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How to Make Hummingbird Sheet Cake
Making Hummingbird Sheet Cake is surprisingly easy and quick, and the result is a cake that’s bursting with tropical flavors. Follow these steps to create this delicious dessert:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the cake later.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk together until the dry ingredients are evenly mixed and set aside.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat together the vegetable oil, eggs, and sugar using an electric mixer or a whisk until well combined and slightly fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and stir to incorporate.
Step 4: Add the Bananas, Pineapple, and Coconut
To the wet mixture, fold in the mashed bananas, crushed pineapple (be sure to drain any excess liquid), and shredded coconut. If you’re adding nuts, fold them in now. The fruit adds moisture, while the coconut brings a sweet tropical flavor.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense. The batter should be thick and chunky.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch. Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack.
Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake is cooling, make the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of milk. Continue to beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk to reach the desired consistency.
Step 8: Frost the Cake
Once the cake has cooled to room temperature, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula. Sprinkle the top with additional shredded coconut if desired, for an extra touch of tropical flavor and texture.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Cut the cake into squares and serve! The cake is incredibly moist and flavorful, and the cream cheese frosting adds the perfect tangy sweetness to balance the tropical flavors of the cake.
Tips for Making the Best Hummingbird Sheet Cake
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the better! Overripe bananas add more natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.
- Drain the Pineapple Well: Be sure to drain the crushed pineapple well so it doesn’t add too much extra moisture to the cake batter. You can save the juice for smoothies or use it in a drink.
- Customize the Nuts: Feel free to add your favorite nuts, like pecans, walnuts, or even macadamia nuts for a unique twist. Toasting the nuts lightly before adding them can enhance their flavor.
- Make It Ahead: This cake actually tastes better the day after it’s made as the flavors have had time to meld. You can store it, covered, in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze individual slices for later.
- Frosting Variations: For a lighter, less sweet frosting, you can use whipped cream instead of cream cheese frosting, though the cream cheese gives it that classic tangy bite that pairs perfectly with the cake’s sweetness.
Why Hummingbird Sheet Cake is a Must-Try
Hummingbird Cake has long been a Southern favorite, known for its rich, moist texture and tropical flavors. Hummingbird Sheet Cake takes all the things you love about the classic recipe and simplifies them into a more convenient form. It’s perfect for when you want something special but don’t have the time or energy for a layered cake. The combination of sweet bananas, pineapple, coconut, and warm spices makes this cake a crowd-pleaser that’s ideal for any occasion.
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, holiday, or simply treating yourself to something indulgent, this cake is sure to bring a smile to your face with every bite. Plus, the tropical flavors give it a little something extra that’s sure to transport you to a sunny paradise with every forkful.
Conclusion
Hummingbird Sheet Cake is an irresistible dessert that combines the best of Southern comfort food with tropical flavors. It’s moist, flavorful, and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting – a perfect treat for any gathering or just because you deserve something sweet. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Hummingbird Cake or new to this Southern classic, this sheet cake version will quickly become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire. So, grab some bananas and pineapple, fire up the oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of this heavenly treat!
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