Hummingbird Bread With Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Heavenly Hummingbird Bread With Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Whipping up a delightful hummingbird bread that sparks joy requires minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Sweet bananas and tropical pineapple dance together in this Southern-inspired treat.

Cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious touch to every slice.

Nuts provide delightful crunch and depth to the soft, moist crumb.

Warm spices like cinnamon weave their magic through each tender bite.

Simple ingredients blend seamlessly to create a memorable dessert experience.

Come savor this irresistible bread that promises to delight your taste buds.

Ingredients Needed to Bake Hummingbird Bread

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The base of the bread that provides structure and texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
  • Brown Sugar: Contributes moisture and a deep caramel-like flavor.
  • Baking Soda: Helps the bread rise and creates a tender crumb.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bread.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Provides warm, aromatic spice to the bread.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness to the bread.
  • Vegetable Oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the other flavors.
  • Ripe Bananas: Provide natural sweetness and moisture.
  • Crushed Pineapple: Adds tropical flavor and helps keep the bread moist.
Additions and Frosting Ingredients:
  • Chopped Nuts: Add crunch and nutty flavor to the bread.
  • Cream Cheese, Butter: Create a smooth, rich base for the frosting.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds flavor to the cinnamon cream cheese frosting.

How to Make Hummingbird Bread with Frosting

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to a cozy 350°F. Grab a loaf pan and give it a light coating of grease, then line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Ground cinnamon

Whisk these ingredients together until they’re well blended.

Step 3: Prepare Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, blend:
  • Eggs
  • Vegetable oil
  • Vanilla extract
  • Ripe mashed bananas
  • Crushed pineapple

Stir these ingredients until they create a smooth, tropical mixture.

Step 4: Create the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently mix until just combined.

Fold in chopped nuts for extra crunch and texture.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes. The bread is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Prepare Frosting

Let the bread cool completely. While waiting, create the cinnamon cream cheese frosting by beating cream cheese and butter until silky smooth.

Step 7: Finish the Frosting

Gradually add powdered sugar and ground cinnamon to the cream cheese mixture. Beat until light and fluffy.

Stir in vanilla extract for an extra flavor boost.

Step 8: Frost and Serve

Spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting generously over the cooled bread.

Sprinkle with additional chopped nuts or a dash of cinnamon if desired. Slice and enjoy your tropical-inspired treat!

Tips to Perfect Hummingbird Bread and Frosting

  • Swap ripe bananas for applesauce to reduce sugar content and create a lighter version of the bread.
  • Toast nuts before adding to the batter to enhance their nutty flavor and create a deeper, more complex taste profile.
  • Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and cream cheese to ensure smoother mixing and better texture in both bread and frosting.
  • Store bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness up to 5 days.
  • Consider adding shredded coconut to the batter for extra tropical flavor that complements the pineapple and banana combination.

Variations to Switch Up Hummingbird Bread

  • Gluten-Free Hummingbird Bread: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the original's rich flavor profile.
  • Vegan Tropical Bread: Swap eggs with mashed bananas or flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of regular oil, and create dairy-free frosting using cashew cream cheese.
  • Low-Sugar Banana Pineapple Bread: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reduce overall sugar content while keeping the bread moist and flavorful.
  • Nut-Free Breakfast Bread: Omit nuts completely or replace with sunflower seeds for those with nut allergies, maintaining the bread's tropical and sweet characteristics.

Pairings That Enhance Hummingbird Bread Flavor

  • Complement the bread's tropical flavors with a light rum cocktail featuring pineapple juice and a hint of coconut, enhancing the dessert's fruity undertones.
  • Select a medium-roast coffee with cinnamon and nutmeg notes to mirror the bread's warm spices and create a harmonious flavor profile.
  • Blend fresh bananas, vanilla yogurt, and a touch of honey to echo the bread's banana components and provide a smooth, refreshing accompaniment.
  • Create a spiced chai latte with caramel syrup that highlights the bread's cinnamon notes and adds a luxurious, comforting dimension to the dessert experience.

Storage Tips to Keep Hummingbird Bread Fresh

  • Store the bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep frosting separate if possible to maintain the bread's texture.
  • Wrap the unfrosted bread completely in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
  • Cut bread into individual slices, wrap each separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or briefly in the microwave.

FAQs

  • What makes Hummingbird Bread different from other quick breads?

This bread combines classic Southern flavors like banana, pineapple, and nuts, creating a unique and moist dessert bread that’s richer and more complex than traditional banana bread.

  • Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?

Yes, you can swap out pecans for walnuts, use different spices like nutmeg, or replace some oil with applesauce for a lighter version. Just maintain similar wet-to-dry ingredient ratios.

  • Is this bread considered a breakfast or dessert item?

Hummingbird Bread is versatile – it works perfectly as a sweet breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or dessert after a meal. Its rich flavor makes it suitable for multiple occasions.

  • How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread.

Hummingbird Bread With Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Indulge in Tropical Comfort: This hummingbird bread brings together bananas, pineapple, and nuts in a delightful combination that transports you to a sunny paradise with every bite.
  • Customize Your Sweet Treat: The recipe offers flexibility to add extra cinnamon or nuts on top, making it perfect for personalizing to your taste preferences or impressing guests.
  • Master Baker's Delight: Despite seeming complex, this recipe is straightforward and achievable for bakers of all skill levels, allowing even novice cooks to create a professional-looking dessert.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or weekend brunches, this bread satisfies diverse palates with its rich, moist texture and creamy cinnamon frosting.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Hummingbird Bread With Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Hummingbird Bread With Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Southern classic hummingbird bread with cinnamon cream cheese frosting blends bananas, pineapple, and pecans into a moist, flavorful dessert. Delightful layers of sweet fruit and warm spices create a comforting treat you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
  • 1 8 oz can crushed pineapple (drained)
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dry mixture by combining flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring thorough blending of ingredients.
  2. In a separate container, vigorously whisk eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, mashed bananas, and crushed pineapple until the mixture appears smooth and well-integrated.
  3. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing and maintain the bread’s tender texture.
  4. Incorporate chopped nuts into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
  5. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a loaf pan by greasing and lining with parchment paper for easy removal.
  6. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, ensuring an even surface and smooth distribution.
  7. Bake for 55-60 minutes at 350°F, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean when the bread is fully cooked.
  8. Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack, which prevents moisture accumulation and maintains the bread’s structural integrity.
  9. Create the frosting by whipping cream cheese and butter until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
  10. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar and ground cinnamon, beating until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.
  11. Blend in vanilla extract to enhance the frosting’s aromatic profile.
  12. Once the bread has cooled, generously spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting across the surface.
  13. Optional: Garnish with a light dusting of cinnamon or sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Swap out nuts for seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for nut-free diets, maintaining the same textural crunch.
  • Reduce sugar content by using ripe bananas and replacing half the sugar with natural sweeteners like applesauce or honey.
  • Use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan butter alternatives to create a plant-based version of this indulgent bread that still delivers rich, complex flavors.
  • Allow bread to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure a smooth, professional-looking finish that keeps the cream cheese layer intact.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 604
  • Sugar: 50 g
  • Sodium: 159 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 74 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 72 mg
Clara Bennett

Clara Bennett

Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists

Education

Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.

Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.

Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography

Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.


Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star