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
Scale
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
