What is Magnolia Bakery Hummingbird Cake?

Magnolia Bakery’s Hummingbird Cake is a Southern-style layered cake made with bananas, pineapple, pecans, and cream cheese frosting. It is a moist and dense cake that is packed with tropical flavors. The original recipe for Hummingbird Cake is credited to Mrs. L.H. Wiggins and first appeared in Southern Living magazine in 1978. Since then, it has become a beloved dessert in the American South and beyond.

What Are the Origins of Hummingbird Cake?

As mentioned, the origins of Hummingbird Cake can be traced back to Southern Living magazine and Mrs. L.H. Wiggins’ recipe submission in 1978. However, the origins of the name “Hummingbird Cake” are less clear. There are a few theories about how this cake got its unique moniker:

• The tropical flavors are reminiscent of a hummingbird’s diet of nectar.
• It is so sweet and appetizing that you eat it very quickly, like a hummingbird eats.
• It contains ingredients that would attract hummingbirds – bananas, pineapple, nuts, and spice.

Whatever the reasoning behind the name, it stuck and Hummingbird Cake became a quintessential Southern dessert. The original recipe called for mashed bananas, crushed pineapple, cinnamon, vanilla, pecans, and vegetable oil. It featured a simple cream cheese frosting on top. Magnolia Bakery stays true to these classic flavors in their version.

What Are the Ingredients in Magnolia Bakery’s Hummingbird Cake?

Magnolia Bakery uses high-quality, fresh ingredients to create an exceptionally moist and flavorful Hummingbird Cake. Here are the ingredients that go into each cake:

For the Cake:

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Light brown sugar
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt
• Vegetable oil
• Eggs
• Pure vanilla extract
• Ripe bananas, mashed
• Crushed pineapple, drained
• Chopped pecans

For the Frosting:

• Cream cheese, softened
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Confectioners’ sugar
• Pure vanilla extract

These simple, high-quality ingredients allow the tropical flavors to really shine through. Magnolia Bakery doesn’t take any shortcuts with premade mixes or artificial flavors.

What is the Nutrition Information for Magnolia Bakery’s Hummingbird Cake?

Here is the nutrition information for one slice (1/10th) of Magnolia Bakery’s Hummingbird Cake:

As you can see, while delicious, Hummingbird Cake is quite high in calories, fat, and sugar. The cake contains 490 calories per slice, with 24g of fat and 54g of sugar. However, the cake also provides some fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals from ingredients like bananas, pineapple, pecans, and eggs. Overall, Hummingbird Cake should be enjoyed occasionally as a special treat.

What Equipment is Used to Make Magnolia Bakery’s Hummingbird Cake?

Magnolia Bakery uses commercial-grade equipment to make Hummingbird Cake efficiently while maintaining quality and freshness. Here are some of the key pieces of equipment used:

• Stand mixer – A heavy-duty stand mixer with paddle attachment is used to cream together the wet ingredients and combine the dry ingredients.
• Sheet pans – Half sheet pans (18×13 inches) are used to bake the cake layers evenly.
• Wire racks – Wire racks allow the baked cake layers to cool completely before assembly.
• Cake leveler – A cake leveler creates perfectly flat, even cake layers for filling and frosting.
• Revolving cake stand – The revolving cake stand spins the cake while it is iced for an perfectly smooth frosting application.
• Cake comb – A cake comb creates decorative ridges in the frosting.
• Cake boxes – Sturdy cake boxes safely package the finished cakes for delivery.

In addition to this professional equipment, Magnolia Bakery also uses high-quality hand tools like spatulas, whisks, measuring cups, and knives to carefully prepare each ingredient.

What is the Shelf Life of Magnolia Bakery’s Hummingbird Cake?

When handled and stored properly, Magnolia Bakery’s Hummingbird Cake will last 5-7 days when refrigerated. The cake contains perishable ingredients like cream cheese frosting and fresh banana, so it is important to refrigerate it. Here are some tips for preserving your Magnolia Bakery Hummingbird Cake:

• Refrigerate promptly after purchasing. Do not leave the cake sitting out at room temperature.
• Check the packaging date and consume by 5-7 days past that date.
• Store the cake in its original packaging or place in an airtight container.
• Keep the cake refrigerated at all times. Do not allow it to sit out for long periods.
• Avoid direct contact with moisture, which can cause the cake layers to become soggy.
• If carefully stored, the cake’s flavors remain fresh but the texture becomes a bit more dense after 5-7 days.

For best quality, it is recommended to consume the Hummingbird Cake within 2-3 days of purchasing. Refrigeration prevents microbial growth and preserves the flavor longer. But the cake remains freshest in the first few days.

How Do You Serve and Eat Magnolia Bakery’s Hummingbird Cake?

Magnolia Bakery’s Hummingbird Cake is meant to be served chilled. Allow refrigerated cake to sit out for 15 minutes before serving, to take the chill off. Hummingbird Cake is often served directly from the take-out box for convenience. Use a serrated knife to carefully cut slices from the cake.

Many people enjoy Hummingbird Cake plain, savoring the rich banana, pineapple, pecan, and cream cheese flavors in each bite. However, you can also dress it up before serving:

• Dust with confectioners’ sugar for added sweetness and a pretty presentation.
• Garnish with fresh banana or pineapple slices.
• Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
• Drizzle slices with caramel, honey, or chocolate sauce.
• Top with toasted pecan or coconut flakes.

The soft, dense crumb soaks up any accompaniments beautifully. Sip on a Southern sweet tea, cold milk, or hot coffee with your slice of Hummingbird Cake for a quintessential Southern treat.

What is the Typical Cost of Magnolia Bakery’s Hummingbird Cake?

Magnolia Bakery’s Hummingbird Cake is considered a premium specialty cake. It is priced higher than a basic sheet cake to reflect the quality ingredients and skilled preparation involved. Here is the typical pricing:

• 6 inch cake (serves 6-8): $42
• 9 inch cake (serves 10-12): $65
• 12 inch cake (serves 20-24): $140

Keep in mind that Magnolia Bakery locations are based in major metropolitan cities like New York and Los Angeles where prices tend to be higher. You may be able to find cheaper Hummingbird Cake options at local Southern bakeries depending on where you live. But fans say that the premium price reflects Magnolia’s exceptional and authentic version of this classic Southern cake.

Where Can You Buy Magnolia Bakery’s Hummingbird Cake?

You can purchase Magnolia Bakery’s Hummingbird Cake at any of their bakery retail locations:

• New York City – There are 5 locations throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn.
• Los Angeles – There is 1 bakery location in West Hollywood.
• Chicago – There is 1 bakery location in the West Loop.
• Boston – There is 1 bakery location in the Back Bay.
• Las Vegas – There is 1 bakery location in The Venetian Resort.
• Washington DC – There is 1 bakery location in Penn Quarter.

You can also order Magnolia Bakery’s Hummingbird Cake and other baked goods online through their website, Goldbelly.com, or bakedeggs.com. Shipping is available to all 50 U.S. states.

How Far in Advance Should You Order Magnolia’s Hummingbird Cake?

If you are planning an event or party featuring Magnolia’s Hummingbird Cake, it is best to place your order at least 72 hours (3 days) in advance if ordering for in-store pickup. For nationwide shipping, you will want to order 4-5 days in advance.

This ensures the bakery has adequate time to bake enough cakes fresh and arrange shipping if needed. You can even further customize your order with writing on the cake, decorative flowers, etc. But be sure to give them several days’ notice for any custom requests.

During busy times like the holidays, Magnolia Bakery may require orders to be placed even further ahead, like 5-7 days in advance. Be sure to ask at time of ordering how far ahead they recommend pre-ordering your particular cake size and customizations.

Is Magnolia Bakery’s Hummingbird Cake Better Than Other Bakeries’?

Many hummingbird cake aficionados insist that Magnolia Bakery’s version sets the gold standard for this iconic Southern dessert. What makes their Hummingbird Cake stand out includes:

• Faithfulness to original recipe – They don’t deviate from the classic ingredients and proportions.
• Quality ingredients – They use premium ingredients like Madagascar vanilla and real cream cheese.
• Moistness – Their cake achieves the perfect moist crumb, without being overly dense or soggy.
• Balanced flavors – The banana, pineapple, pecan, and spice flavors harmonize beautifully.
• Ideal texture – Each tender, moist layer soaks up the silky frosting.
• Subtle sweetness – It satisfies your sweet tooth without becoming cloying.
• Retro presentation – The no-frills decoration evokes old-fashioned Southern charm.

However, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a more modern interpretation with different ingredients or bolder flavors, another bakery’s Hummingbird Cake may better suit your tastes. But most would agree that Magnolia Bakery nails the classic version of this iconic cake.

What Are Some Key Tips for Baking Magnolia’s Style of Hummingbird Cake at Home?

While Magnolia Bakery keeps their exact Hummingbird Cake recipe a secret, you can recreate a similar moist, flavorful version at home. Here are some key tips for nailing their style of Hummingbird Cake:

• Don’t skimp on ingredients – Invest in premium ingredients like high-quality butter, real vanilla, and fresh produce.
• Properly ripen bananas – Use very ripe bananas mottled with brown spots. The riper the better!
• Drain pineapple well – Excess juice will make your cake wet and soggy.
• Don’t overmix batter – Gentle mixing preserves moisture and texture.
• Check doneness – Bake until a toothpick comes out clean, not sticking.
• Cool completely before frosting – This prevents frosting from melting into the cake.
• Level layers before stacking – Even layers give your cake a professional look.
• Refrigerate – Chilling helps the flavors mingle and preserves freshness.

With high-quality ingredients and careful technique, you can create a tender, moist, and flavorful Hummingbird Cake to rival Magnolia’s famous version.

Conclusion

In summary, Magnolia Bakery’s Hummingbird Cake is a faithful representation of the traditional Southern recipe. It stands out for its moist yet light crumb, balanced blend of banana, pineapple, pecan, and spice flavors, and silky cream cheese frosting. Made with quality ingredients and classic techniques, it exemplifies the very best version of this retro Southern dessert. Fans say it’s worth the premium price tag for an authentic old-fashioned Hummingbird Cake experience. With proper storage and refrigeration, you can enjoy moist leftover slices for up to a week after purchasing. While Magnolia keeps their exact recipe confidential, you can recreate a similar masterpiece at home with high-quality ingredients, proper ripening, and careful mixing. When you’re craving a timeless Hummingbird Cake just like Nana used to make, Magnolia Bakery delivers the quintessential Southern delight.