Get ready to fall in love with Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting, an utterly irresistible treat that combines the tropical sweetness of bananas and pineapple with a decadent swirl of tangy cream cheese frosting. This beloved bread feels like a warm hug from Grandma’s kitchen—moist, flavorful, and generously topped with creamy goodness. Whether you’re baking for a celebration, a comforting breakfast, or just because you can’t resist a swoon-worthy loaf, this recipe promises to become your new favorite baking adventure.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting comes from just-right, everyday ingredients that work together to create layers of flavor and the perfect crumb. Each addition plays a crucial role, from the cozy notes of cinnamon to the lush richness of ripe bananas and tangy pineapple.
- All-purpose flour: This forms the sturdy, tender base that supports all the flavors and mix-ins.
- Granulated sugar: Provides the classic sweetness and helps the bread bake up soft and golden.
- Brown sugar: Adds a caramel depth and extra moisture for a melt-in-your-mouth bite.
- Baking soda: The secret to a tall, fluffy rise—don’t skip it!
- Salt: Enhances all the other ingredients and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Ground cinnamon: Offers a subtle, nostalgic warmth that ties the fruit and nuts together.
- Large eggs: Bind everything into a cohesive batter and enrich the overall texture.
- Vegetable oil: Ensures tenderness and a moist crumb without overpowering the other flavors.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses comfort and enhances the bread’s fragrant flair.
- Mashed ripe bananas: The key to the signature flavor and crazy moist texture—use those spotty bananas!
- Crushed pineapple with juice: Adds juicy sweetness and a delicate hint of tang.
- Chopped pecans (optional): Brings a satisfying crunch and nutty counterpoint—toast them for extra flavor!
- Cream cheese, softened: The star of the frosting, offering tang and creamy richness.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Helps create that luscious, fluffy frosting texture.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the frosting for that perfect cloud-like finish.
- Vanilla extract (for frosting): Rounds out the tanginess with a comforting aroma.
- Pinch of salt (for frosting): A tiny touch that makes all the flavors pop.
How to Make Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Let’s set yourself up for homemade greatness! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This will ensure your Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting bakes evenly and pops right out without a hitch.
Step 2: Combine Your Dry Ingredients
Grab a large bowl and whisk together the flour, both sugars, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Mixing these dry ingredients first guarantees the baking soda and flavorings are evenly distributed, giving you a perfectly consistent loaf.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture turns velvety smooth. Now, stir in the mashed bananas and crushed pineapple with its juice. This is where all the scrumptious moisture and tropical flavor get added to your batter.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet ingredients in with the dry and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—just fold until you see no more streaks of flour. If you’re using pecans, gently fold them in for that extra delightful crunch.
Step 5: Bake the Loaf
Spoon the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top. Slide it into the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be downright irresistible!
Step 6: Cool Completely
Let your bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to finish cooling. This step makes sure your Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting won’t melt the frosting later.
Step 7: Whip Up That Dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until ultra smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt, then beat until the frosting is light and fluffy—good luck not sneaking a spoonful!
Step 8: Frost and Finish
Once your loaf is completely cool, spread that glorious frosting all over the top. Swirl, swoosh, or smooth it as you please. Your Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting is now ready to dazzle every lucky taster.
How to Serve Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting
Garnishes
For a bakery-worthy look, sprinkle extra chopped pecans or a dusting of cinnamon over the frosting right before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, a few pineapple tidbits or banana chips make a playful touch that nods to the bread’s tropical roots.
Side Dishes
Balance this rich, sweet bread with something light and refreshing—think a simple fresh fruit salad, a spoonful of vanilla yogurt, or a mug of hot coffee for a dreamy breakfast or brunch combination.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, slice the loaf and arrange the pieces on a pretty platter, or layer slices with extra frosting between them for a mini “bread cake.” Individually wrapped slices make adorable homemade gifts—just add a bow and a handwritten note!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The frosting stays firm and the bread tastes fantastic chilled, especially if you like a denser crumb.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully! For best results, wrap unfrosted slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a zip-top bag. Freeze for up to three months. If already frosted, freeze slices on a tray first until firm, then wrap individually for easy grab-and-go treats later.
Reheating
If you prefer your Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting slightly warm, let a refrigerated slice sit at room temperature for about 10 to 15 minutes, or microwave for 10 seconds. Just enough to soften things up without melting the frosting into oblivion.
FAQs
Can I make Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting nut-free?
Absolutely! Just skip the chopped pecans in the batter. The bread will be just as moist, aromatic, and delicious without them.
Do I need to drain the pineapple before adding it?
Nope! Use the crushed pineapple with its juice. The extra moisture gives the bread its signature lushness and keeps every bite tender.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for the frosting?
You can, but the frosting may be a bit thinner and slightly less rich. For the creamiest, dreamiest result, stick with regular, full-fat cream cheese if possible.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick or skewer into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. If it’s wet or sticky, give the loaf a few more minutes and check again.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! You can double all the ingredients and bake the batter in two loaf pans, or make one mega-loaf in a larger pan (just keep an eye on baking time). Sharing Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting is always a good idea!
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting enough—it’s one of those recipes that turns an ordinary day into something memorable. Whether you’re sharing with friends or quietly savoring a slice with coffee, every bite is a mini celebration. Give it a try and let its tropical charm and pillowy frosting win you over!
Print
Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting. A tropical twist on a classic banana bread, this moist and flavorful loaf topped with a creamy frosting is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 bananas)
- 1 cup crushed pineapple with juice
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
For the frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients, then combine with the dry ingredients. Fold in pecans if using.
- Bake the bread: Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 55-65 minutes. Cool in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
- Make the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add sugar, vanilla, and salt; beat until fluffy.
- Frost the bread: Once the bread is cool, spread the frosting on top.
Notes
- You can toast the pecans for extra flavor before adding them to the batter.
- Store the bread in the refrigerator for best results, especially if frosted.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
