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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace by preheating the oven to 350F (175C) and thoroughly greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Create a dry ingredient mixture by whisking together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate container, blend eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth, then incorporate crushed pineapple and mashed bananas.
- Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients, maintaining a careful mixing technique to prevent overmixing.
- Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to smooth the surface and ensure even distribution.
- 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.
- Allow the bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully remove and transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
- Prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating softened cream cheese and butter until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, continuing to beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Enhance the frosting by mixing in vanilla extract and ground cinnamon until fully incorporated.
- Once the bread has cooled completely, generously spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting across the top.
- 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