Vegan Hummingbird Cake

Vegan Hummingbird Cake is a delicious, beautifully spiced southern dessert bursting with fresh banana and pineapple flavor. Toasted pecans and cream cheese frosting put the whole thing over the top in the best possible way. Let's learn how to make it!

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While this cake may sound like it has a few too many elements, I promise it is perfectly balanced. Moist, spiced cake layers full of fruity flavor and toasted pecans all held together with tangy cream cheese frosting. I can't think of anything better. I welcome you to check out other cake recipes if you wish.

What is Hummingbird Cake?

Hummingbird cake is a popular dessert in the Southern United States. It's a moist, sweet cake typically made with bananas, crushed pineapple, chopped pecans, and sometimes shredded coconut. The cake is often spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, giving it a warm, comforting flavor.

It's typically frosted with a cream cheese frosting, which adds a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the cake. Hummingbird cake is known for its rich and indulgent taste, making it a beloved treat for special occasions and gatherings. Sort of like a good Vegan Carrot Cake!

The origins of the name "hummingbird cake" are a bit unclear, but it's thought to have originated in Jamaica and then gained popularity in the Southern United States.

Vegan Hummingbird Cake Ingredients

• Mashed Banana: Mashed banana serves as a natural sweetener and adds moisture to the cake. It also helps bind the other ingredients together.
• Granulated Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness to the cake, balancing the flavors of the other ingredients.
• Light Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar adds richness and depth of flavor to the cake.
• Baking Powder: Baking powder helps the cake rise by creating air bubbles in the batter when it reacts with liquid and heat.
• Baking Soda: Baking soda reacts with the acidic ingredients in the batter (such as pineapple and bananas) to help the cake rise and achieve a light texture.
• Salt: Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and helps balance the sweetness of the cake.
• Ground Cinnamon and Ground Allspice: These spices add warmth and depth of flavor to the cake, complementing the fruity sweetness of the bananas and pineapple.
• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the cake and adds a subtle floral aroma.
• Nondairy Milk: Nondairy milk provides moisture to the batter and helps create a tender crumb in the finished cake.
• Canola Oil: Canola oil helps keep the cake moist and tender. It also contributes to the richness.
• All-Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour serves as the base for the cake, providing structure and stability to the batter.
• Crushed Pineapple (with Juice): Crushed pineapple adds a subtle tropical flavor to the cake.
• Toasted Pecans: Toasted pecans add texture, crunch, and a nutty flavor to the cake, enhancing its overall taste and mouthfeel.

Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

• Vegan Cream Cheese: Vegan cream cheese provides a creamy and tangy base for the frosting.
• Vegan Butter: Adds richness and flavor.
• Non-hydrogenated Shortening: Helps stabilize the frosting and contributes to its creamy texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar sweetens the frosting and helps thicken it to achieve the desired consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract adds flavor and aroma to the frosting, enhancing its overall taste.
• Pinch of Salt: Salt balances the sweetness.

How to Make Vegan Hummingbird Cake (with pictures!)

Please see recipe card at the bottom of the post for full recipe instructions and ingredient measurements.

Start by thoroughly mashing the bananas like you would if you were making Vegan Banana Bread. A few larger chunks is ok. Whisk in the sugars, leaveners, salt, spices, milk and oil. Sift in the flour. Stir until just combined.

Fold in the crushed pineapple and 1 cup of the toasted pecans to finish the batter.

Divide batter between 3 8-inch cake pans. Bake for 26-30 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Level cooled cake layers if desired. In my recipe for Vegan Vanilla Cake I provide step by step instructions on how to do so.

Prepare the frosting while your cake layers cool. Start by beating together cream cheese, vegan butter, and shortening together until smooth. Sift in the powdered sugar. Add vanilla and salt. Beat until smooth.

To assemble, spread frosting onto a layer of cake. Top with another layer and spread with frosting again. Add the final cake layer and frost the top and sides of the cake using an offset spatula. Sprinkle on the remaining toasted pecans. Chill until ready to serve.

How To Toast Pecans

Toasting pecans is a simple process that enhances their flavor and adds crunch to your recipes. Here's how to toast pecans:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Spread the pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. You can toast whole pecans or chop them into smaller pieces beforehand, depending on your preference.
3. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and toast the pecans for about 5 to 10 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning, as nuts can quickly go from perfectly toasted to burnt.
4. Once the pecans are fragrant and golden brown, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a plate or another baking sheet to cool. Be careful as they will be hot.
5. Allow the toasted pecans to cool completely before using them in your recipe. Once cooled, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for several days or in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.

Toasting pecans can also be done on the stovetop in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until they are fragrant and lightly browned. Just be sure to keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips for making a delicious vegan hummingbird cake:

1. Use Ripe Bananas: Make sure your bananas are very ripe as they will be sweeter and easier to mash, providing natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.
2. Toast Pecans: Toasting the pecans before adding them to the batter enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch. Be careful not to burn them.
3. Mix Batter Gently: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix the batter gently until just combined. Over-mixing can result in a dense or tough cake.
4. Evenly Distribute Batter: Divide the batter evenly between the cake pans to ensure that the layers bake evenly.
5. Bake Cake Layers Ahead of Time: Bake your cake layers the day before you need them. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This will make them easier to level and the cake easier to assemble as the layers will be less crumbly.
6. Chill Frosting: If the frosting is too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for a short time before frosting the cake.
7. Decorate Creatively: Get creative with decorating your cake. You can top it with additional toasted pecans, shredded coconut, or sliced bananas for a beautiful presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Store Vegan Hummingbird Cake

To store a vegan hummingbird cake properly and maintain its freshness, follow these guidelines:

1. Refrigeration: This cake is best stored it in the refrigerator. Place the cake in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent absorption of other odors in the fridge. It will keep like this for 3-4 days.
2. Freezing: If you want to store the cake for an extended period, you can freeze it unfrosted. Wrap the cake layers tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight before assembling.
3. Frosting Considerations: If the cake is frosted, be cautious when storing it to avoid smudging or damaging the frosting. Use a cake container with enough height to accommodate the frosting without touching it.
4. Proper Handling: When storing the cake, avoid stacking heavy items on top of it, as this can damage the frosting or compress the cake.

By following these storage guidelines, you can keep your vegan hummingbird cake fresh and delicious for longer periods, ensuring that you can enjoy it over time without compromising its taste and texture.

If you make this recipe, please tag @censoredbaker on Instagram!

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More Vegan Cake Recipes

• Vegan Carrot Cake
• Vegan Banana Upside Down Cake
• Vegan Strawberry Banana Cake
• Vegan Pear Upside Down Cake
• Vegan Pumpkin Cake w/Cream Cheese Frosting