaspoons of baking powder are typical. Baking soda reacts with acidic ingredients like pineapple to immediately release carbon dioxide bubbles, while baking powder releases additional gas more slowly. The combination helps give a good rise, especially when using oil instead of creamed butter. They also contribute to a neutral flavor and light texture.
Cinnamon
Ground cinnamon is one of the signature spice flavors in a hummingbird cake. Usually 1-2 teaspoons are used to give a subtle cinnamon spice taste and aroma without being overpowering. Cinnamon complements the banana, pineapple, and sugar flavors perfectly. It helps round out the sweetness and gives the cake a more complex, intriguing flavor. Cinnamon also has antioxidant properties.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract is used for its quintessential flavor in cakes and baked goods. About 1-2 teaspoons of vanilla extract are used in hummingbird cakes. Vanilla provides a sweet, floral, fragrant flavor that enhances the other ingredients. It helps bring out the fruit flavors and prevents them from being one-dimensional. Vanilla is also a source of alcohol to help incorporate air into the batter.
Chopped Nuts
Finally, chopped nuts are often used in hummingbird cakes to provide crunch and texture contrast. Pecans or walnuts are typical choices. The nuts are usually toasted to heighten their flavor before being roughly chopped and folding into the batter. Nuts give little bursts of flavor and varied textures with a touch of crunch. They brown and toast even more during baking for delightful aroma and taste.
How the Ingredients Work Together
Now that we’ve looked at the key ingredients individually, let’s examine how they work together to create hummingbird cake’s signature texture and flavors.
The mashed bananas provide moisture and bind the ingredients together into a cohesive batter. They help emulsify the oil and also give banana flavor. The crushed pineapple adds complimentary tropical fruitiness and natural tenderizing enzymes.
Beaten eggs give structure and lightness, with fat from egg yolks keeping the texture tender. The sugar sweetens, helps incorporate air, and facilitates browning and caramelization.
The all-purpose flour gives enough structure and gluten formation to support the cake, while the leavening agents cause it to rise with a fine, tender crumb.
Spices like cinnamon and vanilla extract boost the flavors and aromas, adding depth and preventing one-dimensional fruitiness.
Finally, the chopped nuts contribute contrasting texture and more complex nutty flavors.
Together, these ingredients make a cake that is moist and tender, sweet and fragrant, with varied flavors and intriguing textures in each bite. The balance of ingredients is key for creating a top-notch hummingbird cake.
Typical Hummingbird Cake Ingredients
To summarize, here are the typical ingredients and amounts for a hummingbird cake recipe:
For the Cake
- 2-3 very ripe bananas, mashed
- One 8-ounce can crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 2 cups granulated white sugar
- 2-3 eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1-2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1-2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
For the Frosting
- One 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1-2 teaspoons vanilla extract
These ingredients can be adjusted based on preference, but they make a fantastic classic hummingbird cake with moist texture, big banana-pineapple flavor, and luscious cream cheese frosting.
Ingredient Substitutions
While the ingredients listed above are typical for hummingbird cake, there is flexibility based on dietary needs or preferences. Here are some possible substitutions:
- Instead of all-purpose flour, use 1 1/4 cup white whole wheat flour plus 3/4 cup all-purpose for more nutrition.
- Replace the oil with an equal amount of applesauce or plain nonfat yogurt for fewer calories.
- Use 1 cup less sugar for a slightly less sweet cake.
- Make it dairy-free by using oil instead of butter in the frosting and replace cream cheese with vegan cream cheese.
- For nut-free, leave out the nuts or replace with shredded coconut.
- Substitute almond or coconut extract for part of the vanilla.
- Use cinnamon chips instead of chopped nuts for more cinnamon flavor.
With some simple adjustments, you can customize the cake for specific needs while still achieving the delicious hummingbird cake taste.
Conclusion
A hummingbird cake gets its name from being sweet enough to attract hummingbirds and its ingredients definitely achieve that goal! Ripe bananas, pineapple, sugar, and spices are balanced by structure-giving flour and leavening agents to create a cake that is moist and tender, sweet and tropical. Eggs, oil, vanilla, and nuts add richness and varied flavors. Once frosted with the creamy cream cheese frosting, it becomes a Southern dessert classic with unique banana-pineapple appeal. The ingredients all work together in perfect harmony for irresistible hummingbird cake. With some adjustments, you can adapt the recipe to accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences. Next time you want to make a crowd-pleasing cake with tropical flair, pull out your mixing bowls and enjoy creating a hummingbird cake.
