How did hummingbird cake get its name?

Hummingbird cake is a sweet and moist spice cake that originated in Jamaica. It gets its name from the fact that it contains a lot of sugar and is very sweet, just like the nectar that attracts hummingbirds. The cake has a rich banana, pineapple, and cinnamon flavor that makes it irresistible to the tastebuds.

What are the origins of hummingbird cake?

While the exact origins of hummingbird cake are unclear, it’s believed to have originated in Jamaica in the 1960s or 1970s. The tropical climate of Jamaica provides abundant fresh bananas and pineapples that are key ingredients in the cake. Cinnamon is also grown in Jamaica and adds warming spice notes. The cake was likely created by local home bakers using these tropical ingredients.

The first published recipe for hummingbird cake appeared in Southern Living magazine in February 1978. It was submitted by Mrs. L.H. Wiggins of Greensboro, North Carolina and titled “Hummingbird Cake.” This recipe used mashed bananas, crushed pineapple, flour, sugar, eggs, oil, cinnamon, vanilla, chopped nuts, baking soda, and salt. This original recipe remains the basis for most hummingbird cakes made today.

Why is it called hummingbird cake?

There are a few theories about why this cake is named after hummingbirds:

• The sweetness – Hummingbird cake is very sweet, much like the nectar that hummingbirds feed on.
• The moisture – It has a very moist, sticky texture reminiscent of thick, sticky nectar.
• The origins – It was created in Jamaica where there are many hummingbirds that pollinate the tropical flowers.
• The flavor – The banana, pineapple, and spice flavors mimic tropical flowers pollinated by hummingbirds.

The most common explanation is that the cake is so sweet that it would attract any nearby hummingbirds. Hummingbirds have an incredible ability to detect sugars and are drawn to anything very sweet. The combination of mashed bananas, pineapple, sugar, and spices creates a sehr süßer Kuchen that hummingbirds couldn’t resist!

What are the key ingredients in hummingbird cake?

Hummingbird cake has a few key ingredients that give it its signature flavor and texture:

• Ripe bananas – Bananas lend moisture, sweetness, and structure. They should be well-ripened with brown spots on the peel.
• Pineapple – Crushed pineapple provides even more moisture and a tropical fruit flavor. Canned pineapple works well.
• Cinnamon – This warm spice complements the sweet fruit flavors. About 1-2 teaspoons is used.
• Vanilla – Vanilla enhances the banana and pineapple flavors. Use 1-2 teaspoons of extract.
• Vegetable oil – The oil keeps the cake extra moist and tender. Canola or sunflower oil work well.
• Sugar – Granulated white sugar sweetens the cake. Around 2 cups is typical.
• Flour – All-purpose flour provides structure and texture. About 2 cups does the trick.
• Eggs – Eggs help bind the batter. Usually 2-3 eggs are used.
• Nuts – Chopped pecans or walnuts give a nice crunch. Optional but highly recommended.

Getting the balance right between the juicy fruit, sweetener, spice, and structure is important for the ideal hummingbird cake texture.

What is the basic process for making hummingbird cake?

Here is a general overview of the key steps to make classic hummingbird cake:

1. Gather ingredients – bananas, pineapple, sugar, flour, eggs, oil, spices, etc.
2. Mash bananas until smooth and creamy.
3. Drain the pineapple, reserving the juice for the frosting.
4. Whisk together the dry ingredients in one bowl.
5. In another bowl, beat the wet ingredients together – eggs, oil, bananas.
6. Stir in the pineapple.
7. Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and stir just until blended.
8. Fold in the nuts if using.
9. Pour batter into greased baking pans.
10. Bake at 350°F for 25-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
11. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting.
12. Make the frosting by whipping together cream cheese, butter, reserved pineapple juice and powdered sugar.
13. Frost cooled cake layers and stack.

The mixing method involves creaming the wet and dry ingredients separately, then gently folding everything together at the end. This prevents overmixing for a tender crumb.

What are some key tips for perfect hummingbird cake?

Here are some top tips from expert bakers for making flawless hummingbird cake:

• Use very ripe bananas – The bananas should be heavily speckled brown with a deep sweetness.
• Don’t overmix the batter – Gentle folding preserves the cake’s tender, moist crumb.
• Check for doneness early – The cake can overbake quickly thanks to the fruit juices.
• Let it cool completely before frosting – Frosting while warm leads to melting and sliding.
• Make the frosting just thick enough to spread – Too stiff and it will tear the tender cake.
• Store cooled cake layers wrapped before stacking – This prevents drying out.
• Use toasted nuts for crunch – Toasting enhances their flavor.
• Garnish with fresh fruit – Banana slices, pineapple rings or citrus zest add freshness.

Following these tips will help ensure your hummingbird cake turns out perfectly moist and sweet with gorgeous layers of frosting and fruit!

What are some variations on traditional hummingbird cake?

While the classic recipe remains a favorite, there are lots of fun ways to put a spin on hummingbird cake:

• Fruit purees – Substitute blended mango, strawberries, or peaches for some of the banana.
• Spice mixes – Add a pinch of cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, or allspice.
• Citrus zest – Stir in some grated lemon, lime, or orange zest.
• Alternative juices – Replace some of the pineapple juice in the frosting with orange, mango or apricot nectar.
• Boozy soaking – Brush cake layers with rum, whiskey, or amaretto for extra moisture.
• Nut alternatives – Try macadamia nuts, hazelnuts, almonds, pistachios or shredded coconut.
• Frosting swaps – Use cream cheese, whipped cream, mascarpone, or vanilla buttercream.

Feel free to get creative and make your own signature hummingbird cake tailored to your tastes!

What are some common toppings and decorations for hummingbird cake?

Hummingbird cake is generously frosted, but takes well to extra decorations too. Here are some popular toppings and garnishes:

• Chopped or sliced nuts – pecans, walnuts, almonds, etc.
• Toasted coconut flakes or shreds
• Dried or fresh edible flowers like hibiscus or rose petals
• Sliced tropical fruits like banana, pineapple, mango, kiwi, etc.
• Citrus zests – orange, lemon, lime
• Chopped chocolate or chocolate drizzle
• Curls of white, milk, or dark chocolate
• Sprinkles in various colors and shapes
• Dollops of whipped cream

The most common would be adding extra chopped nuts on the frosted sides or top of the cake. But you can get really creative with tropical fruit slices, edible flowers, chocolate shavings and more to take your hummingbird cake to the next decorative level!

Does hummingbird cake need to be refrigerated?

Yes, it’s important to refrigerate any leftovers of frosted hummingbird cake. Here’s why:

• The high moisture crumb needs to be kept chilled to prevent premature staling.
• The frosting contains ingredients like cream cheese and whipped cream that require refrigeration.
• Fridge temperatures help preserve the fresh fruit flavors longer.
• It slows down chemical reactions that could cause the cake’s quality to deteriorate faster.

Cover any uneaten cake tightly in plastic wrap or slide into an airtight container before refrigerating. This prevents the cake from absorbing fridge odors and drying out.

Properly stored leftovers should last 3-4 days in the fridge. Let the cake come up to room temperature for about an hour before serving to soften the chilled slices.

Can you freeze hummingbird cake?

Freezing is a great way to preserve homemade hummingbird cake for even longer than refrigerating. Here are some tips for successful freezing:

• Double wrap cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
• Place wrapped layers in freezer bags or airtight containers.
• Freeze for up to 3 months at 0°F.
• Thaw still-wrapped cakes overnight in the fridge.
• Let come to room temperature before decorating and serving.

You can even freeze the frosted cake by placing the entire assembled and decorated cake into a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and allow to reach room temperature before serving.

Just avoid letting the cake thaw then re-freezing, as this causes texture and quality to suffer. With proper freezing methods, hummingbird cake can keep well for months!

Conclusion

With its sweet and fruity banana-pineapple flavor profile, moist tender crumb, and luscious cream cheese frosting, it’s easy to see why hummingbird cake has become such a cherished Southern dessert. While the exact origins are unknown, this tropical spice cake likely originated in Jamaica then became popularized in the American South in the late 1970s. The moniker “hummingbird” cake evokes images of the sweet nectar and tropical locales these bright little birds frequent. Variations abound, but the classic recipe strikes a perfect balance of banana, pineapple, warm spices, nuts, and decadent frosting that keeps devotees coming back for slice after slice. With proper storage in the refrigerator or freezer, you can enjoy homemade hummingbird cake for days or even months after baking.