Hummingbird Sheet Cake
Hummingbird Sheet Cake
This beloved Southern dessert is famous for its moist texture and tropical ingredients. Packed with mashed bananas, crushed pineapple, and crunchy pecans, this rich, dense cake is topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that offers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Ideal for gatherings, this sheet cake always impresses a crowd.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 3 cups |
| Granulated sugar | 2 cups |
| Baking powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Baking soda | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 ½ teaspoons |
| Ripe bananas, mashed | 4 large |
| Crushed pineapple (with juice) | 1 (8 oz) can |
| Vegetable oil | 1 cup |
| Large eggs | 3 |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons |
| Chopped pecans | 1 cup |
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cream cheese, softened | 1 (8 oz) package |
| Butter, softened | ⅓ cup |
| Powdered sugar | 4 to 4 ½ cups |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon |
| Additional chopped pecans | For garnish |
Directions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare Pan
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 13×9-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until evenly mixed. In another bowl, combine mashed bananas, crushed pineapple with juice, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir well. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined—avoid overmixing. Fold in the chopped pecans.
Step 3: Bake
Transfer the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
Step 4: Prepare the Frosting
Beat softened cream cheese and butter together in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, starting with 4 cups and adding more to reach the desired thickness. Continue beating until light and fluffy. Stir in vanilla and salt until fully blended.
Step 5: Frost the Cake
Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Sprinkle the top with extra chopped pecans for a finishing touch.
Step 6: Serve
Cut the cake into squares and enjoy! This cake tastes best at room temperature but can be refrigerated and served chilled as well.
