Hey, friend! Ever sink your fork into a slice of cake so moist and flavorful it feels like a tropical vacation in your mouth? Let me introduce you to hummingbird bread with cinnamon cream cheese frosting, a Southern classic packed with banana, pineapple, and a dreamy frosting. I baked this for a brunch last Sunday, and it disappeared faster than my willpower around a dessert table! Ready to whip up a loaf that’s as cozy as it is exotic? Let’s get baking!
Why This Hummingbird Bread Is a Total Winner
So, what’s the hype with this bread? It’s not just a loaf—it’s a moist, tropical masterpiece that combines fruity flavors with a velvety frosting. I mean, who can resist that sweet, spiced goodness? Here’s why this recipe rocks:
- Quick and Simple: Ready in about 1 hour, perfect for brunches or dessert cravings.
- Flavor Explosion: Banana, pineapple, and pecans create a sweet, nutty vibe.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone from kids to grandparents loves this loaf.
- Frosting Magic: Cinnamon cream cheese frosting adds a tangy, spiced finish.
Ever wonder why some desserts feel like a hug? It’s that perfect mix of sweet fruit and creamy frosting that makes this hummingbird bread a star.
The Magic of Hummingbird Bread
The stars here are mashed bananas and crushed pineapple, which keep the bread insanely moist, while pecans add crunch. The cinnamon cream cheese frosting ties it all together with a tangy, spiced kick. I learned the hard way that overmixing makes the bread dense—stir gently! It’s like a tropical bakery in every slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Alright, let’s talk ingredients. This recipe uses pantry staples to create that Southern, tropical flavor. Here’s what you’ll grab:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
- ½ cup crushed pineapple, drained
- ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (for frosting)
- Optional: 2 tbsp chopped pecans for garnish 🙂
Substitutions That Work
No pecans? Walnuts or almonds work, but pecans’ buttery crunch is perfect, IMO. Out of crushed pineapple? Chopped mango or applesauce can pinch-hit, though pineapple’s tang is key. Want it gluten-free? Use gluten-free flour with a 1:1 ratio. The key is that fruity-moist vibe, so don’t skip the bananas or pineapple!
Step-by-Step: How to Make Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
Ready to bake? This is so easy, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner. Here’s how to nail it:
Step 1: Prep the Batter
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
- Whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl.
- Mix sugar, oil, eggs, bananas, pineapple, pecans, and vanilla in a large bowl until smooth. Gently stir in dry ingredients until just combined.
Step 2: Bake the Bread
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Frosting
- Beat cream cheese and butter in a bowl until creamy. Add powdered sugar and cinnamon, beating until smooth.
- Taste and adjust cinnamon or sugar for your perfect flavor balance.
- Spread frosting generously over the cooled bread.
Step 4: Serve It Up
- Sprinkle with chopped pecans for a crunchy garnish.
- Slice and serve with coffee, tea, or just a fork and enthusiasm!
- Enjoy the moist, tropical goodness!
Pro tip: I once overmixed the batter, and my bread was denser than a bad rom-com. Stir the batter gently for a light, fluffy loaf!
Tips for Nailing Hummingbird Bread
Wanna make this bread next-level? Here are my go-to tricks:
- Use Ripe Bananas: Overripe bananas add sweetness and moisture.
- Drain Pineapple Well: Squeeze out excess liquid from pineapple to avoid a soggy loaf.
- Don’t Overbake: Check at 50 minutes to keep the bread moist.
- Cool Completely: Let the loaf cool before frosting to avoid a melty mess.
- Taste the Frosting: Adjust cinnamon for your perfect spiced kick.
Ever wonder why hummingbird bread feels so indulgent? It’s the fruity, nutty combo topped with that creamy frosting that makes it a total hit.
Variations to Mix It Up
Bored of the classic? Try these twists to keep things fresh:
Coconut Hummingbird Bread
Add ½ cup shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical boost.
Spiced Hummingbird Bread
Mix ¼ tsp nutmeg or ginger into the batter for extra warmth.
Chocolate Chip Hummingbird Bread
Stir in ½ cup chocolate chips for a sweet, decadent twist.
Vegan Hummingbird Bread
Use flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) and vegan cream cheese for a plant-based version.
Storing and Freezing Like a Pro
Got leftovers? You’re in luck! Here’s how to keep that bread fresh:
- Storing: Store frosted bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unfrosted bread for up to 3 months, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
- Serving: Let refrigerated bread sit at room temp for 30 minutes before serving for best texture.
I’ve turned leftover slices into French toast, and it was a total game-changer. Keep it refrigerated for that moist, tropical vibe!
FAQs About Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
Got questions? I’ve got you covered. Here’s what folks usually ask:
Can I use canned bananas?
Fresh bananas are best, but canned work if well-drained.
Why is my bread dense?
You might’ve overmixed or used unripe bananas. Mix gently and use ripe fruit.
Can I make this ahead?
Totally! Bake the bread up to 2 days ahead and frost before serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour and check your baking soda for a gluten-free version.
What’s a good pairing for this?
This bread shines with coffee, tea, or a fruit salad. I love it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Related Recipes:
- Coconut Cheesecake Bread Pudding Recipe
- Garlic Butter Flatbread: Easy, Crispy, Flavorful Recipe
- Herbed Garlic Bread:
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it—hummingbird bread with cinnamon cream cheese frosting, the ultimate moist, tropical treat that’s ready to steal the show at your next gathering. It’s like a Southern bakery in your kitchen, perfect for brunches or cozy afternoons. Whether you’re sticking to the classic or adding your own spin, this bread delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. Grab your bananas, fire up the oven, and get ready for a loaf that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. What’s stopping you from baking this today? 🙂
Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1½ cups mashed ripe bananas about 3-4 medium
- 8 oz crushed pineapple with juice
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- ⅓ cup chopped toasted pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Alternately add dry ingredients and mashed bananas with pineapple to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Fold in shredded coconut and pecans.
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon; beat until fluffy.
- Spread frosting over cooled bread and garnish with chopped pecans.
- Slice and serve.
Notes
- Toast pecans in a dry skillet until fragrant for best flavor.
- Store leftover bread covered in fridge for up to 5 days.
- This quick bread can also be baked as muffins; reduce bake time to about 20 minutes.
- For dairy-free, substitute vegan butter and cream cheese.
DID YOU MAKE THIS EASY RECIPE?
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