The Sweetest Hummingbird Bread Recipe for Your Cozy Baking Day

Delightful hummingbird bread captures the essence of southern comfort with its rich, tropical flavors.

Bananas, pineapple, and pecans dance together in a moist, tender crumb that promises pure happiness.

Cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious touch to this classic dessert.

Warm spices like cinnamon weave through each bite, creating a nostalgic experience.

Home bakers will adore the simplicity of mixing these vibrant ingredients.

Every slice tells a story of culinary tradition and sweet memories.

What Makes Hummingbird Bread So Flavorful

• Craft Delightful Flavor Fusion: Combines tropical pineapple, ripe bananas, and warm spices into one incredible bread experience that surprises taste buds.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Treat: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and casual get-togethers where everyone craves a slice of something special.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows adding nuts or skipping frosting, making it versatile for different preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients Needed for Hummingbird Bread

• All-Purpose Flour: The main structure and base for the bread's texture.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with caramelization.
• Baking Soda: Helps the bread rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Adds warm, aromatic spices that complement the fruit flavors.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bread.

• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and provide structure to the bread.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a deep, rich flavor to the bread.

• Crushed Pineapple, Mashed Bananas: Provide natural sweetness, moisture, and tropical flavor.
• Pecans or Walnuts: Adds crunch and nutty flavor to the bread.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Creates a rich, creamy base for the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps thicken the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the frosting.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy note to the cream cheese frosting.

Stepwise Instructions for Hummingbird Bread

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C) and generously coat a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Create the Magical Batter Base

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Baking soda
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Salt

• Eggs
• Vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract
• Crushed pineapple
• Mashed bananas

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Toss in chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean. Let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Whip Up Dreamy Frosting

• Softened cream cheese
• Butter

Beat until silky smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, continuing to beat until fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract and ground cinnamon, mixing until wonderfully combined.

Step 5: Frost with Flair

Once the bread has cooled entirely, spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting generously across the top.

Step 6: Slice and Savor

Cut into thick slices and indulge in this tropical-inspired, nutty sweet bread that’s sure to make taste buds dance!

Tips for Perfect Hummingbird Bread

• Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
• Drain pineapple completely to prevent excess moisture in the bread.
• Gently fold wet and dry ingredients to maintain a tender crumb and avoid tough bread.
• Use ripe bananas for deeper sweetness and enhanced flavor profile.
• Consider toasting nuts briefly before adding to intensify their nutty taste and add extra crunch.

Variations to Try With Hummingbird Bread

• Tropical Paradise Bread: Replace walnuts with toasted coconut flakes and add a splash of rum extract for a Caribbean-inspired version.
• Banana Nut Explosion: Increase banana quantity, use extra banana slices on top, and sprinkle additional chopped nuts for intense flavor.
• Gluten-Free Garden Loaf: Substitute regular flour with almond or coconut flour, ensuring a lighter, gluten-free alternative that maintains the bread's rich texture.
• Spiced Autumn Bread: Incorporate extra warm spices like cardamom and ginger, then top with a maple-infused cream cheese frosting for a seasonal transformation.

Pairing Suggestions for Hummingbird Bread

• Pair with Tropical Rum Cocktail: Blend a light rum with pineapple juice and a touch of coconut, creating a refreshing drink that echoes the bread's tropical fruit notes.
• Complement with Creamy Vanilla Latte: The rich, smooth espresso balanced with vanilla syrup perfectly matches the bread's sweet and spicy profile, cutting through the dense texture.
• Enhance with Caramel Pecan Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of caramel-swirled pecan ice cream alongside the bread, amplifying the nutty and sweet characteristics of the dessert.
• Match with Spiced Chai Tea: A warm, aromatic chai with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg will beautifully harmonize with the bread's warm spice undertones.

Storage Guidelines for Hummingbird Bread

• Store frosted bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and preserve moisture.
• Wrap bread completely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Cut bread into individual slices, wrap each separately in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Thaw individual portions quickly at room temperature or in microwave.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed bread in microwave for 15-20 seconds. For crisp edges, use toaster oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

FAQs About Hummingbird Bread

• What are the key ingredients in Hummingbird Bread?

The key ingredients include flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, crushed pineapple, mashed bananas, pecans or walnuts, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

• Why is it called Hummingbird Bread?

The name comes from the traditional Hummingbird Cake, a Southern dessert that shares similar flavor profiles with tropical fruits like pineapple and banana, making it sweet and appealing.

• Can I make this bread without nuts?

Yes, you can easily omit the pecans or walnuts from the recipe without significantly changing the bread’s texture or overall taste. The nuts are optional and provide just an extra crunch.

Hummingbird Bread Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 80-90 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet Southern charm meets banana bread perfection in this hummingbird bread recipe, blending tropical pineapple, ripe bananas, and pecans into a moist, irresistible quick bread. Creamy cream cheese frosting crowns this nostalgic Southern classic, inviting you to savor each delectable slice.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruits and Vegetables:

• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
• 1 can (8 ounces / 226 grams) crushed pineapple, drained

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients and Nuts:

• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare your workspace by preheating the oven to 350F (175C) and thoroughly greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. Create a dry ingredient mixture by whisking together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
3. In a separate container, blend eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth, then incorporate crushed pineapple and mashed bananas.
4. Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients, maintaining a careful mixing technique to prevent overmixing.
5. Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
6. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to smooth the surface and ensure even distribution.
7. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.
8. Allow the bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully remove and transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
9. Prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating softened cream cheese and butter until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency.
10. Gradually add powdered sugar, continuing to beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
11. Enhance the frosting by mixing in vanilla extract and ground cinnamon until fully incorporated.
12. Once the bread has cooled completely, generously spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting across the top.
13. Slice and serve, enjoying the rich, tropical-inspired flavors of the Hummingbird Bread.

Notes

• Swap bananas for applesauce to reduce sugar and create a lighter texture while maintaining moisture.
• Toast nuts before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide a delightful crunch to the bread.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and even baking throughout the bread.
• Replace cream cheese frosting with a dairy-free alternative using coconut cream for vegan dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 275 kcal
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg