If you have a soft spot for flavors that dance between tropical fruitiness and cozy spice, then this Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is bound to become your new favorite. With its tender crumb bursting with ripe bananas and crushed pineapple, paired perfectly with a luscious cinnamon-infused cream cheese frosting, this bread is like a hug in dessert form. Every bite feels like a celebration of sweet warmth and a touch of Southern charm, making it the perfect treat to brighten up any day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the secret to the vibrant flavors and perfect texture in this Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. Each element contributes uniquely, from the ripe bananas that bring natural sweetness, to the crunchy toasted pecans that add depth and texture.
- Ripe bananas mashed: Essential for moistness and natural sweetness that shines through.
- Crushed pineapple drained: Adds tropical flavor and tenderizes the crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness with a clean sugar note.
- Brown sugar: Imparts a rich molasses flavor and extra moisture.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and help the bread rise.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread wonderfully moist and tender.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet aroma.
- All-purpose flour: The structure builder for the loaf’s perfect crumb.
- Baking soda and baking powder: Provide rise and lightness to the bread.
- Ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg: Warm spices that harmonize the tropical notes beautifully.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and brightens flavors.
- Chopped pecans: Toasted for added crunch and nutty richness.
- Softened cream cheese: The creamy base for the frosting’s irresistible texture.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and smoothness to the frosting.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for a perfect spread.
- Ground cinnamon (for frosting): Gives a warm spice kick to the creamy topping.
- Vanilla (for frosting): Rounds out the frosting’s flavor with subtle sweetness.
How to Make Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature when your batter is ready. Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan generously to prevent sticking—this little step guarantees your bread will come out perfectly intact every time.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth, cohesive mixture. Then, stir in the mashed bananas and thoroughly drained crushed pineapple. This blend is the flavorful, moist foundation that makes the bread so irresistible.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. This blend ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices, giving your bread the perfect rise and a warm aromatic touch.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—remember, overmixing can make the bread dense. Once the batter is uniform, fold in the chopped pecans for delightful crunchy pockets throughout your loaf.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top to ensure even baking. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This baking window gives you a moist crumb wrapped in a golden crust.
Step 6: Cool and Frost
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set its structure, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Meanwhile, beat together softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and a splash of vanilla and continue beating until you have a creamy, luscious frosting ready to spread generously over the cooled bread.
How to Serve Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra toasted pecans or a dash of cinnamon on top of the frosting for a charming finish that adds visual appeal and an extra layer of flavor. Fresh banana slices or small pineapple chunks on the side can also brighten the presentation.
Side Dishes
This bread shines as a stand-alone treat but pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or spicy chai tea to complement its warm spices. For a light breakfast, serve alongside Greek yogurt and fresh berries to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe into individual servings by slicing it into thick pieces and serving as mini open-faced sandwiches with an extra dollop of frosting. You can also cube the bread and use it in a dessert trifle layered with whipped cream and pineapple chunks for a stunning and festive treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to keep the crumb moist and the frosting fresh. If you prefer, refrigerate to extend freshness, but bring slices back to room temperature before enjoying.
Freezing
This delightful bread freezes exceptionally well, especially if you hold off on frosting it. Wrap the unfrosted loaf securely in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep fresh for up to three months, allowing you to enjoy a taste of sunshine anytime.
Reheating
To enjoy a freshly-baked warmth, thaw frozen slices overnight in the fridge, then warm them gently in a toaster oven or microwave. Adding a light spread of cream cheese frosting after reheating will bring the bread back to its full glory.
FAQs
Can I reduce sugar without affecting the bread’s texture?
Absolutely! You can reduce the sugar by up to one third without sacrificing the moistness or structure of this bread, making it a bit lighter while still enjoying all the rich flavors.
Is it necessary to drain the pineapple?
Yes, draining the pineapple prevents excess moisture from making the bread too wet and dense, ensuring the perfect texture every time.
Can I substitute the pecans with another nut?
Definitely! Walnuts or almonds work beautifully as alternatives and add their own unique crunch and flavor to the bread.
Why toast the pecans before folding them in?
Toasting the pecans enhances their natural nuttiness and adds a warm aroma, which elevates the overall flavor of the bread.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
While this recipe uses all-purpose flour, you can experiment with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but be mindful you might need to adjust baking times and textures slightly.
Final Thoughts
Making this Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is like creating a little slice of happiness in your kitchen. Its irresistible combination of tropical fruit, warm spices, and rich cream cheese frosting never fails to delight. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this bread promises to fill your home with heartwarming aromas and your soul with joy. Don’t hesitate—grab your ingredients and bake a loaf today; your taste buds will thank you!
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Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully moist and flavorful Hummingbird Bread combines ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, and warm spices, all topped with a luscious cinnamon cream cheese frosting. This classic American dessert is perfect for any occasion and offers a wonderful balance of sweetness and spice.
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 cup ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz softened cream cheese
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Then, stir in the mashed ripe bananas and drained crushed pineapple until combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana and pineapple mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Add Pecans: Fold in the chopped pecans carefully to incorporate them evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Bread: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting is fluffy and well blended.
- Frost the Bread: Spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting generously over the completely cooled bread to avoid melting.
- Serve: Slice into 10 pieces and enjoy this moist, flavorful bread as a delicious dessert or snack.
Notes
- You can reduce the sugar by up to one third without affecting the texture significantly.
- Toasting the pecans before adding them enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch.
- This bread freezes well unfrosted; frost after thawing for the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
