Publix is a popular grocery store chain based in the southeastern United States. With over 1,200 store locations across seven states, Publix is known for its wide selection of fresh produce, quality meats and seafood, and expansive bakery and deli offerings. Many customers enjoy picking up pre-made cakes and desserts from the Publix bakery. One dessert that often comes up is hummingbird cake, leading customers to ask: does Publix make hummingbird cake?
What is Hummingbird Cake?
Hummingbird cake is a sweet and dense cake with banana, pineapple, and pecan flavors. It gets its name from the sugar content that supposedly will attract hummingbirds. The cake has origins in Jamaica but became popular in the southern United States in the late 1970s. Key ingredients in hummingbird cake include:
- Ripe bananas – for moisture and banana flavor
- Crushed pineapple – for additional moisture and tropical fruit flavor
- Cinnamon – for warmth of flavor
- Vanilla – for rich flavor
- Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts – for crunch
- Spices like nutmeg – for extra flavoring
After mixing the batter, the cake is usually topped with a cream cheese frosting to complement the sweetness and density of the cake. This makes for a dessert with varied textures and flavors in each bite. The tropical fruits paired with nuts and spices makes hummingbird cake a unique treat.
Availability of Hummingbird Cake at Publix
With its Southern roots and popularity, many Publix customers wonder if they can pick up freshly made hummingbird cake from the grocery store’s bakery. The availability of hummingbird cake varies by location.
Some Publix stores do prepare fresh hummingbird cakes on a regular basis. For example, locations in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, and Tennessee may have hummingbird cake available daily or weekly as a standard baked good option. In other regions like North Carolina and Virginia, hummingbird cake may be rotated in and out seasonally based on customer demand and preferences.
The best way to find out if your local Publix bakery offers fresh hummingbird cake is to:
- Check their bakery counter for availability
- Ask a bakery staff member when it is made
- Place a special order for hummingbird cake
- Check the weekly ad circulars and sales flyers for hummingbird cake promotions
Even if hummingbird cake isn’t a regular offering, many Publix bakery locations will prepare it with some advance notice via custom cake orders. Reaching out to the bakery department is the best option for hummingbird cake fans hoping to get their fix from Publix.
Publix Hummingbird Cake Nutrition Information
For customers monitoring nutritional intake, the nutrition information for Publix’s hummingbird cake can provide helpful details:
Publix Hummingbird Cake (1 slice) | Calories | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) |
---|---|---|---|---|
With cream cheese frosting | 410 | 19 | 53 | 4 |
The majority of calories in hummingbird cake come from carbohydrates. The cake has bananas, pineapple, sugar, and flour as dense sources of carbohydrates with 53 grams per slice. A slice also provides 19 grams of fat, largely from cream cheese frosting and pecans. There are 410 calories in one slice of Publix hummingbird cake with frosting.
Nutrients in a slice of hummingbird cake include:
- Vitamin C – Pineapple provides this immune-supporting vitamin
- Manganese – From pecans, helps produce energy and antioxidants
- Copper – In nuts and spices, helps form red blood cells
- Vitamin B6 – Bananas have this B vitamin to support metabolism
- Fiber – From fruit and nuts to aid digestion
While hummingbird cake tastes indulgent, it does supply essential vitamins and minerals. The tropical fruit provides vitamin C and manganese, while the nuts offer healthy fats and copper. The bananas have vitamin B6 and fiber as well. Still, the cake is high in calories, carbs, and fat, so portion control is important.
How to Order Hummingbird Cake from Publix
If you want to get your hands on fresh, bakery-made hummingbird cake from Publix, here are some tips for ordering it:
Check availability
Stop by the bakery department or call your local store to ask when they prepare hummingbird cakes. Some locations have set days for hummingbird cake production. You can also check Publix weekly ad flyers for any promotions featuring the cake.
Place custom order
If hummingbird cake isn’t already available, you can place a special order. Talk to the bakery staff to put in a request. You’ll likely need to order at least a few days in advance. Provide your preferred date for pickup or delivery.
Order cake size
Publix offers hummingbird cake by the slice or as a whole cake. A 10-inch cake serves 10-12 people. Specify the size you need for the occasion when placing your order. Larger cakes may require more notice.
Frosting options
Publix can prepare hummingbird cake with cream cheese frosting or without frosting. Let the staff know which you prefer when ordering. Unfrosted may be better for those monitoring sugar and fat intake.
Add decorations
Customize your Publix hummingbird cake with writing or decorations for a special touch. You can have a message added like “Happy Birthday” or select decorations like flowers or leaves.
Provide contact information
When placing your order, share your phone number and email so Publix can reach out with any questions. Also provide the best time and method to contact you if needed.
Pickup or delivery
You can choose to pick up your hummingbird cake order or have it delivered if available in your area. Just specify your preference when finalizing the order. Keep your confirmation for reference.
How to Make Your Own Hummingbird Cake
If you want homemade hummingbird cake and can’t get it from Publix, you can always bake it yourself following this recipe:
Ingredients
- 3 cups flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
- 2 cups bananas, mashed
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease two 9-inch cake pans.
- Mix flour, sugar, baking soda, and cinnamon in a large bowl.
- Add eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla, drained pineapple, bananas, and pecans to flour mixture. Mix until just combined, do not overmix.
- Divide batter between cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting.
- To make frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Mix until light and fluffy.
- Frost cooled cakes and serve.
There you have it – an easy homemade version of hummingbird cake! With some basic ingredients and a couple of cake pans, you can bake this Southern classic for yourself when you have a craving.
Where Else Can You Buy Hummingbird Cake
Beyond Publix, there are some other bakeries and chains that prepare fresh hummingbird cakes if you get a craving:
Local bakeries
Check your local bakeries in the mall or around town to see if any offer hummingbird cakes. Some bakeries in the south keep it as a regular offering.
Specialty Southern bakeries
Bakeries specializing in Southern desserts will likely have hummingbird cake available like Southern Baked Pie Company in Alabama or Sweet Cheats in Atlanta.
Whole Foods
The natural grocer Whole Foods has bakery sections in stores that carry hummingbird cakes at times. Check your location’s offerings.
The Fresh Market
For another grocery option, some Fresh Market stores sell freshly prepared hummingbird cakes in their bakery departments.
Edgar’s Bakery
This mail order bakery based in Alabama is known for its classic hummingbird cake and ships nationwide.
Make online orders
You can order hummingbird cake online from Goldbelly or other food delivery services to have it shipped if you can’t find it locally. This works best for a special occasion.
Key Takeaways
Here are some of the main things to know about getting hummingbird cake from Publix:
- Availability varies by location, check with your local Publix bakery
- Order 1-2 weeks ahead for special occasions
- Choose size, frosting, decorations when ordering
- Nutrition varies but typically high in sugar, carbs, and fat
- Can be ordered for pickup or delivery where available
- Other grocers like Whole Foods or Fresh Market may offer it
- Making it at home is a close option when you want fresh hummingbird cake
With its banana, pineapple, pecan, and cinnamon flavors, hummingbird cake is a uniquely delicious Southern treat. While Publix may not always carry it, you can often special order it from their bakery. With a custom Publix hummingbird cake or baking it yourself, you can enjoy this sweet cake that attracts “hummingbirds” looking for something sweet and energizing.