The Sweetest Hummingbird Bread With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

This delightful hummingbird bread serves up a sweet Southern classic that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy.

Bananas, pineapple, and pecans create a moist, irresistible flavor profile that reminds you of grandma’s best baking.

Warm spices weave through each tender crumb, promising comfort in every single bite.

Creamy cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious finish that turns this bread into something truly magical.

Unexpected ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a treat that feels both nostalgic and innovative.

Home bakers will adore how simple yet impressive this recipe becomes with just a few mixing techniques.

You can’t help but fall in love with each decadent slice that practically melts in your mouth.

Keep Hummingbird Bread Fresh the Right Way

• Store leftover bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep the cream cheese frosting cool to maintain its creamy texture.
• Wrap the unfrosted bread completely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before adding frosting.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a toaster oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the bread.
• Let refrigerated bread sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore its soft texture and enhance flavor.

What Pairs with Hummingbird Bread

• Craft Tropical Drink Companions: Pair the sweet and nutty hummingbird bread with refreshing tropical beverages that complement its rich flavors.
• Tropical Rum Punch: Blend pineapple juice, light rum, coconut cream, and a splash of grenadine to mirror the bread's tropical ingredients and create a harmonious taste experience.
• Smooth Coconut Latte: Prepare a creamy coconut latte using espresso, steamed milk, and coconut syrup to enhance the bread's coconut and nutty undertones with a warm, comforting drink.
• Zesty Citrus Spritzer: Mix fresh orange juice, sparkling water, and a hint of lime to cut through the bread's richness, providing a bright and refreshing counterpoint to the sweet cream cheese frosting.

Unique Twists for Hummingbird Bread

• Gluten-Free Hummingbird Bread: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the bread remains moist and tender while accommodating celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Tropical Loaf: Substitute eggs with mashed banana or applesauce, use dairy-free cream cheese alternative, and swap butter with coconut oil for a plant-based version that maintains the original flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Banana Coconut Bread: Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia, incorporate more ripe bananas for natural sweetness, and use reduced-fat cream cheese for a healthier adaptation.
• Nut-Free Pineapple Coconut Bread: Eliminate pecans completely, replace with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch, keeping the tropical essence intact while making the recipe safe for nut-allergic individuals.

FAQs

• Is Hummingbird Bread similar to banana bread?

While both are sweet quick breads, Hummingbird Bread has more ingredients like pineapple, coconut, and pecans, giving it a more complex flavor profile compared to traditional banana bread.

• Can I make this bread without nuts?

Yes, you can easily omit the pecans if you have nut allergies or simply don’t enjoy them. The bread will still taste delicious with the other ingredients.

• How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

Use the toothpick test – insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is done. Avoid overbaking to keep the bread moist.

• Why is it called Hummingbird Bread?

The recipe is inspired by traditional Hummingbird Cake, a Southern dessert that originated in Jamaica and became popular in the United States, known for its sweet, fruity, and nutty flavors.

What Makes Hummingbird Bread So Heavenly

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers a nostalgic twist on classic banana bread with unexpected tropical ingredients like pineapple and coconut that elevate the flavor profile.
• Versatile Dessert Delight: Suitable for multiple occasions like brunches, potlucks, afternoon tea, or casual gatherings, offering a delectable treat that impresses without demanding extensive preparation.
• Stress-Free Indulgence: Freezes wonderfully and stays moist, allowing bakers to prepare ahead and enjoy a delightful dessert anytime without compromising taste or texture.

Ingredients for Hummingbird Bread with Frosting

• Bananas: Ripe and sweet fruit that adds moisture and flavor to the bread.
• Pineapple: Crushed tropical fruit that brings natural sweetness and juiciness.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold the bread together.

• All-Purpose Flour: Basic baking flour for bread structure.
• Baking Soda: Leavening agent that helps bread rise.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that adds depth and aroma.

• Butter, Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet base for the bread.
• Vanilla Extract: Classic flavoring that adds warmth.
• Coconut: Shredded tropical ingredient for texture and flavor.
• Pecans: Crunchy nuts that provide a nutty taste.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Creamy base for the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds flavor to the cream cheese frosting.

How to Bake Hummingbird Bread

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C).

Prepare two 8×4-inch loaf pans by giving them a generous butter coating or laying down parchment paper for super easy bread removal.

Step 2: Whip Butter and Sugars

Grab a large mixing bowl and transform butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar into a fluffy cloud using an electric mixer.

Beat those ingredients until they become light and airy, which should take around 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Welcome Eggs and Vanilla

Introduce eggs one by one into the buttery mixture, then splash in vanilla extract.

Blend everything until perfectly combined and silky smooth.

Step 4: Combine Dry Elements

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Cinnamon

Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring carefully to avoid overmixing.

Step 5: Fold in Tropical Friends

• Crushed pineapple (with its juice)
• Shredded coconut
• Chopped pecans
• Mashed bananas

Mix gently to distribute flavors evenly.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Divide batter equally between prepared pans.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool Down

Allow bread to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Step 8: Craft Creamy Frosting

Beat softened butter and cream cheese until ultra-smooth.

Gradually mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract, creating a dreamy, fluffy frosting.

Step 9: Dress Your Bread

Once bread has cooled completely, generously spread cream cheese frosting across the top of each loaf.

Step 10: Final Flourish

Sprinkle additional chopped pecans on top for a delightful crunch and extra flavor boost.

Pro Tips for Moist and Flavorful Bread

• Gently fold ingredients to maintain bread's tender texture, stopping when just combined to avoid tough, dense results.
• Swap pecans with walnuts or omit entirely for nut allergies, ensuring flexibility for different dietary needs.
• Drain pineapple slightly to control bread's moisture level and prevent soggy consistency while retaining tropical flavor.
• Bring eggs, butter, and cream cheese to room temperature for smoother mixing and better ingredient integration.
• Wrap cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.

Hummingbird Bread With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Rich, moist hummingbird bread celebrates Southern baking traditions with bananas, pineapple, and pecans. Creamy cream cheese frosting crowns this delightful treat, inviting you to savor each delectable slice.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread Ingredients (Main Ingredients):

• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups mashed bananas (about 3/4 medium bananas)
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 8 ounces (226 grams) crushed pineapple (with juice)
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

Sugar and Fat Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened

Spices and Additions:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup chopped pecans

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Instructions

1. Warm up the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two loaf pans with non-stick spray or parchment paper.
2. Combine softened butter with granulated and brown sugars in a large mixing bowl, whipping until the mixture becomes airy and pale.
3. Introduce eggs individually into the butter mixture, then blend in vanilla extract until thoroughly integrated.
4. Separately sift flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon together, creating a uniform dry ingredient blend.
5. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing.
6. Incorporate crushed pineapple with its natural juice, shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and mashed bananas into the batter, ensuring even distribution.
7. Distribute the batter equally between the prepared loaf pans, creating smooth surface tops.
8. Position pans in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center.
9. Allow bread to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire cooling rack.
10. For frosting, whip butter and cream cheese until silky and uniform in texture.
11. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until the frosting becomes light and spreadable.
12. Once bread has completely cooled, generously cover each loaf with cream cheese frosting.
13. Optional: Enhance presentation by sprinkling additional chopped pecans across the frosted surface.

Notes

• Ripe bananas are crucial for maximum sweetness and moisture, so choose bananas with deep brown speckles for the best flavor profile.
• Drain pineapple chunks slightly to prevent excess liquid from making the bread too wet and dense during baking.
• Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and create a more complex taste in the bread.
• Consider using gluten-free flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring the bread remains tender and delicious.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern (American)

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg