Hummingbird Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze

If you’re searching for a dessert that’s equal parts impressive and comforting, the Hummingbird Bundt Cake is your answer. This Southern-inspired classic combines ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, crunchy pecans, and a warm blend of spices, all baked into a beautifully sculpted bundt pan. Topped with a velvety cream cheese glaze, it’s a cake that balances tropical sweetness with old-fashioned charm. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or Sunday dinners, this cake is as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Looking for inspiration? Try Pumpkin Bundt Cake for another seasonal twist.

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What is Hummingbird Bundt Cake?

Origins of the Hummingbird Cake

The Hummingbird Cake has deep Southern roots, but its story traces back to Jamaica in the late 1960s. Originally known as “Doctor Bird Cake,” named after Jamaica’s national bird, the recipe gained popularity in the United States after being published in Southern Living magazine in 1978. With its tropical ingredients and rich texture, it quickly became a staple in Southern kitchens, often reserved for special gatherings and church socials.

Why bake it in a Bundt pan?

While the original cake was baked as a layered round, transforming it into a bundt cake offers several advantages. The fluted design of the pan allows the cake to bake more evenly while adding a show-stopping appearance with very little effort. Bundt pans also hold moisture well, keeping this already rich cake from drying out. Plus, the deep ridges give the cream cheese glaze plenty of grooves to drip into, creating an irresistible presentation.

Classic flavor profile

At its heart, the Hummingbird Bundt Cake is a flavor powerhouse. Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, crushed pineapple adds tangy tropical notes, and pecans bring a toasty crunch. Cinnamon and nutmeg round out the warmth, while the cream cheese glaze delivers a luscious, tangy contrast. Together, these ingredients create a cake that feels indulgent yet balanced, making it an unforgettable dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients for the Perfect Hummingbird Bundt Cake

When it comes to baking, the ingredients you choose set the stage for success. The Hummingbird Bundt Cake relies on a handful of pantry staples mixed with tropical accents to create its signature flavor.

Essential cake ingredients

The base of this cake is surprisingly simple: ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, flour, sugar, and eggs. Oil is the preferred fat here because it keeps the cake extra moist without weighing it down. Unlike butter-heavy cakes, the oil ensures that every slice stays soft even days after baking.

Add-ins that make it special

What sets this cake apart are the extras. Toasted pecans add texture and nutty richness, while ground cinnamon and nutmeg lend warmth. A splash of vanilla extract ties everything together. You can also experiment by adding coconut flakes or even swapping pecans for walnuts if that’s what you have on hand.

Cream cheese glaze details

The finishing touch is the glaze, and it’s worth the few extra minutes. Made with cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and a little milk or cream, it’s thick yet pourable. The trick is whisking until smooth and silky. The glaze should drip slowly over the bundt ridges, creating those signature glossy stripes that make the cake look bakery-worthy.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the core ingredients:

Ingredient	Measurement	Notes
Ripe bananas	2 large, mashed	The riper, the better for sweetness.
Crushed pineapple	1 cup (with juice)	Adds moisture and tropical flavor.
All-purpose flour	2 ½ cups	Sifted for best texture.
Granulated sugar	1 ¾ cups	Can use half brown sugar if preferred.
Eggs	3 large	Room temperature.
Vegetable oil	¾ cup	Ensures a moist crumb.
Pecans	1 cup, chopped	Toast lightly for best flavor.
Cinnamon	1 teaspoon	Ground.
Nutmeg	½ teaspoon	Optional, but adds warmth.
Baking soda	1 teaspoon	Helps with rise.
Salt	½ teaspoon	Balances sweetness.
Cream cheese	4 ounces	For the glaze.
Butter	2 tablespoons	Softened, for the glaze.
Powdered sugar	1 ½ cups	Adjust for thickness.
Milk or cream	2–3 tablespoons	Helps with consistency.
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon	For glaze flavor.

Don’t miss our Chocolate Zucchini Bundt Cake if you’re craving another moist bundt option with veggies baked in.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Hummingbird Bundt Cake

Preparing the bundt pan for best release

A bundt pan can be tricky if not prepped properly. Always grease the pan thoroughly with butter or shortening, making sure to get into all the ridges. Lightly dust with flour or use a baking spray that includes flour. This step ensures the cake releases cleanly and keeps its beautiful shape.

Mixing wet and dry ingredients

In one bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In another, mix the eggs, oil, bananas, and pineapple. Pour the wet into the dry and stir gently until combined—don’t overmix, or the cake may turn dense. Fold in the chopped pecans at the end.

Baking and cooling tips

Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and bake at 350°F for about 55–60 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack. Cooling completely before glazing is crucial; otherwise, the glaze will melt into the cake instead of coating it.

Making and pouring the glaze

Beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until smooth. Add powdered sugar, then whisk in milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach a pourable consistency. Drizzle generously over the cooled cake, letting it drip naturally. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle with chopped pecans or a dusting of cinnamon.

Check out this Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake for another fruit-forward dessert that’s equally crowd-pleasing.

Tips for Success with Hummingbird Bundt Cake

How to keep the cake moist

Moisture is the hallmark of a good hummingbird cake. Use very ripe bananas, don’t drain the pineapple juice, and stick with vegetable oil rather than butter. These elements ensure the crumb stays tender for days.

Common mistakes to avoid

Bundt cakes can be temperamental. Overmixing the batter makes it dense, while under-greasing the pan may cause sticking. Another frequent error is cutting the cake too soon after glazing—the glaze needs time to set for a picture-perfect finish.

Variations to try

This recipe is flexible. Turn it into mini bundts for individual servings, cupcakes for a party, or even a layered cake with cream cheese frosting. Adding shredded coconut or swapping pecans for walnuts is another way to make it your own. For more creative twists, discover great ideas like Chunkin Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecake.

Serving and Storing Hummingbird Bundt Cake

Best serving occasions

This cake shines on Easter tables, holiday buffets, birthday celebrations, or even casual Sunday brunch. Its blend of fruit and spice feels cozy but festive.

How to store properly

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake (covered) for up to 5 days. The glaze holds up well when chilled.

Make-ahead and reheating tips

You can bake the cake a day ahead and glaze it just before serving. To freeze, wrap slices tightly in plastic and store for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and refresh with a light glaze drizzle before serving. Don’t miss our No Added Sugar Pumpkin Banana Bread if you’re looking for another moist, fruity bake.

FAQs About Hummingbird Bundt Cake

Conclusion

The Hummingbird Bundt Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a slice of Southern hospitality with a tropical twist. With its ripe bananas, pineapple sweetness, warm spices, and signature cream cheese glaze, it’s a recipe that delights at any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday or just because, this bundt cake will always impress. Don’t miss our Italian Limoncello Cake if you’d like to explore another fruit-forward cake with a citrus kick.

For a deeper dive into food history, check out Southern Foodways Alliance—an authoritative resource on traditional Southern cuisine.

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