Description: This Hummingbird Bread is a delightful and moist quick bread packed with the tropical flavors of banana and pineapple, accented by a hint of cinnamon and crunchy pecans. Topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting, it’s a treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients:
Hummingbird Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour 🌾
- 1 tsp baking soda 🧂
- 1/2 tsp salt 🧂
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon 🌿
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted 🧈
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar 🍚
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar 🍯
- 2 large eggs 🥚
- 1 tsp vanilla extract 🍦
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, well-drained 🍍
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed 🍌
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans 🌰
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened 🧀
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened 🧈
- 1 cup powdered sugar 🍚
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 🍦
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This ensures the bread doesn’t stick and releases easily after baking. An alternative is to line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to lift the baked bread out.
Step 2: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Ensure that the baking soda and cinnamon are evenly distributed throughout the flour. This step is crucial for the bread’s leavening and flavor profile. The cinnamon adds a warm, spicy note that complements the tropical fruits.
Step 3: In a separate, large bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Mix these together until well combined and smooth. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Incorporate the vanilla extract. This wet ingredient mixture forms the base of the batter and contributes to the bread’s moisture and richness.
Step 4: Stir in the crushed pineapple (make sure it’s well-drained to avoid a soggy bread) and mashed ripe bananas into the wet ingredients. The banana and pineapple are the stars of this bread, lending it a unique, tropical flavor and moist texture. Ensure the bananas are ripe, as they will mash more easily and provide a sweeter flavor.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough bread. Mix until the flour disappears, and then stop.
Step 6: Gently fold in the chopped pecans. These add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the bread.
Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Ovens can vary, so start checking for doneness around the 50-minute mark. If the top of the bread starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.
Step 9: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bread from sticking and allows it to retain its shape.
Step 10: While the bread is cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium-sized bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and softened unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy. Ensure that the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for the best texture.
Step 11: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, beating until smooth. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 12: Once the bread has completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice and serve.
Why you will love this recipe
This Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for many reasons:
- Uniquely Delicious Flavor: The combination of bananas, pineapple, cinnamon, and pecans creates a tropical symphony of flavors that’s both comforting and exciting.
- Moist and Tender Texture: The ripe bananas and crushed pineapple ensure that this bread is incredibly moist and stays that way for days.
- Easy to Make: This is a quick bread recipe, meaning it doesn’t require yeast or rising time. It’s simple to throw together, making it perfect for novice bakers.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or as a snack, this bread is always a hit. It’s also a great option for potlucks and gatherings.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: The tangy and sweet cream cheese frosting adds an extra layer of indulgence that perfectly complements the bread’s tropical flavors.
- Customizable: Feel free to add other nuts like walnuts or macadamia nuts, or even chocolate chips, for an extra twist.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve slices of Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting as a delightful addition to a brunch spread.
- Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a comforting afternoon snack.
- Serve it as a dessert after a light meal.
- Toast slices of the bread and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Garnish with extra chopped pecans or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Tips:
- Ensure the pineapple is well-drained to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
- Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overmix the batter to avoid a tough bread.
- If the top of the bread browns too quickly in the oven, tent it loosely with foil.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before frosting for the best results.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5-10 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per slice
- Protein: Approximately 4g
- Sodium: Approximately 200mg
Conclusion
Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting is a truly special treat that combines the best of tropical flavors with a moist and tender texture. It’s easy to make, perfect for any occasion, and sure to impress anyone who tries it. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is a winner. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers about this recipe
Q1: Can I make this recipe without nuts?
A: Absolutely! If you have a nut allergy or simply prefer not to use nuts, you can easily omit the pecans. The bread will still be delicious without them. You might consider adding a different texture element, such as coconut flakes, if you wish.
Q2: Can I use canned pineapple instead of crushed pineapple?
A: Yes, you can use canned pineapple. Just make sure to drain it very well and chop it into small pieces, similar to the texture of crushed pineapple. Patting it dry with a paper towel can also help remove excess moisture.
Q3: How do I prevent the bread from sticking to the pan?
A: To prevent sticking, thoroughly grease and flour the loaf pan. You can also use a baking spray that contains flour, or line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift the bread out easily after baking.
Q4: Can I freeze Hummingbird Bread?
A: Yes, Hummingbird Bread freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze it whole or in slices. Let it thaw completely at room temperature before serving. It is best to freeze the bread before frosting.
Q5: What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?
A: If you don’t have cream cheese, you can use mascarpone cheese as a substitute. It has a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture. Alternatively, you could make a simple glaze with powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice for a lighter topping.
