Hummingbird Sheet Cake

Imagine a cake so delightful that it’s become Southern Living’s most requested recipe of all time! Yes, I’m talking about the Hummingbird Cake. This dessert, with roots in Jamaica where it was known as Bird Doctor Cake, is a tropical delight featuring ripe bananas and tangy pineapple. While traditionally made as a layered cake, we’re embracing simplicity with a sheet cake version that’s just as moist and flavorful. Get ready to indulge in a sweet treat that’s not only easy to make but also a joy to share!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Our Hummingbird Sheet Cake is incredibly moist and bursting with tropical flavors. The combination of bananas and pineapple makes it irresistibly sweet and tangy, while chopped pecans add a delightful crunch. Topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, this cake is perfect for any occasion. Plus, making it as a sheet cake means less fuss and more time to enjoy!

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• An oven
• A jelly roll pan (15×10 inches)
• Mixing bowls
• An electric mixer
• A spatula
• A cooling rack
• A sifter or fine mesh sieve

Ingredients

Cake

• 3 cups flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
• 4 large ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple with juice
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 3 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• ⅓ cup butter, room temperature
• 4-4 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Additional pecans for topping

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and grease a jelly roll pan (15×10 inches).
2. In a small bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set this mixture aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, crushed pineapple with juices, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until well combined.
4. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Gently fold in 1 cup of the chopped pecans.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 38-42 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. While the cake bakes, prepare the frosting by beating together all the frosting ingredients until smooth and creamy.
7. Once the cake is baked, allow it to cool completely before frosting. Sprinkle additional pecans on top for garnish.
8. Chill the cake until ready to serve. Enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Ensure your bananas are very ripe for the best flavor and texture.
• Gently fold the nuts into the batter to prevent overmixing.
• Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

Additional Tips and Variations

• For a twist, try adding shredded coconut to the batter for extra tropical flavor.
• If you’re not a fan of pecans, walnuts make a great alternative.
• Experiment with different frostings like buttercream or caramel for a unique flavor profile.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

While exact nutritional values can vary, a serving of this cake is approximately 350 calories, with 18g of fat, 45g of carbohydrates, and 4g of protein.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just make sure it’s well covered to maintain freshness.

Can I freeze the Hummingbird Sheet Cake?

Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting and serving.

Is there a substitute for the crushed pineapple?

If you don’t have crushed pineapple, you can use pineapple tidbits or chunks and mash them before adding to the batter.

Conclusion

Now that you have all the details, it’s time to bring a taste of the tropics to your kitchen with this Hummingbird Sheet Cake. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a sweet treat, this cake is sure to impress. Give it a try and let me know how it turned out for you. I’d love to hear your thoughts and see your cake creations!