Description
This Hummingbird Bread is a moist, flavorful quick bread bursting with ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Topped with a luscious cinnamon cream cheese frosting, it makes an irresistible Southern-inspired dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
For the frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until well combined.
- Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract together until smooth and homogenous.
- Add fruit mixtures: Stir in the crushed and drained pineapple alongside the mashed ripe bananas into the wet ingredients, mixing gently.
- Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients bowl. Stir together just until combined to avoid overmixing and a dense texture.
- Fold in nuts: If using, fold in the chopped pecans carefully for an added crunchy texture.
- Bake the bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the bread: Let the loaf cool completely in the pan before removing it to avoid breaking or crumbling.
- Prepare the frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Continue beating until fluffy and well combined.
- Frost and serve: Once the bread is fully cooled, spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice and serve to enjoy.
Notes
- For a lighter version, reduce the oil to 1/2 cup and substitute the remaining 1/4 cup with unsweetened applesauce.
- You can omit the pecans or replace them with walnuts based on preference or allergy concerns.
- The flavors of the bread develop and improve after resting overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.
