Hummingbird cake gets its name from the fact that it contains a lot of sugar, so eating it gives you a quick burst of energy, similar to a hummingbird. The cake was invented in Jamaica in the late 1960s and was originally called “Dr. Bird Cake” after Jamaica’s national bird, the streamertail hummingbird. When the cake recipe spread to the Southern United States in the 1970s, the name was changed to “hummingbird cake.”
Here are some quick answers to common questions about hummingbird cake:
What are the main ingredients in hummingbird cake?
The main ingredients that give hummingbird cake its sweet flavor and moist texture are:
- Sugar – Usually 2 cups of white granulated sugar added to the cake batter.
- Bananas – Typically 2-3 very ripe bananas are mashed and added to the batter.
- Pineapple – Crushed canned pineapple is also added to the cake batter, around 8 ounces.
- Spices – Cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla are commonly used to give the cake extra flavor.
- Oil – Around 1 cup of vegetable oil or canola oil helps keep the cake extra moist.
- Nuts – Pecans or walnuts are often stirred into the cake batter to give some crunch.
What is the texture of hummingbird cake?
Hummingbird cake has a very moist and tender crumb texture. The bananas and pineapples add moisture, while the oil helps keep it soft and prevent it from getting dry or crumbly. The nuts add some crunch and texture contrast. When fresh, the texture is almost like a cross between banana bread and carrot cake.
What kind of frosting is used on hummingbird cake?
The traditional frosting for hummingbird cake is cream cheese frosting. A basic recipe combines softened cream cheese (usually 8 ounces) with butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. The tangy cream cheese pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cake.
Some variations use a cream cheese cinnamon frosting by adding a teaspoon or two of ground cinnamon. Powdered sugar is added until the frosting reaches the desired consistency and sweetness.
Does hummingbird cake contain actual hummingbirds?
No, hummingbird cake does not contain any actual hummingbirds. The name comes from how energizing and sweet the cake is, similar to the high metabolism of hummingbirds. It is like you are “feeding your sweet tooth” when you eat it, but it contains no animal products.
What is the origin of hummingbird cake?
Most sources agree that hummingbird cake originated in Jamaica. According to widely circulated folklore, the cake was created by Jamaican doctor Paul Brissett in the late 1960s. Dr. Brissett reportedly invented the recipe using local ingredients and it was called “Dr. Bird Cake” after the national bird of Jamaica.
The cake became popular at Jamaican resorts and hotels. In the 1970s, American taste tester L.H. Wiggins brought the recipe back to the Southern United States, where the name was changed to “hummingbird cake.” The recipe was first published in 1978 in Southern Living magazine, helping it spread across the South and become known nationwide.
Why is hummingbird cake so popular in the South?
Hummingbird cake gained popularity in the American South for a few reasons:
- The tropical taste reminds people of Southern resorts in places like Florida.
- The ingredients like pecans and bananas were familiar Southern baking staples.
- Southern cooks were charmed by the story of the cake originating in Jamaica.
- The rich, sweet cake was well-suited for all kinds of gatherings and special occasions.
Published recipes and community cookbooks helped hummingbird cake become a Southern classic over the decades, right up there with red velvet cake and banana pudding.
What are some variations of hummingbird cake?
Some popular ways to put a twist on classic hummingbird cake include:
- Adding crushed pineapple, raisins, shredded coconut, or mango to the batter
- Substituting pecans for walnuts or almonds
- Using all whole wheat flour for a healthier version
- Topping it with cream cheese icing, maple icing, or fresh fruit
- Folding in white chocolate chips or sprinkles
- Making it as cupcakes or even cake pops
The basic ingredients of banana, pineapple, sugar, and spice are always present, but hummingbird cake is very adaptable to cooks’ preferences.
Does hummingbird cake taste like banana bread?
Hummingbird cake and banana bread have some similarities but ultimately a different taste and texture:
| Taste | Hummingbird Cake | Banana Bread |
|---|---|---|
| Sweetness | Very sweet from added sugar | Moderately sweet |
| Banana flavor | Mild banana flavor | Intense banana flavor |
| Texture | Moist and tender crumb | Dense and moist crumb |
| Additions | Pineapple, nuts, spices | Vanilla, chocolate chips, nuts |
So while both contain banana, hummingbird cake has more added sugar, spice, and fruit flavors. The cake texture is also more tender and crumbly compared to the dense banana bread texture.
Conclusion
Hummingbird cake gets its memorable name from the sweetness and energy boost the tasty cake provides. Born in Jamaica as “Dr. Bird Cake,” hummingbird cake features bananas, pineapple, and spices for a tropical taste. The recipe migrated to the American South in the 1970s, where it became a beloved special occasion treat. While the classic recipe stays close to its roots, hummingbird cake can be adapted in many ways while keeping its signature moist, sweet flavor.
With a rich baking heritage and unique name, hummingbird cake has earned its status as a cherished Southern food tradition over the decades. The hummingbird cake recipe clearly brings joy to many cooks and bakers who want to celebrate special occasions with an impressive homemade cake.
Hummingbird cake not only tastes great, but also brings people together in the spirit of enjoying food, community, and tradition. For its delicious properties and cultural connections, hummingbird cake has certainly earned a permanent place in the American baking canon. The enduring popularity of hummingbird cake recipes and variations is a testament to the power of food to tell a story and nourish both body and soul.
On your next baking adventure, try making a hummingbird cake from scratch to share with family and friends. The sweet aromas, tropical flavor, and homemade taste will have everyone asking for seconds and the recipe. You may just find yourself charmed by the magic of this hummingbird cake as so many others have been.