If you’ve ever loved the flavors of a classic Hummingbird Cake, then Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is going to feel like a warm hug in every slice. It’s sweet, moist, and packed with ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, and just the right hint of spice.
I first baked this loaf on a quiet Sunday morning, and the aroma alone was enough to make it an instant favorite. What makes it so special is the texture—soft from the fruit, rich from the oil, and dotted with chopped pecans for a little crunch. It’s the kind of quick bread that works just as well with coffee at breakfast as it does as a cozy dessert.
And let’s not forget the frosting. That cinnamon cream cheese layer takes it over the top, adding a creamy, tangy finish that pairs perfectly with the tropical warmth of the loaf. You can spread it thick or thin, or even skip it if you want something simpler—but honestly, I rarely do.
Whether you’re baking for brunch, a potluck, or just because, this hummingbird bread brings big flavor with very little fuss. Let’s get into it.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
Hummingbird Bread is a delightful twist on the classic hummingbird cake, combining tropical flavors with a moist bread that’s perfect for any occasion. Each bite explodes with sweetness from ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, and shredded coconut, all rounded off with a layer of creamy cinnamon cream cheese frosting. This bread is not just delicious; it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of day. With its tropical vibes, it feels like a mini-vacation with every slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Hummingbird Bread
Essential Ingredients
- ¾ cup granulated sugar – This is your main sweetener.
- ¼ cup brown sugar – A hint of molasses flavor.
- ½ cup vegetable oil – Keeps your bread moist.
- 2 large eggs – Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla – Enhances the flavors.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – The base of your bread.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the bread rise.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Works with the baking powder for a fluffy texture.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon – Adds warmth and depth.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed) – Provides natural sweetness and moisture.
- 1 cup shredded coconut – Adds texture and coconut flavor.
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (no need to drain) – Brings in a tropical sweetness.
- 1 cup chopped pecans (divided) – Adds crunch and nuttiness.
Optional Add-Ons
- Chocolate chips – For a sweeter touch.
- Dried fruit – Such as raisins or cranberries for added flavor.
- Different nuts – Like walnuts instead of pecans for a different texture.
How to Make Hummingbird Bread: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This not only helps your bread bake evenly, but it also gives a nice rise. While your oven heats up, prepare your loaf pan. You can either spray an 8×5 loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for an easy release after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Sugars and Oil
In a large mixing bowl, combine ¾ cup of granulated sugar and ¼ cup of brown sugar with ½ cup of vegetable oil. Using a handheld mixer, beat the mixture until it’s well combined. This process takes about 1-2 minutes. Once blended, add 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overbeat at this stage.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Now, it’s time to incorporate the dry ingredients. Add 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of salt to your wet mixture. Mix everything until combined, but don’t overmix; you want to keep it light!
Step 4: Fold in the Good Stuff
Using a spatula or a wooden spoon, gently fold in the mashed bananas, 1 cup of shredded coconut, 1 cup of crushed pineapple, and ¾ cup of your chopped pecans (reserve ¼ cup of pecans for later). This step is crucial, as it ensures all these wonderful ingredients mix evenly without deflating the batter.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Once your batter is ready, pour it into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for 60-65 minutes. Your bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon Frosting
While the bread bakes, you can make the cinnamon cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, add 6 ounces of softened cream cheese and ¼ cup of unsalted butter. Mix together until creamy and well blended. Gradually mix in ½ cup of powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon until smooth and fluffy. Set aside.
Step 7: Cool and Frost the Bread
Once the bread is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. After that, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely. Once it is completely cooled, spread the creamy cinnamon frosting generously on top. Finish it off with the reserved chopped pecans for a little extra texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions for Hummingbird Bread
Hummingbird Bread can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Breakfast Delight: Serve a slice with your morning coffee or tea for a sweet start to your day.
- Brunch Treat: Pair slices with fruit and yogurt for a delightful brunch spread.
- Dessert Option: A warm slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes for a fantastic dessert.
- Snack Time: Perfect for an afternoon snack, this bread can be enjoyed plain or with a smear of extra cream cheese frosting.
Pro Tips for Perfecting Your Hummingbird Bread
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining dry and wet ingredients, it’s essential not to overmix to ensure a light and fluffy texture.
- Check for Doneness Early: Oven temperatures can vary, so check your bread a few minutes before the prescribed time.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Make sure your bread is completely cool before adding the frosting to prevent it from melting.
Easy Variations for Hummingbird Bread
- Caribbean Twist: Add some lime zest for a fruity and refreshing kick.
- Spiced Version: Incorporate nutmeg or ginger with the cinnamon for more aromatic spices.
- Chocolate Lovers: Toss in some chocolate chips for a rich twist on the traditional recipe.
Storage Tips to Store Hummingbird Bread
To keep your Hummingbird Bread fresh:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for about a week.
- Freezing: This bread freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Final Thoughts
Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is more than just a delicious recipe; it’s a celebration of flavor that brings together the best of tropical ingredients. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just looking for something sweet to enjoy, this bread is bound to make everyone smile. The simple process, combined with the rich flavors and textures, makes it a must-try in any home kitchen.
So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on this delightful baking adventure. You won’t be disappointed!
FAQs About Hummingbird Bread
Can I substitute the nuts in Hummingbird Bread?
Absolutely! While pecans enhance the flavor, you can use walnuts or even leave the nuts out if you prefer a nut-free version.How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.Can I make this bread in advance?
Yes! Hummingbird Bread stays fresh for several days and is great for making ahead of time.What can I do if the bread is too moist?
Ensure that your bananas are adequately mashed and try adding a bit more flour to absorb excess moisture the next time you bake.Is Hummingbird Bread suitable for freezing?
Yes! It freezes well. Just slice it, wrap it, and freeze it in an airtight container for easy later use.
Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices) 1x
Description
This tropical-inspired Hummingbird Bread is moist, sweet, and full of banana, pineapple, coconut, and pecans. It’s like banana bread with a Caribbean twist—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients
Essential Ingredients:
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (with juice)
- 1 cup chopped pecans, divided
Optional Add-Ons:
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup dried fruit (e.g., raisins, cranberries)
- Substitute walnuts for pecans if desired
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil until well combined.
- Add eggs and vanilla; mix until smooth.
- Stir in mashed bananas, crushed pineapple, and shredded coconut.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
- Fold in ¾ cup chopped pecans and any optional add-ins (like chocolate chips or dried fruit).
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Top with remaining ¼ cup chopped pecans.
- Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the batter — this helps keep the bread tender.
- This bread tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld.
- Wrap tightly and store at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60–70 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Southern, Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: undefined
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: undefined
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: undefined
Keywords: Hummingbird Bread, Banana Pineapple Bread, Tropical Quick Bread, Moist Banana Bread with Coconut
