If there’s one dessert that embodies Southern charm, it’s the Hummingbird Cake. This moist, flavorful treat is packed with bananas, pineapple, and warm spices, making it a classic favorite at gatherings. Paula Deen’s version takes this beloved cake to new heights with her signature touch of indulgence and a cream cheese frosting that’s downright irresistible.
Paula Deen Hummingbird Cake Recipe
This Paula Deen Hummingbird Cake Recipe is a perfect blend of classic Southern flavors and her signature touch of indulgence. With layers of sweet, moist cake loaded with crushed pineapple, ripe bananas, and crunchy pecans, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, this recipe is pure bliss.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 3/4 cups mashed ripe bananas (approximately 4 medium bananas)
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple with juice (do not drain)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 (16-ounce) box powdered sugar (about 4 cups), sifted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Optional: Additional chopped pecans for garnish
Instructions
Preparing the Cake Batter:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray three 9-inch round cake pans with nonstick cooking spray. Line the bottoms with parchment paper and lightly dust with flour again.
- Combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl: sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the wet ingredients: the eggs, mashed bananas, vegetable oil, crushed pineapple, and vanilla extract until well blended.
- Gradually fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix to ensure a light texture.
- Stir in the chopped pecans gently until evenly distributed.
Baking the Cake:
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Rotate the pans halfway through cooking for even baking.
- Remove the cakes from the oven and place the pans on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully invert the cakes out of their pans, remove the parchment paper, and let them cool completely before frosting.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth using an electric mixer.
- Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar 1 cup at a time until fully incorporated.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and beat on medium speed for 2 minutes to ensure a light, fluffy texture.
Assembling the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting evenly across the top.
- Add the second layer of the cake and repeat the process.
- Top with the final cake layer and spread the remaining frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle the top of the frosted cake with additional chopped pecans for a decorative finish.
- Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting before slicing. Serve at room temperature for maximum flavor.
| Step | Specifics |
|---|---|
| Preheat oven | 350°F |
| Baking time | 25–30 minutes |
| Cooling time | At least 10 minutes for cakes in pans; completely before frosting |
| Frosting quantity | Covers 3 layers, top, and sides generously |
This Paula Deen Hummingbird Cake Recipe produces a silky, flavorful dessert that’s as good to look at as it is to eat. Its aromatic spices, tropical fruit flavors, and creamy frosting are guaranteed to impress any dessert lover! Keep this recipe close for any special occasion or Sunday supper.
Ingredients
To create Paula Deen’s Hummingbird Cake, we’ll need a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Below is the complete breakdown for the cake and the luscious cream cheese frosting.
For The 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, lightly beaten
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1 cup chopped pecans, plus extra for garnish
- 2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 4 medium bananas)
For The Cream Cheese Frosting
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 (16-ounce) boxes powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Tools And Equipment
When making Paula Deen Hummingbird Cake, having the right tools and equipment ensures a smooth and enjoyable baking experience. Here’s a detailed list of what we’ll need to create this delightful Southern dessert.
Baking Essentials
- 3 Mixing Bowls: Use one large bowl for the dry ingredients, one medium bowl for the wet ingredients, and one small bowl for smaller tasks like mashing bananas.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measuring is key to getting the perfect balance of flavors. Stick to standard sets for both dry and liquid measurements.
- Whisk and Spatula: A whisk for combining ingredients and a silicone spatula for scraping down the sides of the bowls.
Cake Preparation
- 9-Inch Round Cake Pans (3): The recipe creates three moist layers, so it’s essential to have three pans of the same size for even baking. Grease and line these with parchment for easy release.
- Cooling Racks: We’ll need at least two racks to cool the cake layers evenly and avoid soggy bottoms.
Mixing and Baking
- Electric Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: A stand mixer with a paddle attachment is perfect for preparing the cream cheese frosting, while a hand mixer works great for blending wet ingredients.
- Sifter: Sifting powdered sugar ensures a smooth and creamy frosting texture.
Final Assembly
- Cake Turntable (Optional): This makes frosting the layers and decorating much easier.
- Offset Spatula: Essential for spreading frosting smoothly and evenly across the layers.
- Knife or Cake Leveler: Use this to trim cakes if needed for even stacking.
Serving
- Cake Stand or Plate: A beautiful cake stand not only makes serving easy but also elevates the visual appeal of our Hummingbird Cake.
- Sharp Knife: For clean slices, especially when cutting through the luscious cream cheese frosting.
Quick Recap Table
| Tool/Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Mixing Bowls (3) | Mixing dry and wet ingredients separately. |
| Measuring Cups/Spoons | Ensures accurate ingredient proportions. |
| Whisk and Spatula | For mixing and scraping bowls clean. |
| 9-Inch Round Cake Pans (3) | Baking three even cake layers. |
| Cooling Racks | Cooling the layers evenly post-baking. |
| Electric/Stand Mixer | Blends wet ingredients and frosting smoothly. |
| Sifter | Sifts powdered sugar for smooth frosting. |
| Offset Spatula | Spreads frosting evenly between layers. |
| Cake Turntable | Helps with cake decoration (optional). |
| Cake Stand or Plate | Enhances serving presentation. |
Using these essential tools and equipment, we can bake and assemble our Paula Deen Hummingbird Cake with perfection and ease.
Directions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a decadent Paula Deen Hummingbird Cake. Prepare for a moist, flavorful dessert that combines the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, topped with creamy perfection.
Prep
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare three 9-inch round cake pans by greasing them with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Then, line the bottoms with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Assemble all your measured ingredients, ensuring the bananas are mashed and the pecans are finely chopped.
Prepare the Cake Batter
- Combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl:
- Sift together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 cups of sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir to distribute evenly.
- In another bowl, whisk wet ingredients:
- Mix 3 large eggs, 1 1/4 cups of vegetable oil, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
- Gradually incorporate the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in 1 (8-ounce) can of crushed pineapple (with juice), 1 cup of mashed ripe bananas (approx. 2 large bananas), and 1 cup of chopped pecans. Stir gently to avoid overmixing.
Bake the Cakes
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Use a spatula to spread the batter smoothly to ensure even baking.
- Place the pans in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centers comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes in the pans on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Gently remove them and allow them to cool completely on the racks before frosting.
Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the following ingredients with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy:
- 2 (8-ounce) packages of softened cream cheese
- 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter, softened
- 2 (16-ounce) boxes of sifted powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- Scrape down the bowl as needed and ensure a smooth, spreadable consistency. For slightly thinner frosting, add a splash of milk, one teaspoon at a time, until the desired texture is reached.
Assemble the Cake
- Place the first cake layer on a cake stand or serving plate. Spread a generous, even layer of cream cheese frosting over the top.
- Stack the second cake layer and repeat with frosting. Do the same with the final layer.
- Frost the top and sides of the entire cake, smoothing with an offset spatula or butter knife for a polished finish.
- Garnish with chopped pecans or slices of fresh pineapple and banana as desired.
Baking & Timing Table
| Step | Task | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|
| Prep | Grease pans, measure, preheat | 15 minutes |
| Batter Mixing | Combine ingredients | 15 minutes |
| Baking | Bake cakes | 25-30 minutes |
| Cooling | Cool before frosting | 40-50 minutes |
| Frosting | Beat frosting ingredients | 10 minutes |
| Assembly | Layer and decorate | 20 minutes |
With this detailed plan, our Paula Deen Hummingbird Cake recipe is effortless to make.
Tips For Perfect Hummingbird Cake
Creating the perfect Hummingbird Cake requires patience, precision, and a few expert tips. Paula Deen’s take on this iconic dessert is a treat when executed with care. Let’s dive into our curated tips to ensure your cake is moist, flavorful, and showstopping.
1. Use Ripe Bananas for Maximum Flavor
Select bananas that are very ripe, with dark spots on the peel. Their natural sweetness and soft texture will enhance the flavor and consistency of the cake batter. If your bananas are underripe, try placing them in a brown paper bag for a day to speed up the ripening process.
2. Do Not Overmix the Batter
When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake texture instead of the light, moist crumb we love in a Hummingbird Cake.
3. Properly Measure Ingredients
Accurate measurements are crucial. Use measuring cups for dry ingredients and a liquid measuring cup for wet items like oil and vanilla extract. Scoop flour lightly into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid dense cakes due to excess flour.
4. Drain the Pineapple
Though canned crushed pineapple adds sweetness and moisture, excess liquid can ruin the batter consistency. Drain the pineapple using a fine mesh sieve and press gently to remove excess juice before adding it to your mixture.
5. Toast Your Pecans
Enhance the flavor of the crunchy, nutty elements by toasting the pecans. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 7-10 minutes. Allow them to cool before chopping and adding to the cake.
6. Prepare Cake Pans with Precision
For a flawless release, grease your pans thoroughly using butter or cooking spray, then line the bottom with parchment paper. This ensures the cake layers come out intact and beautifully smooth for assembling.
7. Cool the Layers Before Frosting
Let the cake layers cool completely on a wire cooling rack. Frosting warm cakes will cause the cream cheese frosting to melt and slide off, compromising both the texture and appearance.
8. Work with Room-Temperature Ingredients
Ensure that your cream cheese and butter for the frosting are at room temperature. This allows for easy blending, resulting in that silky-smooth frosting perfect for spreading and piping.
Baking & Cooling Timing in Detail
| Step | Time Required |
|---|---|
| Baking | 25-30 minutes per round |
| Cooling in Pans | 10 minutes |
| Cooling on Rack | 1 hour |
9. Assemble with Care
When layering, spread an even amount of frosting between cake layers. Use a large offset spatula for clean edges and smooth surfaces. For added stability, refrigerate the cake for 20-30 minutes before applying the final layer of frosting.
10. Decorate for Presentation
Finish with classic garnishes like toasted pecans, banana slices, or a small sprinkle of cinnamon. This not only enhances the flavor but also elevates the visual appeal of your dessert.
11. Store It Correctly
Cover and refrigerate your Hummingbird Cake to preserve its moist texture and cream cheese frosting. Let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving for the best experience.
Apply these tips, and your Paula Deen Hummingbird Cake will be a delectable centerpiece every time.
Conclusion
Paula Deen’s Hummingbird Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of Southern flavors and timeless baking traditions. With its moist layers, rich cream cheese frosting, and the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, this cake is a true showstopper.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply indulging your love of homemade treats, this recipe delivers a crowd-pleasing masterpiece every time. Let’s embrace the joy of baking and create a dessert that’s as delightful to make as it is to share.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Hummingbird Cake?
Hummingbird Cake is a traditional Southern dessert known for its moist texture and rich flavors made with bananas, pineapple, pecans, and warm spices. It’s typically topped with cream cheese frosting and is perfect for special occasions.
What makes Paula Deen’s Hummingbird Cake special?
Paula Deen’s version elevates the classic recipe with her indulgent style, using a luscious cream cheese frosting and perfectly balanced ingredients to create a moist, flavorful, and show-stopping dessert.
What ingredients are required for the cake?
Key ingredients include all-purpose flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, bananas, crushed pineapple, chopped pecans, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract. The cream cheese frosting requires cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla.
Can I omit nuts from the recipe?
Yes! You can omit the pecans if you have allergies or prefer a nut-free version. The cake will still be delicious and moist.
What tools are needed to make the cake?
Essential tools include mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, a whisk, spatula, three 9-inch round cake pans, cooling racks, and mixers. Optional tools like a cake turntable and offset spatula can help with decorating.
How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pans?
Grease the pans thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray and line them with parchment paper. This ensures the cakes release easily after baking.
How ripe should the bananas be for the cake?
Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and flavor. They blend better and enhance the cake’s texture.
Can I make the cake in advance?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers up to 2 days ahead. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature. Frost the cake closer to serving time.
What’s the best way to store Hummingbird Cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
How do I make the frosting smooth and creamy?
Use room-temperature cream cheese and butter to ensure they mix evenly. Sift the powdered sugar beforehand to prevent lumps in the frosting.
Can I decorate the cake differently?
Absolutely! You can add toasted pecans, shredded coconut, or fresh fruit as decoration to personalize your cake. A simple design or elaborate decorations work equally well.
Do I need to toast the pecans?
Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor and adds a crunchy texture. While optional, it’s highly recommended for the best results.
How long does it take to bake the cake?
The cake layers typically bake for 25–30 minutes at 350°F. Use a toothpick to check for doneness—if it comes out clean, the cakes are ready.
How do I avoid overmixing the batter?
Mix the dry and wet ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of moist and tender.
Can I freeze Hummingbird Cake?
Yes, wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before frosting and assembling.