If you have a soft spot for moist, fruity breads that feel like a warm hug in every bite, then you are going to absolutely adore this Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. Packed with ripe bananas, juicy crushed pineapple, a hint of cinnamon, and the delightful crunch of pecans and coconut, this bread elevates your everyday snack or dessert into something extraordinary. The luscious cream cheese frosting adds the perfect sweet and tangy finish that transforms this simple loaf into a showstopper that’s perfect all year round.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe calls for straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that work harmoniously to create a bread bursting with flavor and texture. Every component plays a crucial role, from the spices that provide warmth to the fruits that bring natural sweetness and moisture.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the bread, providing structure but keeping it tender.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bread rise and stay soft.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Adds lift for a nice, airy crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Gives a warm, comforting spice that complements the fruits perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 2 large ripe bananas, mashed: Natural sweetness and moisture, the star fruit of the bread.
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained: Adds tropical juiciness and an unexpected zing.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread without overpowering the fruit.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Adds a rich, caramelized flavor and moist texture.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness.
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the bread tender and moist.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a lovely aroma and depth of flavor.
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional): Crunch and a nutty contrast to the soft bread.
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional): Adds subtle texture and tropical flair.
- 1/4 cup buttermilk (or regular milk): Helps tenderize the crumb and add moisture.
- 1 cup cream cheese (softened): The creamy heart of the frosting.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and smoothness to the frosting.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brightens the frosting with warm aromatic notes.
- 1-2 tablespoons milk: Adjusts the frosting to your perfect spreading consistency.
How to Make Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing and flouring it or lining it with parchment paper. This step ensures your bread will come out effortlessly once baked.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk them together to distribute the leavening and spices evenly, setting the stage for a consistent texture and flavor throughout your bread.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the mashed bananas, drained crushed pineapple, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This mixture brings all the moist and sweet elements that make this bread so irresistible.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry, taking care not to overmix to keep the bread tender. If you’re adding pecans and shredded coconut, fold them in now to spread that delightful texture evenly through your batter.
Step 5: Fill and Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Pop it into the oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean — that perfect visual promise of moist, fluffy bread.
Step 6: Cool Before Frosting
Once baked, let the bread rest in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps the bread set, preventing your cream cheese frosting from melting away prematurely.
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the bread cools, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until luxuriously smooth and creamy. Gradually sift in powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then add milk a little at a time until your frosting reaches the perfect creamy, spreadable consistency.
Step 8: Frost and Serve
Spread that luscious cream cheese frosting evenly across the cooled bread. Then slice it up and prepare for compliments because this Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is the kind of treat everyone smiles over.
How to Serve Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of beauty and flavor, scatter a few chopped pecans or toasted coconut flakes over the frosting just before serving. The added crunch and visual appeal really elevate the presentation and make your bread feel truly special.
Side Dishes
This bread is remarkable on its own but pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. For brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit or a simple yogurt to balance the sweetness with another fresh element.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the bread into thick slabs and serve on a wooden board lined with parchment paper for a rustic vibe. Or, get creative by turning your slices into mini sandwiches with an extra dollop of frosting or fruit preserves tucked between two slices — perfect for a fun twist on the classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep its moisture and freshness for up to 3 days at room temperature. If refrigerated, it can last about a week, just make sure it’s well covered to avoid frost absorption.
Freezing
You can freeze this bread without the frosting for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before popping into the freezer. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge, then add the cream cheese frosting fresh for the best flavor and texture.
Reheating
To revive slices from the fridge or freezer, gently warm them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes. This warm moment brings back that softness and melts the frosting just slightly, making each bite a little bit heavenly.
FAQs
Can I substitute the crushed pineapple with fresh pineapple?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple that is finely chopped and drained very well. Just make sure to remove excess juice to keep the batter from becoming too wet, which can affect the texture of the bread.
What can I use instead of buttermilk in this Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, regular milk with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar added and left to sit for 5 minutes works perfectly as a substitute to add acidity and tenderness.
Is it okay to omit the nuts and coconut?
Absolutely! While they add wonderful texture and flavor, the bread is delicious on its own without the pecans and coconut, making it suitable for those with allergies or preferences to keep it simple.
How do I know when the bread is fully cooked?
The best test is the toothpick method: insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf, and if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready to come out of the oven.
Can this recipe be turned into muffins?
Yes, you can divide the batter into a muffin tin lined with paper liners and bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. The cream cheese frosting can be piped on top once cooled.
Final Thoughts
This Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is one of those rare treasures that feels like a comforting hug and a celebration in every slice. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just a special treat for yourself, this bread always impresses and delights. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes your new favorite to bake and share!
Print
Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This moist and flavorful Hummingbird Bread is a delightful twist on traditional banana bread, enriched with ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, and warm spices. Topped with a creamy homemade cream cheese frosting, this loaf is perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert. Optional additions of chopped pecans and shredded coconut add a wonderful texture and nutty flavor.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (for desired frosting consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing and flouring it, or alternatively line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined to ensure proper leavening and flavor distribution.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, stir together the mashed ripe bananas, drained crushed pineapple, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and buttermilk until the mixture is smooth and fully blended.
- Incorporate wet and dry mixtures: Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients, stirring gently to combine without overmixing. If desired, fold in the chopped pecans and shredded coconut at this stage for extra texture and taste.
- Transfer batter to pan: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out to ensure a uniform bake.
- Bake the bread: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool the bread: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the loaf pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring the frosting doesn’t melt when applied.
- Prepare cream cheese frosting: While the bread cools, beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy, free of lumps.
- Add sugar and flavor: Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Add milk one tablespoon at a time to reach the desired consistency for easy spreading.
- Frost and serve: Once the bread is fully cooled, evenly spread the cream cheese frosting over the top of the loaf. Slice into 8–8 servings and enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure the pineapple is well drained to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
- You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk if unavailable.
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans.
- The frosting can be adjusted to be thicker or thinner by varying the amount of milk added.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh.
