The Ultimate Hummingbird Bread Recipe: Sweet & Nutty Bliss

Baking a delightful hummingbird bread brings pure comfort to any kitchen adventure.

Sweet bananas and tropical pineapple dance together in this Southern classic.

Creamy cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious finishing touch to each slice.

Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg create a rich, aromatic backdrop.

Nuts provide delightful crunch and texture throughout the moist cake-like creation.

Mixing these ingredients feels like crafting a culinary love letter to traditional desserts.

You’ll fall in love with every single bite of this irresistible treat.

What Makes Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting So Special

• Savor Tropical Flavors: Indulge in a delightful mix of bananas, pineapple, and coconut that brings a sunshine-like burst of tropical goodness to your taste buds.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or weekend brunches, this bread appeals to all ages with its rich, comforting texture and sweet cinnamon frosting.
• Quick Preparation Magic: Minimal ingredients and simple mixing technique make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned home cooks.
• Nutty Crunch Delight: Pecans add a wonderful textural contrast, providing a satisfying crunch that elevates the bread from ordinary to extraordinary.

Ingredients for Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

• Bananas: Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.
• Flour: The base ingredient that provides structure to the bread.
• Egg: Helps bind the ingredients and adds richness to the texture.
• Oil: Ensures the bread stays moist and tender.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help create a soft, golden-brown crust.

• Coconut, Pineapple, Pecans: Add tropical flavor, texture, and nutty crunch to the bread.

• Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt: Help the bread rise and enhance the overall flavor.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Create a rich and creamy base for the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve the right frosting consistency.

• Vanilla, Cinnamon: Provide warm, aromatic flavor to the cream cheese frosting.

How to Prepare Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Baking Equipment

Grab a loaf pan and coat it thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray. Set your oven to preheat at 350F (175C) to ensure perfect baking conditions.

Step 2: Create Wet Ingredient Mixture

• Ripe bananas
• Brown sugar
• White sugar
• Egg
• Vegetable oil

Whisk everything together until the mixture looks smooth and well-blended.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

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

Mix until just combined, avoiding overmixing.

Step 4: Add Tropical Elements

• Shredded coconut
• Crushed pineapple
• Chopped pecans

Stir gently to distribute ingredients evenly throughout the batter.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Rest

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This helps the bread set and makes slicing easier.

Step 7: Craft Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

• Softened cream cheese
• Softened butter

• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon

Beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.

Step 8: Frost and Garnish

Spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting generously over the cooled bread. Sprinkle additional chopped pecans on top for extra crunch and decoration.

Pro Tips for Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

• Boost Moisture Retention: Mash ripe bananas thoroughly to ensure even distribution and maximum moisture in the bread.
• Prevent Ingredient Sinking: Lightly coat chopped pecans and coconut with flour before folding into batter to prevent them from settling at the bottom.
• Check Bread Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread; if it comes out clean with minimal crumbs, the bread is perfectly baked.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Let the bread cool completely before frosting to allow flavors to meld and prevent frosting from melting.
• Store Smartly: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

Variation Suggestions for Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

• Gluten-Free Hummingbird Bread: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version, maintaining the same moist texture and tropical flavors.
• Vegan Tropical Loaf: Substitute egg with flax egg, use coconut oil, and swap cream cheese frosting for cashew-based frosting to create a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sugar Banana Bread: Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener, adding extra ripe bananas for natural sweetness, and using Greek yogurt in place of oil.
• Nut-Free Island Bread: Eliminate pecans and replace with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for those with nut allergies, keeping the signature fruity profile intact.

Pairing Ideas for Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

• Pair with Tropical Rum Punch: A sweet, fruity cocktail that echoes the bread's pineapple and coconut notes, creating a Caribbean-inspired flavor harmony.
• Complement with Creamy Vanilla Latte: The smooth, rich coffee balances the bread's sweetness while the vanilla undertones highlight the cinnamon frosting's warmth.
• Match with Caramel Chai Tea: Spicy chai spices interplay beautifully with the bread's cinnamon, while caramel notes enhance the dessert's overall sweetness.
• Serve alongside Cold Coconut Milk: A refreshing, light beverage that cleanses the palate and amplifies the bread's tropical ingredients, providing a cool contrast to the rich dessert.

Storage Advice for Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

• Store covered in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Slice bread before freezing. Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Keep at room temperature in a sealed container for 2-3 days. Place a paper towel underneath to absorb excess moisture and prevent sogginess.
• Warm individual slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds. For oven method, reheat at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore softness and bring out flavors.

FAQs for Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

• What exactly is hummingbird bread?

A Southern-style quick bread featuring ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, coconut, and pecans, inspired by the classic hummingbird cake from the southern United States.

• Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have everything?

Yes, you can replace pecans with walnuts, use light brown sugar instead of granulated sugar, or swap coconut with shredded almonds if needed.

• Is this bread considered healthy?

While delicious, it’s a treat with moderate nutritional value. It contains fruit and nuts, but also has sugar and butter, so enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Hummingbird Bread Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet Southern comfort meets tropical delight in this hummingbird bread, blending ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, and warm spices into a moist, irresistible quick bread. Cream cheese glaze and chopped pecans crown this classic Southern dessert, inviting you to savor each memorable slice.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 bananas, ripe
• 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup pineapple, diced
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

Dry and Spice Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup (57 grams) butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and generously spray a loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly mash ripe bananas and blend with sugars, whisking in egg and oil until the mixture becomes smooth and homogeneous.
3. Gradually incorporate dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt – stirring until just combined without overmixing.
4. Gently fold in shredded coconut, crushed pineapple, and chopped pecans, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.
5. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Remove from oven and allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack, which helps prevent soggy bottoms.
8. For the frosting, whip cream cheese and butter in a separate bowl until light and fluffy.
9. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon, beating until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
10. Once the bread has cooled, generously spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting over the top.
11. Garnish with additional chopped pecans for added crunch and visual appeal.

Notes

• Customize fruit ratios by adjusting pineapple and banana quantities to suit personal taste preferences without compromising bread’s moisture.
• Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and provide extra crunch throughout the bread’s texture.
• Swap traditional wheat flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or coconut flour for those with dietary restrictions, ensuring similar texture and taste.
• Store bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness up to one week.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern United States

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2.5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg