Hummingbird Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the cake:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
  • 2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 4 bananas)
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

• For the cream cheese frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven:

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.

2. Mix the dry ingredients:

   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

3. Combine the wet ingredients:

   In another bowl, beat the eggs, oil, and vanilla extract together until well combined. Add the mashed bananas and crushed pineapple and mix.

4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients:

   Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. If using, fold in the chopped nuts.

5. Bake the cakes:

   Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Cool the cakes:

   Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.

7. Prepare the cream cheese frosting:

   Beat the softened cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and salt together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating until smooth and fluffy.

8. Assemble the cake:

   Place one layer of cake on a serving platter. Spread a layer of frosting over the top. Repeat with the second and third layers, frosting the top and sides of the cake.

9. Decorate:

   If desired, decorate with additional chopped nuts on top or around the sides for a nice touch.

10. Serve and enjoy:

    Allow the cake to set for a little before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious Hummingbird Cake!