Description
Just whipped up a batch of Hummingbird Bread with a heavenly Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting!
Perfect for cozy evenings or as a sweet breakfast treat!
Ingredients:
3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1/4 cup canola or vegetable oil
1 and 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup pineapple, diced and patted dry
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Cream Cheese Frosting:
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/3 cup chopped pecans
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat a loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.
In a large bowl, mix bananas, sugars, egg, and oil until well combined. Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; mix. Fold in coconut, pineapple, and pecans.
Pour into loaf pan. Bake for 55-60 minutes. Cool on wire rack.
For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Spread on cooled bread; sprinkle with pecans.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes | Kcal: 316 kcal | Servings: 12
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect Hummingbird Bread every time. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the mashed bananas, white sugar, brown sugar, egg, and oil until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined—do not overmix. Gently fold in the shredded coconut, well-drained and patted-dry diced pineapple, and chopped pecans. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake on the center rack for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Serving Suggestions
This rich, tropical bread is versatile. Serve thick slices as a decadent dessert with a cup of coffee or tea. For a special brunch, pair it with fresh fruit salad. It also makes a wonderful edible gift; wrap a cooled, frosted loaf in parchment paper and tie with twine. For a lighter option, the bread is delicious even without the frosting, simply toasted and spread with a little butter.
How-to Summary
To summarize: Mash bananas and mix with wet ingredients. Combine dry ingredients separately, then blend into wet mix. Fold in coconut, pineapple, and nuts. Bake in a greased loaf pan at 350°F for about an hour. Cool completely. For the frosting, beat softened cream cheese and butter, then mix in powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Frost the cooled loaf and top with extra pecans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen pineapple? Yes, but thaw it completely and press out all excess liquid in a clean towel to prevent a soggy loaf.
Can I make this bread nut-free? Absolutely. Simply omit the pecans from the batter and topping. You could add extra coconut or dried fruit instead.
How should I store this bread? Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days due to the cream cheese frosting. The unfrosted bread can be kept at room temperature for 2 days.
Can I make muffins instead? Yes! Divide the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake for 20-25 minutes. This recipe yields about 12 standard muffins.
Why is my bread dense or gummy? This is often caused by overmixing the batter after adding the flour, which develops too much gluten. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls: 1) Using under-ripe bananas; they lack the necessary sweetness and moisture. 2) Not thoroughly draining the pineapple, which can make the bread wet. 3) Adding the frosting to a warm loaf, as it will melt and become messy. 4) Overmixing the batter, leading to a tough texture. 5) Overbaking, which dries out the bread—start checking for doneness at the 55-minute mark.
Conclusion
This Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is a crowd-pleasing treat that masterfully combines classic banana bread with tropical flavors. Its moist crumb, studded with pineapple, coconut, and pecans, is perfectly complemented by the spiced, tangy frosting. By following the step-by-step guide and heeding the common mistakes, you can reliably create a stunning loaf perfect for sharing. It’s a guaranteed favorite for any occasion, from a quiet breakfast to a festive gathering.