Description
Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist, flavorful quick bread bursting with ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, and crunchy pecans, topped with a rich and creamy vanilla cream cheese frosting. This deliciously spiced loaf is perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert, offering a tropical twist on classic banana bread with a luscious finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups mashed bananas (about 3–4 medium bananas)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 8 oz crushed pineapple, with juice
- 1 cup shredded coconut, sweetened
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 8×4 inch loaf pans thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a hand or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the two eggs and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together all purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- Mix Dry Ingredients with Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Add Pineapple, Coconut, and Pecans: Fold in the crushed pineapple (with juice), shredded coconut, and chopped pecans evenly into the batter.
- Incorporate Mashed Bananas: Pour in the mashed bananas and mix gently until the batter is consistent and all ingredients are well combined.
- Bake the Bread: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick or cake tester in the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool the Loaves: Remove the pans from the oven and allow the breads to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract and blend well.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- Frost the Bread: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled breads.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped pecans over the frosting as a crunchy garnish.
- Serve and Store: Slice and enjoy your moist hummingbird bread. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh.
Notes
- Make sure the bread is completely cool before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.
- You can substitute walnuts for pecans if preferred.
- For a tropical twist, add a handful of chopped mango or pineapple chunks.
- Store the bread covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for best freshness.
- This recipe can also be made in one large loaf pan if desired, adjusting baking time accordingly.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American