Banana Pudding Hummingbird Cake Recipe – A Perfect Dessert for Every Occasion

Introduction: What is Banana Pudding Hummingbird Cake?

Banana Pudding Hummingbird Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the tropical flavors of banana pudding with the moist, flavorful texture of a hummingbird cake. This cake is rich, fluffy, and absolutely delicious, making it perfect for any celebration or casual get-together. The classic layers of cake, creamy banana pudding, and rich cream cheese frosting come together in a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert for a birthday or a cozy treat to enjoy with family and friends, this Banana Pudding Hummingbird Cake is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the recipe and explore the history, ingredients, and step-by-step directions that will help you make this irresistible cake!

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Origin of Banana Pudding Hummingbird Cake

Hummingbird cake is a Southern classic that has been loved for generations. Its origins trace back to the Caribbean, where it was originally called the “Doctor Bird Cake,” named after the native hummingbird. The cake is traditionally made with bananas, pineapple, and pecans, giving it a light, fruity, and nutty flavor.

The addition of banana pudding is a fun twist on the original, bringing even more richness and creaminess to the cake. Over time, variations of this cake have popped up, with many adding frosting, whipped cream, or custard layers for extra flavor. In this recipe, we’ll be adding layers of delicious banana pudding and a creamy cream cheese frosting that perfectly complements the cake’s texture.

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Ingredients for Banana Pudding Hummingbird Cake

For the Cake:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)

For the Banana Pudding:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 (5 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

And for the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method

1. Prepare the Cake:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans to ensure the cakes come out easily once baked.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This will create a uniform dry mixture that will blend easily with the wet ingredients.

Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until they are fully combined and smooth.

Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture. Mix them together gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in the crushed pineapple, mashed bananas, and chopped pecans (if using) for extra flavor and texture.

Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

2. Make the Banana Pudding:

Prepare Pudding: In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk and instant vanilla pudding mix. Stir until smooth and thickened. Let it refrigerate for about 5 minutes.

Whip the Cream: In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until well combined. The result will be a creamy, light pudding that will act as one of the layers in your cake.

3. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:

Beat Cream Cheese and Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.

Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined and fluffy. This frosting will create a rich, tangy, and sweet layer that complements the other components of the cake.

4. Assemble the Cake:

Layer the Cakes: Place one layer of the cooled cake on a serving platter. Spread a generous layer of banana pudding on top, followed by the second layer of cake. Repeat with another layer of pudding, and then top with the final cake layer.

Frost the Cake: Use the cream cheese frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake. Spread it evenly for a smooth, creamy finish.

Garnish: Optionally, you can garnish the cake with additional sliced bananas or crushed vanilla wafers for extra crunch and decoration.

5. Serve:

Slice and enjoy your delicious Banana Pudding Hummingbird Cake! Serve chilled for a refreshing treat.

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Variations of the Banana Pudding Hummingbird Cake

While this Banana Pudding Hummingbird Cake is already a perfect combination of flavors, there are several variations that you can try based on your preferences or what you have available in your kitchen.

• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free.
• Vegan Version: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2 tablespoons of water per egg) and use a non-dairy milk and vegan butter.
• Add Spices: For an extra twist, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the dry ingredients to enhance the flavor.
• Banana Liqueur: If you enjoy a more tropical flavor, try adding a splash of banana liqueur or rum to the banana pudding for a boozy kick.

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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers and prepare the pudding and frosting in advance. Store the cake layers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The pudding and frosting can also be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble the cake just before serving.

2. Can I freeze Banana Pudding Hummingbird Cake?
While it’s best to enjoy the cake fresh, you can freeze the unassembled cake layers. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw and assemble the cake with the banana pudding and frosting.

3. Can I use regular pudding mix instead of instant?
Instant vanilla pudding works best for this recipe because it sets quickly and gives the pudding a thicker consistency. Regular pudding mix will require cooking, which is not necessary for this no-bake version of the cake.

4. How do I store leftover cake?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cake may get a bit softer as it sits due to the pudding layers, but it will still taste delicious!

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Conclusion: Why You Should Try Banana Pudding Hummingbird Cake

Banana Pudding Hummingbird Cake is the perfect dessert to serve at your next gathering. It combines the best of both worlds: the light, fruity flavors of banana pudding and the rich, spiced texture of hummingbird cake. With its moist cake layers, creamy pudding, and tangy cream cheese frosting, this dessert is sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it.

Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving a sweet treat, this cake will never disappoint. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious layers of flavor that make Banana Pudding Hummingbird Cake so unforgettable!

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