Hummingbird Sheet Cake – The Keep At Residence Chef

Hummingbird cake is a tasty little spiced cake made with bananas and pineapple that originated in Jamaica. From the cinnamon and allspice mix, to the crushed pineapple and banana puree, this cake has all of it. And don’t neglect the toasted pecans and cream cheese frosting!

For extra scrumptious, nutty truffles, attempt our traditional Carrot Cake or our German Chocolate Cake!

We predict hummingbird cake is so underrated! Just like carrot cake, this lesser recognized cake is spiced with cinnamon and allspice and made with crushed pineapple and a banana puree as a substitute of carrots—it’s like a tropical model of carrot cake! This cake actually is the most effective deal with for those who need an extremely moist cake with a delicate sweetness that isn’t too wealthy or decadent.

Ingredient Notes

• All-Function Flour: Stick to common all-purpose flour for the most effective outcomes. We don’t advocate utilizing cake flour because it makes this cake crumbly.
• Baking Soda and Powder: You’ll want each. Be sure you test the expiration date to keep away from a flat cake.
• Vegetable Oil: Canola oil or olive oil are good options. Stick to a neutral-flavored oil.
• Crushed Pineapple: Provides additional moisture and taste to the cake. Frivolously drain earlier than including to your batter.
• Banana Puree:
• Cream Cheese: Softened and full-fat works greatest for this creamy frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavour. Pure vanilla extract is really helpful for the most effective style, however synthetic vanilla can be utilized in a pinch.
• Powdered Sugar: Add it in half a cup at a time. Extra powdered sugar makes for a thicker frosting. How thick you make it’s a matter of non-public desire.

Frosting Choices

Hummingbird cake pairs properly with a wide range of frostings, although we love the thick and creamy texture of cream cheese frosting. When you’re not a fan, listed here are a number of scrumptious options:

Buttercream Frosting: For individuals who desire a silky clean and candy possibility, buttercream frosting is right. It’s versatile sufficient to be flavored or coloured and offers a traditional, elegant end to the cake.

Ermine Frosting: Often known as boiled milk frosting, Ermine frosting offers a lighter different with a fluffy texture and a delicate sweetness.

Customise your Cake

Including mix-ins to your cake is a implausible option to customise them to make this cake your individual. Whether or not you’re a fan of chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit, right here’s tips on how to incorporate these yummy extras:

Dried Fruit: When you’re a fan of dried fruit, we advocate a 1/2 cup of raisins or dried cherries. They supply bursts of sweetness and a chewy texture that enhances the general expertise.

Chocolate Chips: For a candy twist, stir in 1/2 cup of semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips into the dough. They add a melty, chocolatey goodness that pairs splendidly with the spices.

Nuts: This recipe already has 1 cup of toasted pecans (belief me, you’re going to need to toast them), however you possibly can sub for (or just add) some walnuts when you desire them. Pecans are conventional for hummingbird cake, however you’ll be able to completely play with this recipe and use your favourite nuts.

The Proper Pan

Selecting the best pan is vital to making sure your cake seems completely. For this sheet cake, we use a jelly roll pan or baker’s half sheet, which measures 13×18 inches with a rimmed edge. Utilizing a smaller or deeper pan can alter the cake-to-frosting ratio, affecting each the style and texture.

Getting ready the Pan

Put together the pan by flippantly greasing it with butter or nonstick cooking spray, then line the underside with parchment paper, guaranteeing no overhang. Precut parchment paper sheets are particularly handy for this step. Whereas parchment paper isn’t required, it helps make sure the cake doesn’t stick and makes serving simpler too.