Hummingbird Cake

Prepare to delight in the indulgent flavors of Hummingbird Cake, an impressive and cherished dessert that holds a special place in Nancy Zimmerman’s heart. A favorite of her dad’s, she lovingly bakes this cake for his birthday and on various occasions like Easter and summer gatherings. Hailing from Cape May Court House, New Jersey, Nancy has perfected this delightful cake that never fails to captivate everyone’s taste buds.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups mashed ripe bananas
• 1½ cups canola oil
• 3 eggs
• 1 can (8 ounces) unsweetened crushed pineapple, undrained
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

PINEAPPLE FROSTING:

• ¼ cup shortening
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 6 cups confectioners’ sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened pineapple juice
• 2 teaspoons half-and-half cream
• Chopped walnuts (optional)

PREPARATIONS:

1. In a large bowl, beat the mashed bananas, canola oil, eggs, crushed pineapple, and vanilla until well blended. In another bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon; gradually beat into the banana mixture until well blended. Stir in the chopped walnuts.
2. Divide the batter evenly and pour it into three greased and floured 9-inch round baking pans. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake layers to cool for 10 minutes before removing them from the pans and placing them on wire racks to cool completely.
3. For the pineapple frosting, in a large bowl, beat the shortening, softened butter, grated lemon peel, and salt until fluffy. Add confectioners’ sugar alternately with pineapple juice, and beat in the half-and-half cream. Spread the frosting between the cake layers, over the top, and around the sides of the cake. Sprinkle with chopped walnuts if desired.

YIELD: Makes 12-14 servings

BAKE TIME: Prep: 40 minutes, Bake: 25 minutes + Cooling

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS AND TIPS:

• Use ripe and sweet bananas for the best flavor in the cake.
• Grease and flour the baking pans to ensure the cake layers come out easily without sticking.
• For an extra touch of elegance, decorate the cake with additional chopped walnuts on top.

Hummingbird Cake, with its delightful combination of bananas, pineapple, and walnuts, has been an enchanting Southern delight ever since Mrs. L.H. Wiggins of Greensboro, North Carolina, shared her recipe in 1978. The origins of its fanciful name remain a mystery, but one thing is certain—when you take a bite of this cake, you’ll be humming with pure pleasure.

Nancy Zimmerman from Cape May Court House, New Jersey, has embraced this beloved recipe and made it her own. With its moist and tender layers infused with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the tangy allure of crushed pineapple, Hummingbird Cake is a culinary masterpiece.

The cake’s allure is further enhanced by the earthy richness of chopped walnuts, adding a satisfying crunch to every forkful. The combination of flavors and textures creates a symphony of taste that captivates the senses and leaves a lasting impression.

The crowning glory of this delectable creation is the luscious Pineapple Frosting. The blend of shortening, butter, and pineapple juice creates a velvety smoothness that perfectly complements the cake’s delightful flavors. The addition of lemon peel adds a refreshing zing, elevating the frosting to new heights of deliciousness.

Hummingbird Cake is a versatile dessert that makes a stunning centerpiece for any celebration. Whether it’s to celebrate a loved one’s birthday, to grace the Easter table, or to savor during a summer meal, this cake brings joy and delight to all who gather around it.

Nancy’s love and dedication to this cake shine through in every slice. With each bite, you can taste the warmth of cherished memories and the joy of sharing a homemade masterpiece made with love.

In conclusion, Hummingbird Cake is a treasure that transcends generations and regions. As you bake this delightful cake for your loved ones, take pleasure in knowing that you are continuing a tradition that has brought happiness to many. Let the magic of this enchanting dessert sweep you away, and may each slice be a delightful symphony of flavors and a celebration of the joy of baking.