12 Hummingbird Cake Recipes That Can't Get Any Sweeter
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Mary Clayton Carl Jones
Ever since the Hummingbird Cake recipe originally ran in the February 1978 issue of the magazine, it has become the most requested recipe in Southern Living history. A pinnacle Southern dessert, this sweet and fruity delight has been a favorite of our readers for almost 40 years.
Though it's hard to improve on the original—there are more than a few readers dedicated to Mrs. L.H. Wiggins' iconic 1978 version—we have a selection of delectable Hummingbird Cake recipes that take the classic sweet pineapple-banana-cream cheese combination to new heights. From cakes to breads to pancakes, we've gathered our best Hummingbird Cake recipes to inspire your next dessert.
Hummingbird Cake
The first Hummingbird Cake recipe was submitted to Southern Living in 1978 by Mrs. L.H. Wiggins of Greensboro, North Carolina. Little did we know it would become one of our most popular cake recipes of all time. There's something about the combination of crushed pineapple in their juices, bananas, toasted pecans, and cream cheese frosting that keeps us returning to this special cake.
Hummingbird Bundt Cake
From pineapple to cream cheese, the same ingredients first featured in the 1978 version of this popular layer cake still shine in our new version, but simplified by baking it in a Bundt pan. Drizzled with a cream cheese glaze and topped with toasted, chopped pecans, this Bundt cake will sit pretty on a cake stand.
Lightened Hummingbird Cake
The lightened version makes simple substitutions such as using applesauce for some of the oil and light rather than regular cream cheese. Your whole family will love the sweet pineapple and banana cake topped with delicious Cream Cheese Frosting and appreciate the fat and calorie savings. This lightened recipe reduces the fat from 24 grams in the original recipe to just 10 grams per serving.
Hummingbird Pancakes
This showstopping stack has the same flavor profile as the original Hummingbird Cake recipe, and the cream cheese frosting is transformed into a lip-smacking Cream Cheese Anglaise to drizzle on top. Bananas, pineapple, and toasted pecans are incorporated into the pancakes, but the fresh fruit garnish makes this breakfast complete.
Hummingbird Snack Cake With Brown Butter Frosting
We've provided all the Hummingbird Cake flavors you love in one easy layer topped with an irresistible brown butter frosting. What's even better? You only need to commit 20 minutes to prepare this recipe, and the entire batter comes together in just one mixing bowl.
Hummingbird Cupcakes With Candied Pineapple Wedges
You can skip the Candied Pineapple Wedges, but why would you want to? They come together in a snap thanks to store-bought candied dried pineapple rings and a quick zap in the microwave. Dust them in sparkling sugar and voila—the prettiest little garnish you ever did see on a cupcake version of hummingbird cake.
Hummingbird Cake Whoopie Pies
Take Hummingbird Cake on the move with our handheld whoopie pies. You'll still get all the classic Hummingbird Cake flavors you love (cinnamon, pineapple, bananas, and pecans), but in 30 mini whoopie pies that are perfect for giving to neighbors and friends or keeping all to yourself. We won't blame you a bit if you go for the latter.
The Original Hummingbird Cake Recipe
Originally submitted by Mrs. L.H. Wiggins of Greensboro, North Carolina and featured in our February 1978 issue, this Hummingbird Cake recipe is known to have won numerous blue ribbons at county fairs. So who was Mrs. L. H. Wiggins? For decades, little was known, and attempts to locate her yielded more questions than answers. Forty years later, the staff at Southern Living finally got answers about this beloved Southern lady.
Hummingbird Cake With Basket Weave Frosting
Want to make a holiday showstopper? Our classic three-layer Hummingbird Cake recipe gets the basket-weave frosting treatment for a stunning Easter dessert. Creating this woven style with frosting is easier than it looks, according to these tips and instructions.
Hummingbird Bread
Jessica Furniss
It only makes sense, given that hummingbird cake includes spices and bananas. Turn the flavors of traditional hummingbird cake—pineapple, bananas, coconut, and pecans—into a quick bread frosted with cream cheese and garnished with chopped nuts. You can also use shredded coconut or even edible flowers to decorate your loaf.
Hummingbird Sheet Cake
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Mary Clayton Carl Jones
What sets this sheet cake apart aside from the tender crumb and rich cream cheese frosting? The flowers, made of dried pineapple rings, clue you into the flavors that lie beneath. Fresh mint leaves and pearl candies complete the pretty decoration.
Redbird Cake
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Torie Cox; Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell
From the 2023 Southern Living Magazine Christmas issue comes the Redbird Cake, a festive twist on a classic Hummingbird Cake. This recipe has all the flavors you love from a Hummingbird Cake with added maraschino cherries for a festive touch.
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