Description
Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist, flavorful Southern American quick bread combining ripe bananas and crushed pineapple with warm cinnamon and crunchy pecans. Topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting, this delightful bread makes a perfect dessert or breakfast treat.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 bananas)
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk (if needed, to thin)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the mashed bananas and drained crushed pineapple.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently just until combined to avoid overmixing and ensure a tender bread.
- Add pecans (optional): Fold in the chopped pecans if you choose to include them for added texture and flavor.
- Bake the bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool the bread: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan before adding the frosting to prevent melting.
- Make the frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy. Add a splash of milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Frost the bread: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bread. Slice and serve.
Notes
- To enhance the flavor, toast the pecans lightly before folding them into the batter.
- Store the finished bread in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- For a lighter version, you can reduce the sugar or substitute some of the oil with Greek yogurt.
