The holidays are a time for joy, laughter, and, let’s face it, a little indulgence in the kitchen. And what better way to spread that holiday cheer than with a slice of Christmas Hummingbird Cake? Imagine a moist, flavorful cake bursting with the sweetness of ripe bananas and pineapple, all topped off with a luscious cream cheese frosting that makes your taste buds dance like no one is watching. It’s like a tropical getaway wrapped in festive spirit, perfect for your holiday gatherings!
As I reminisce about my childhood Christmases spent at Grandma’s house, I can almost smell the sweet aroma of her baking wafting through the air. This Christmas Hummingbird Cake wasn’t just dessert; it was a family tradition that brought us all together. The vibrant colors and delightful flavors not only filled our bellies but also warmed our hearts. So grab your mixing bowl and apron because this cake is about to become a new holiday favorite in your home.
Why You'll Love This Christmas Hummingbird Cake
- This incredible Christmas Hummingbird Cake transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
- Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
- Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
- Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Christmas Hummingbird Cake:
- All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of our cake and provides the structure needed for that perfect slice.
- Baking Powder: Essential for giving our cake that glorious rise; make sure it’s fresh for best results.
- Cinnamon: A dash of warm cinnamon adds holiday cheer and richness to the flavor profile.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key! This ingredient balances out our fruity flavors beautifully.
- Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender; trust me, nobody likes a dry cake!
- Eggs: These help bind everything together while adding richness—don’t skip them!
- Mashed Bananas: The star of our show! Ripe bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture.
- Canned Crushed Pineapple: Drained well to keep the cake from being too soggy while infusing tropical flavor.
- Chopped Pecans or Walnuts: For added crunch and texture; they also provide a lovely nutty flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla elevates all those flavors to new heights—trust me on this.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Christmas Hummingbird Cake:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two round cake pans (9-inch) with nonstick spray or butter to ensure easy release later.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside as we prepare our wet ingredients!
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat together vegetable oil and eggs until combined. Add mashed bananas and crushed pineapple (make sure you’ve drained it!), along with vanilla extract. Mix well until smooth.
Step 4: Bring it All Together
Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just combined—be careful not to overmix! Add chopped nuts if you’re using them.
Step 5: Bake Away
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared cake pans and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool & Frost
Once baked, allow cakes to cool in pans for about ten minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. When cool, frost generously with cream cheese frosting for an extra layer of delight!
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch or garnish with pecans on top if desired!
Now you have everything you need to whip up this delightful Christmas Hummingbird Cake! As you savor each bite during your holiday celebrations, remember that food isn’t just about nourishment; it’s about creating memories around the table with loved ones. Happy baking!
You Must Know About Christmas Hummingbird Cake
- This showstopping Christmas Hummingbird Cake delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
- Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.
Perfecting Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven and preparing your cake pans. Mix the dry ingredients first, then blend in the wet ingredients. While the cake bakes, whip up your cream cheese frosting so it’s ready when the cake cools down.
Flavor Your Way
Feel free to swap out crushed pineapple for mashed bananas or add nuts for an extra crunch. You could also experiment with spices like nutmeg or ginger to give your Christmas Hummingbird Cake a unique twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, simply place a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds—just enough to warm it without losing its delightful texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips for Christmas Hummingbird Cake
- This professional-quality Christmas Hummingbird Cake relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
- Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
- The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
- Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.
This recipe reminds me of a cozy Christmas gathering where my family couldn’t stop raving about how delicious this cake was—even my picky cousin went back for seconds!
FAQs
What is Christmas Hummingbird Cake?
Christmas Hummingbird Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the flavors of banana, pineapple, and pecans into a moist and flavorful cake. This festive treat often features cream cheese frosting and is perfect for holiday gatherings. Traditionally, it embodies the spirit of Christmas with its vibrant colors and delicious taste. The cake’s unique combination of ingredients makes it a favorite during the festive season, as it brings warmth and joy to any celebration.
How do I store Christmas Hummingbird Cake?
To store your Christmas Hummingbird Cake properly, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to preserve its freshness longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. For extended storage, consider freezing individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving to enjoy this delicious cake at its best.
Can I make Christmas Hummingbird Cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Christmas Hummingbird Cake ahead of time. In fact, many bakers recommend preparing it a day or two before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste. After baking, simply store the cake as mentioned earlier. If you choose to frost it ahead of time, keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve for optimal freshness.
What are some variations for Christmas Hummingbird Cake?
There are several exciting variations you can try with Christmas Hummingbird Cake. For a twist on the classic recipe, add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth. You can also substitute walnuts for pecans or use coconut flakes for added texture. Experimenting with different frostings like vanilla buttercream or caramel sauce can also elevate your cake and surprise your guests with delightful flavors.
Conclusion
The Christmas Hummingbird Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a festive tradition that brings joy to any holiday gathering. With its rich flavors and beautiful presentation, it’s sure to impress your guests. By understanding how to store and prepare this cake in advance, you can enjoy stress-free entertaining during the busy holiday season. Don’t hesitate to experiment with variations to make this recipe uniquely yours. Celebrate this Christmas with a delicious slice of Christmas Hummingbird Cake!
Christmas Hummingbird Cake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Delight in the festive flavors of our Christmas Hummingbird Cake, a moist and vibrant dessert that combines ripe bananas, sweet pineapple, and crunchy pecans. Topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, this cake captures the essence of holiday gatherings, creating memories around the table. Easy to make and stunningly beautiful, it’s sure to become a cherished tradition in your home.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 bananas)
- 1 cup canned crushed pineapple (drained)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat vegetable oil and eggs until combined. Mix in mashed bananas, crushed pineapple, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Fold wet ingredients into dry mixture until just combined; add chopped nuts if using.
- Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely. Frost with cream cheese frosting when cooled.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
