A Hummingbird Cake Recipe to Delight Your Taste Buds
This isn't just any hummingbird cake recipe; it's a recipe designed to tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests. We'll walk you through each step, ensuring a moist, flavorful cake that's perfect for any occasion. Get ready to bake up a storm!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, ensuring a smooth baking process.
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained (packed)
- 2 cups chopped pecans or walnuts (or a combination!)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions:
Let's get baking! Follow these simple steps for a perfect hummingbird cake:
Preparing the Cake Batter:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
- Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents.
- Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Add Pineapple & Nuts: Gently fold in the drained crushed pineapple and nuts. Again, avoid overmixing.
Baking the Cake Layers:
- Evenly Distribute: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared baking pans.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times can vary depending on your oven.
- Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Beat the Butter & Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. This is crucial for a light and fluffy frosting.
- Add Sugar & Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until combined. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Frosting Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon or two of milk or cream until you reach your desired consistency.
Assembling Your Masterpiece:
- Level the Cakes: Once the cakes are completely cool, use a serrated knife to level the tops if necessary. This ensures a smooth, even surface for frosting.
- Frosting Magic: Once leveled, frost the top of one cake layer with a generous amount of cream cheese frosting. Carefully place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake.
Tips for the Perfect Hummingbird Cake:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
- Check for doneness: Use a wooden skewer to ensure the cakes are fully baked.
- Let the cakes cool completely: This prevents the frosting from melting.
- Get creative with the nuts: Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts or a combination.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon: For an extra touch of warmth and flavor, sprinkle a little cinnamon on top of the frosting.
Enjoy Your Delicious Creation!
This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its moist texture and delightful flavor profile will leave everyone wanting more. Happy baking!
