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Hummingbird Cake

Hummingbird Cake is a moist, fruit-filled dessert that originated in the Southern United States. Typically containing mashed bananas, crushed pineapple, and pecans, this sweet and aromatic cake is layered and topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting.
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Equipment

  • - Two 9-inch round cake pans
  • Mixing bowls
  • - Whisk or electric hand mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • - Cooling racks
  • - Offset spatula or butter knife (for frosting)

Ingredients
  

  • #### Cake
  • - 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • - 2 cups granulated sugar
  • - 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • - 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • - 3 large eggs room temperature
  • - 1 cup vegetable oil
  • - 2 cups mashed ripe bananas about 4 medium
  • - 1 cup crushed pineapple drained
  • - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • - 1 cup chopped pecans optional extra for garnish
  • #### Cream Cheese Frosting
  • - 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • - 1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
  • - 4 cups powdered sugar sifted (adjust to desired consistency)
  • - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • - Pinch of salt

Instructions
 

  • **Preheat the oven** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
  • **Mix dry ingredients** In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
  • **Combine wet ingredients** In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, oil, mashed bananas, crushed pineapple, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  • **Form the batter** Make a well in the dry ingredients. Pour in the wet mixture, stirring just until no streaks of flour remain. Fold in the chopped pecans. Do not overmix.
  • **Bake** Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes before turning them out onto cooling racks to cool completely.
  • **Prepare the frosting** In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, beating until the frosting reaches a creamy, spreadable consistency.
  • **Assemble** Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Set the second layer over it, then frost the top and sides of the cake. If desired, press additional chopped pecans around the sides or sprinkle on top.