Hummingbird Sheet Cake – The Keep At House 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 overlook the toasted pecans and cream cheese frosting!

For extra scrumptious, nutty truffles, strive our basic Carrot Cake or our German Chocolate Cake!

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

Ingredient Notes

• All-Goal Flour: Persist with 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. Persist with a neutral-flavored oil.
• Crushed Pineapple: Provides further moisture and taste to the cake. Calmly drain earlier than including to your batter.
• Banana Puree: Mix about 2 bananas, simply overripe, in a meals processor/blender. In case you choose a thicker consistency, you’ll be able to mash them with a wire potato masher or fork.
• Cream Cheese: Softened and full-fat works greatest for this creamy frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavour. Pure vanilla extract is advisable 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 nicely with a wide range of frostings, although we love the thick and creamy texture of cream cheese frosting. In case you’re not a fan, listed below are just a few scrumptious options:

Buttercream Frosting: For individuals who choose a silky easy and candy possibility, buttercream frosting is good. It’s versatile sufficient to be flavored or coloured and gives a basic, elegant end to the cake.

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

Customise your Cake

Including mix-ins to your cake is a unbelievable strategy to customise them to make this cake your personal. Whether or not you’re a fan of chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit, right here’s methods to incorporate these yummy extras:

Dried Fruit: In case 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 wish to toast them), however you might sub for (or just add) some walnuts if you happen to choose 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

Choosing the proper pan is essential 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.

Making ready the Pan

Put together the pan by frivolously 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.