Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Irresistible Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Hummingbird bread, a delectable Southern-inspired delight, refines ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Bursting with tropical nuances, this remarkable recipe marries sweet fruits and warm spices in a symphonic blend.

Rich banana undertones dance alongside subtle pineapple notes, creating a harmonious flavor profile that captivates taste buds.

The fragrant mixture promises a moist, tender crumb that melts effortlessly on your palate.

cinnamon cream cheese frosting elevates this bread from simple to spectacular, adding luxurious depth and creamy complexity.

Each slice tells a story of comfort, tradition, and unexpected deliciousness.

Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that redefines home baking.

Tips to Bake the Best Hummingbird Bread

  • Ripen Bananas Perfectly: Use overripe, dark-spotted bananas for maximum sweetness and deeper flavor in your bread.
  • Prevent Sinking Mix-Ins: Lightly dust chopped pecans, coconut, and pineapple with flour before folding into batter to prevent them from settling at the bottom.
  • Test Bread Doneness Accurately: Insert a toothpick in the center and look for it to come out with just a few moist crumbs, not completely wet or completely dry.
  • Soften Cream Cheese Correctly: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free frosting.
  • Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow bread to cool entirely to room temperature to prevent frosting from melting and sliding off the surface.

Storing & Reheating Hummingbird Bread Without Losing Moisture

  • Store Leftovers
  • Wrap the hummingbird bread tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container to preserve its moisture. Refrigerate for up to 5 days, keeping the cream cheese frosting fresh and preventing spoilage. Separate individual slices with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Freeze Method
  • Slice the bread before freezing for easier portioning. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen bread stays delicious for up to 3 months when properly sealed.
  • Reheating Tips
  • Thaw refrigerated or frozen bread at room temperature for 30 minutes. Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or toast lightly in a toaster oven to restore its soft texture and enhance the flavors.

Perfect Pairings for Hummingbird Bread with Frosting

  • Tropical Cocktail Companion: Pair this Hummingbird Bread with a refreshing pineapple mojito that echoes the tropical fruit notes in the bread, creating a harmonious flavor experience.
  • Coffee Lovers' Dream Match: Serve alongside a smooth, medium-roast Colombian coffee with hints of caramel and nuts to complement the bread's rich pecan and coconut elements.
  • Creamy Dessert Wine Delight: Enjoy with a chilled glass of Moscato d'Asti, whose sweet and light profile perfectly balances the dense, spiced cream cheese frosting and fruity bread.
  • Afternoon Tea Perfection: Complement the bread with a classic chai tea that brings out the cinnamon and warm spice undertones, making for a cozy and indulgent treat.

Flavorful Variations of Hummingbird Bread to Try

  • Tropical Paradise Bread: Swap pecans with macadamia nuts and add fresh mango chunks for a Hawaiian-inspired version that brings sunny flavors to your classic hummingbird bread.
  • Nutty Coconut Crunch: Replace half the flour with almond flour and increase coconut flakes for an extra nutty, crisp texture that enhances the bread's rich profile.
  • Spiced Rum Infusion: Mix in a tablespoon of dark rum during the wet ingredient stage and add a pinch of ground nutmeg to create a more complex, warm flavor reminiscent of Caribbean desserts.
  • Gluten-Free Fruity Option: Use gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour, and incorporate dried cranberries alongside the pineapple for a tangy, alternative take on the original recipe.

Why You’ll Love Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Savor Tropical Flavor Fusion: This hummingbird bread blends bananas, pineapple, and coconut into a delightful sweet treat that transports your taste buds to a sunny paradise.
  • Enjoy Textural Wonderland: Creamy bananas, crunchy pecans, and soft bread create a multi-dimensional eating experience that keeps every bite interesting and satisfying.
  • Master Easy Baking Magic: With simple mixing steps and straightforward ingredients, this recipe welcomes bakers of all skill levels to create a stunning dessert without complex techniques.
  • Craft Versatile Comfort Dessert: Perfect for breakfast, afternoon snack, or potluck gatherings, this bread serves multiple occasions while delivering rich, comforting flavors that everyone will love.

What Goes into Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Frosting

Fruit and Nut Base:
  • Ripe Bananas: Soft, sweet base that provides natural moisture and depth of flavor for the bread.
  • Pineapple Chunks: Fresh tropical fruit that adds juicy sweetness and bright notes to the bread.
  • Coconut Flakes: Provides delightful texture and subtle tropical essence to the bread.
  • Pecans: Crunchy nuts that bring rich, buttery flavor and delicious texture to each slice.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Egg: Binding agent that helps hold the bread together and provides structure.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures a moist and tender bread with smooth consistency.
  • Sugars: Sweetens the bread and helps create a golden-brown exterior.
Dry Ingredients and Spices:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Primary structure for the bread, creating a soft and tender crumb.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the bread rise and become light.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
Frosting Components:
  • Cream Cheese: Tangy base that creates a rich and creamy frosting.
  • Butter: Softened dairy that adds richness and smooth texture to the frosting.
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps thicken the frosting.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor to the cream cheese frosting.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Warm spice that brings depth and complexity to the frosting.

How to Make Hummingbird Bread with Frosting at Home

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set oven temperature to 350°F. Spray a loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, mash ripe bananas. Add sugars, egg, and oil. Blend ingredients thoroughly until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Sift together:
  • Flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Gently fold dry ingredients into banana mixture, stirring until just combined.

Step 4: Add Texture Ingredients

Carefully fold in:
  • Coconut flakes
  • Pineapple chunks
  • Chopped pecans

Mix gently to distribute evenly throughout batter.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Pour batter into prepared loaf pan, spreading evenly to ensure smooth top.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

Bake for 55-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into center – it should come out clean. Look for golden brown top as an additional indicator.

Step 7: Cool the Bread

Remove from oven and let bread cool on a wire rack. This allows bread to set and makes frosting easier.

Step 8: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and softened butter using an electric mixer until creamy and smooth.

Step 9: Finish Frosting

Gradually add:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Ground cinnamon

Continue beating until frosting is light and fluffy.

Step 10: Frost and Garnish

Once bread is completely cooled, spread cream cheese frosting generously. Sprinkle additional chopped pecans on top for extra crunch and decoration.

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Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe


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4.7 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Southern hospitality shines through this delightful Hummingbird Bread, blending ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, and warm spices into a moist quick bread. Creamy cinnamon cream cheese frosting crowns this classic Southern dessert, inviting you to savor each heavenly slice.


Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients:

  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) canola or vegetable oil
  • 4 ounces (113 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup (57 g) butter, softened
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups (188 g) flour
  • ½ cup (100 g) sugar
  • ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

Nuts and Fruit:

  • ½ cup (50 g) sweetened shredded coconut
  • ½ cup (75 g) pineapple, diced and patted dry
  • ⅓ cup (40 g) chopped pecans
  • ½ cup (60 g) chopped pecans

Frosting:

  • ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly grease a 9×5-inch (23×13-centimeter) loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, mash ripe bananas until smooth and creamy, then whisk in granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vegetable oil until the mixture becomes uniform and slightly frothy.
  3. Sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt directly into the banana mixture, stirring gently with a wooden spoon until just combined without overmixing.
  4. Carefully fold in sweetened coconut flakes, drained crushed pineapple, and roughly chopped pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the batter to ensure consistent flavor in every slice.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to smooth the top and ensure an even surface for baking.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through cooking time to promote even browning; the bread is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
  7. Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
  8. For the cream cheese frosting, beat softened cream cheese and unsalted butter in a medium bowl using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
  9. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract, mixing on low speed until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  10. Once the bread has cooled completely, spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting generously over the top, creating elegant swirls with an offset spatula.
  11. Garnish with additional chopped pecans for extra crunch and visual appeal, then slice and serve at room temperature.

Notes

  • Tropical paradise meets comfort food in this luscious bread that transforms classic banana bread into an extraordinary treat.
  • Overripe bananas become the secret weapon, delivering maximum moisture and deep, rich sweetness to every slice.
  • Pineapple chunks and coconut flakes transport your taste buds to a sunny island escape, adding unexpected tropical brightness.
  • Toasted pecans provide a delightful crunch and nutty undertone, creating complex layers of flavor and textural excitement.
  • Cinnamon-infused cream cheese frosting elevates this bread from simple snack to decadent dessert experience, offering creamy indulgence in every bite.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 334 kcal
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 29 mg
Julian Park

Julian Park

Co-Founder, Cuisine Researcher & Food Culture Writer

Expertise

  • Global Food Cultures & Culinary History
  • Regional Flavor Profiles & Cooking Techniques
  • Food Anthropology & Cultural Identity
  • Culinary Research & Narrative Writing
  • Street Food Traditions & Heritage Dishes

Education

The Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), Los Angeles, CA

  • Degree: Certificate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Professional culinary techniques, global cuisine fundamentals, and real-world training in restaurant-style cooking and food presentation.

Julian Park is a natural storyteller at The Dream Café who blends hands-on culinary experience with a passion for exploring global food traditions. A graduate of The Institute of Culinary Education in Los Angeles, Julian combines professional technique with a love for cultural discovery, diving into how dishes reflect heritage, migration, and identity. 

His work spans everything from in-depth cuisine guides to reflections on everyday meals around the world. With a curious palate and a journal always close by, Julian helps readers connect with food in a way that feels so insightful and personal.

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