Lusciously moist, incredibly fragrant, and crowned with a rich cream cheese frosting, the Southern Hummingbird Cake is a classic that never fails to impress. With ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, chopped pecans or walnuts, and aromatic spices folded into every layer, this cake is a delicious embodiment of Southern charm and hospitality. It’s more than a dessert—it’s a story told in sweet, tropical notes and comforting textures.

This cake is ideal for gatherings, celebrations, or when you simply crave something soul-satisfying and decadent. The pairing of banana and pineapple offers a naturally sweet profile that is perfectly balanced by the tangy frosting. Its texture is tender and rich without being overly dense, making each bite feel like a warm Southern hug.

Why You’ll Love This Southern Hummingbird Cake

Rich Layers: Moist banana-pineapple cake with luscious cream cheese frosting in between—every forkful is indulgent.
Bursting with Flavor: The tropical fruit, toasted nuts, and spices deliver complex flavors in perfect harmony.
Perfect for Celebrations: A showstopper centerpiece for birthdays, holidays, or brunches.
Easy to Prepare Ahead: Tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld beautifully.
Customizable: Use walnuts or pecans, and frost as simply or decoratively as you like.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment, Plus Their Importance)

Creating the perfect Southern Hummingbird Cake starts with assembling the right tools. Each one plays a vital role in ensuring your cake comes out with the right texture, flavor, and presentation.

Must-Have Tools:

Mixing Bowls (Large & Medium): You’ll need at least two bowls—one for the dry ingredients and another for the wet. A larger bowl will make it easier to combine everything without making a mess.
Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer: While you can mix this batter by hand, a mixer ensures a smooth, lump-free result and cuts down your prep time significantly.
Rubber Spatula: Essential for scraping down the sides of the bowl and for folding in nuts and fruits without overmixing.
9-inch Round Cake Pans (or Square, if preferred): You’ll need two or three, depending on the layer count. Metal pans provide even baking and good heat conductivity.
Parchment Paper: Helps in easy removal of the cake from pans—no sticking, no tearing.
Cooling Racks: Cooling the cake layers properly prevents sogginess and helps frosting adhere better.
Offset Spatula or Butter Knife: Gives you control when applying frosting smoothly and evenly.
Cake Stand or Serving Platter: Makes your cake presentable and easier to slice and serve.

Preparation Tips

Bring Ingredients to Room Temperature: Especially eggs, butter, and cream cheese. This ensures smoother mixing and better texture in the final product.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir until just combined to keep the cake tender.
Drain Pineapple Well: Excess moisture can make your cake soggy. Use a sieve and press lightly to remove juice.
Toast the Nuts (Optional but Recommended): Toasting enhances flavor and adds a bit of crunch.
Chill the Cake Before Frosting: It’s easier to frost and creates cleaner layers.
Use a Serrated Knife for Leveling: If your cake layers dome slightly during baking, a serrated knife will help you trim them evenly for a professional-looking finish.

Ingredients for This Southern Hummingbird Cake

This cake is rich with natural sweetness, nutty undertones, and a luxurious cream cheese frosting. Below is the complete list of ingredients, organized for clarity.

Dry Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for a warm depth)
½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

3 large eggs (room temperature)
1 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter for a richer taste)
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 4 medium bananas)

Mix-ins

1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (plus extra for garnish)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar (sifted for smoothness)
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
1–2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (to adjust consistency)

Optional Garnish

Extra chopped or halved walnuts/pecans for topping
Pineapple slices or banana chips (for decorative flair, optional)

The combination of banana, pineapple, and warm spices gives this cake its distinct character. Now that you have everything you need on the counter, let’s bake!

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two or three 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easier removal. This step is essential to prevent sticking and ensures your cake layers come out clean and intact.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt until well combined. Set aside.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat the eggs lightly. Add the oil, vanilla extract, mashed bananas, and drained crushed pineapple. Stir until all wet ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently fold with a spatula or wooden spoon just until the flour disappears. Do not overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake.

Step 5: Fold in the Nuts

Stir in the chopped pecans or walnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter. This adds texture and richness in every bite.

Step 6: Divide and Bake

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared cake pans. Use a spatula to level the tops if needed.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well. Add vanilla extract and a splash of cream or milk to reach your desired consistency—smooth but spreadable.

Step 8: Assemble the Cake

Once your cake layers are completely cool, spread a generous amount of frosting between each layer. Add sliced bananas or pineapple bits in between for an extra fruity touch (optional but recommended).
Frost the top and sides of the cake evenly. Use an offset spatula for clean edges.

Step 9: Garnish and Chill

Top your cake with halved walnuts or pecans for a beautiful finish.
Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to help the frosting set and flavors meld together beautifully.

Notes

Make Ahead Friendly: This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to deepen and marry. Bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them in the fridge wrapped in plastic wrap.
Moisture is Key: Thanks to bananas and pineapple, this cake is naturally moist. Be cautious not to overbake, as it can dry out quickly despite the fruit content.
Flavor Boost: For a little extra Southern flair, consider adding a teaspoon of bourbon or rum to the batter or frosting.
Nut-Free Option: If you’re serving guests with allergies, the nuts can be omitted entirely without sacrificing flavor.
Decorative Frosting: While the cake is traditionally rustic, you can pipe decorative swirls or borders with a piping bag if you’d like a polished finish.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overmixing the Batter: This can lead to a tough, dense cake. Once the wet and dry ingredients meet, mix gently and only until just combined.
Using Overripe Bananas Only for Smoothies: Save them for this cake! They add natural sweetness and moisture. The riper, the better.
Skipping the Cooling Phase: Never frost a warm cake. The frosting will melt and slide right off. Be patient and let your layers cool completely.
Overfilling Cake Pans: Divide the batter evenly and avoid overfilling to prevent spillovers or domed tops.
Not Draining Pineapple Thoroughly: Extra moisture from undrained pineapple can throw off the cake’s structure and make it soggy.
Using Cold Cream Cheese: Cold cream cheese results in lumpy frosting. Always soften your cream cheese and butter to room temperature.
Skipping the Sift: Sifting powdered sugar prevents lumps and creates a smooth frosting consistency.
Frosting Too Thinly or Unevenly: This is a rich, layered cake—don’t skimp! Apply frosting generously for the best flavor balance and appearance.

What to Serve With Southern Hummingbird Cake?

The Southern Hummingbird Cake is already a stunning centerpiece, but when paired thoughtfully, the experience becomes even more memorable. Whether you’re planning a brunch, a holiday gathering, or a casual get-together, here are perfect accompaniments to enhance the cake’s flavors and create a well-rounded menu.

8 Recommendations

Sweet Tea or Iced Herbal Tea
A glass of classic Southern sweet tea or a floral herbal iced tea (like hibiscus or chamomile) adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cake.
Fresh Fruit Salad
A colorful bowl of seasonal fruits such as strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, and oranges complements the tropical notes of the cake and adds a light, juicy element to the plate.
Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts beautifully next to a slice of hummingbird cake, elevating the indulgence with a cool, velvety touch.
Whipped Cream with Mint Garnish
If you want something lighter than frosting on the side, a swirl of whipped cream topped with a sprig of mint offers a fresh contrast.
Toasted Coconut Chips
Sprinkle some toasted coconut around the serving platter or on each slice for a little extra crunch and a tropical hint that plays well with the pineapple and banana.
Pineapple or Banana Smoothie Shots
Serve in small shot glasses for a fun brunch pairing. These fruit-forward drinks reinforce the flavors in the cake and offer a playful twist.
Spiced Nuts or Glazed Pecans
A small bowl of cinnamon-spiced or maple-glazed nuts adds a savory-sweet nibble to balance the dessert table, especially if you skipped nuts in the cake itself.
Brunch-Style Scrambled Eggs or Quiche
For a full brunch spread, include a savory egg dish like cheesy scrambled eggs or a vegetable quiche to balance out the sweetness and give guests a satisfying, rounded meal.

Storage Instructions

Proper storage ensures your Southern Hummingbird Cake stays fresh, flavorful, and safe to eat for days after baking. Here’s how to keep it at its best:

Short-Term Storage (1–3 Days)

Refrigerator: Due to the cream cheese frosting, always refrigerate the cake if you’re not serving it within a few hours.
- Store it in an airtight cake container or loosely cover with plastic wrap.
- It will stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Room Temperature (Same Day Only)

You can keep the cake out for a few hours at room temperature if serving the same day—especially in cooler climates. Avoid placing it near heat or direct sunlight.

Long-Term Storage (Up to 3 Months)

Freezing: You can freeze the cake either whole or in slices.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and place in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Frosted cake may lose some textural integrity, so if possible, freeze unfrosted layers and frost after thawing for best results.

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional breakdown for one slice of Southern Hummingbird Cake (based on 12 servings per cake, including frosting):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~520 kcal
Total Fat	~28g
Saturated Fat	~7g
Carbohydrates	~66g
Sugars	~45g
Protein	~5g
Fiber	~2g
Sodium	~260mg
Cholesterol	~55mg

Note: These values can vary depending on ingredient brands, specific quantities used, and any custom modifications (e.g., low-sugar, nut-free, or vegan versions).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Southern Hummingbird Cake without nuts?

Absolutely. The nuts are optional and can be omitted if you have allergies or prefer a smoother texture. You may consider adding a bit of shredded coconut for extra body and flavor if skipping nuts.

2. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, you can use finely chopped fresh pineapple, but be sure to drain any excess juice thoroughly to avoid a soggy batter. The convenience of canned, pre-crushed pineapple is why it’s typically preferred.

3. Why is it called “Hummingbird Cake”?

The origin is debated, but the most popular belief is that it’s named for how sweet and irresistible it is—like nectar to a hummingbird. The recipe became iconic in the Southern U.S. after being published by Southern Living magazine in 1978.

4. Can I bake this in a bundt pan instead of layers?

Yes, you can use a bundt pan, but adjust the baking time—expect around 50–60 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick. It’s a great way to simplify presentation.

5. How do I keep the cake from being too dense?

Use ripe bananas, don’t overmix your batter, and measure flour using the spoon-and-level method rather than scooping directly. These small details ensure a light, tender crumb.

6. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute a good 1-to-1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Look for one that includes xanthan gum or add a bit yourself for proper structure.

7. Is this cake good for weddings or special events?

It’s a favorite in the South for weddings, anniversaries, and milestone birthdays. Its rich flavor and beautiful, layered presentation make it elegant and memorable.

8. What’s the best way to frost the cake cleanly?

Chill the cake layers first, use an offset spatula, and apply a crumb coat (a thin initial layer of frosting) before adding the final layer. This traps crumbs and ensures a smoother finish.

Conclusion

The Southern Hummingbird Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a Southern tradition wrapped in layers of banana, pineapple, spice, and rich cream cheese frosting. Its perfect balance of tropical sweetness and comforting warmth makes it a cherished favorite for holidays, celebrations, or simply when you want a dessert that makes a statement.

Whether you’re baking it for a Sunday brunch or a special occasion, this cake will charm your taste buds and those of anyone lucky enough to share a slice. With the right tools, thoughtful preparation, and a touch of love, you’ll bring this Southern gem to life in your own kitchen.