Introduction
Celebrate the flavors of the tropics with this delightful Hummingbird Bread. Bursting with banana, pineapple, and coconut, it’s topped with a decadent cinnamon cream cheese frosting. A perfect indulgence for any time of day!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
3 ripe bananas, mashed (approximately 450g)
100g sugar
50g brown sugar
1 large egg
60ml canola or vegetable oil
190g all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
40g sweetened shredded coconut
120g pineapple, diced and patted dry
60g chopped pecans
Cream Cheese Frosting
115g cream cheese, softened
60g butter, softened
60g powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
30g chopped pecans
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, sugar, brown sugar, egg, and oil until smooth.
Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
Gently fold in the shredded coconut, diced pineapple, and chopped pecans.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the frosting, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.
Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon, and beat until well incorporated.
Once the bread is completely cooled, spread the frosting on top and sprinkle with additional chopped pecans.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your Hummingbird Bread will bake evenly. Prepare a loaf pan by greasing it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine 3 ripe, mashed bananas (approximately 450g), 100g of sugar, 50g of brown sugar, 1 large egg, and 60ml of canola or vegetable oil. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy, releasing the sweet banana aroma.
Add Dry Ingredients
Slowly incorporate 190g of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to over-mix, as this will keep your bread tender.
Fold in Tropical Flavors
Add 40g of sweetened shredded coconut, 120g of diced pineapple (ensuring it’s patted dry), and 60g of chopped pecans to the batter. Use a spatula to fold these ingredients in gently, distributing them evenly while maintaining the lightness of the batter.
Pour and Bake
Pour the prepared batter into your greased loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The wonderful scent of baked bananas and pineapples will fill your kitchen.
Cool the Bread
Once baked, remove the loaf pan from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Afterward, carefully transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing it to develop a perfect texture.
Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the bread is cooling, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together 115g of softened cream cheese and 60g of softened butter until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. The cream cheese should be spreadable, and the combined aroma will be heavenly.
Add Sugar and Spices
Gradually add in 60g of powdered sugar, followed by 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Beat the mixture until fully incorporated, creating a silky-smooth frosting that will perfectly complement your bread.
Frost the Bread
Once the bread is completely cooled, spread the luscious cream cheese frosting over the top using a spatula. Sprinkle 30g of additional chopped pecans over the frosting for added crunch and visual appeal.
Notes
Banana Ripeness
For the best flavor, choose very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots. They lend natural sweetness and moistness to the bread.
Pineapple Moisture
Be sure to pat the diced pineapple dry with a paper towel. Excess moisture can affect the texture of the bread.
Frosting Variations
Feel free to experiment with the cream cheese frosting by adding a touch of grated coconut or a hint of citrus zest for a different flavor profile.
Storage Tips
Store leftover Hummingbird Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. The flavors meld beautifully over time.
Cook techniques
Mashed Bananas
To achieve the right consistency for the banana bread, ensure the bananas are very ripe and mashed until smooth. This will contribute to the moistness of the bread.
Measuring Ingredients
Accurate measurement of ingredients, especially sugars and flour, is crucial for the perfect texture. Use a kitchen scale for precision.
Mixing Wet Ingredients
Combine the wet ingredients thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well-blended, which helps in evenly distributing the flavors.
Folding Ingredients
When adding dry ingredients and mix-ins like coconut, pineapple, and pecans, gently fold them into the batter to avoid overmixing and to retain the bread’s light texture.
Baking Time
Keep an eye on the bread as it bakes; start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time by inserting a toothpick into the center.
Cooling Method
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps prevent it from becoming soggy at the bottom.
Making Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy, which ensures a smooth frosting. Gradually incorporating powdered sugar helps prevent lumps.
Frosting Application
Make sure the bread is completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting. Spread the frosting evenly for an appealing look and taste.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover hummingbird bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and moisture.
FAQ
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of diced pineapple?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but make sure to pat it dry to avoid excess moisture in the bread.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is designed for baking.
What can I use instead of pecans?
You can substitute pecans with walnuts or omit them entirely if you prefer a nut-free option.
Can I freeze hummingbird bread?
Yes, hummingbird bread freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag.
How long will the cream cheese frosting last in the fridge?
The cream cheese frosting can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week in an airtight container.
What is the best way to ripen bananas quickly?
To hasten the ripening of bananas, place them in a paper bag at room temperature, or leave them in a warm area for a day or two.
Can I add additional fruits to the bread?
Absolutely! You can experiment with other fruits like mangoes or berries, but be mindful of their moisture content.
Is this bread suitable for breakfast?
Yes, hummingbird bread makes a delicious breakfast option or a sweet treat for any time of day!
Conclusion
Hummingbird Bread with Heavenly Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful treat that encapsulates the essence of tropical flavors. The combination of ripe bananas, juicy pineapple, and shredded coconut creates a moist and flavorful loaf, while the creamy cinnamon frosting adds an extravagant touch. This recipe is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, making it a versatile indulgence for any occasion.
Classic Banana Bread
Swap out the tropical ingredients for a pure banana experience by using only ripe bananas and adding a touch of vanilla extract and walnuts for crunch.
Pineapple Coconut Muffins
Transform the batter into muffins for easier portion control. Boost the pineapple flavor by adding crushed pineapple and a hint of almond extract.
Carrot Hummingbird Bread
Incorporate shredded carrots along with the original ingredients for a unique twist that combines the flavors of carrot cake with hummingbird bread.
Cinnamon Roll Hummingbird Bread
Layer in a cinnamon-sugar swirl before baking to create a luscious cinnamon roll effect, enhancing the bread with even more flavor and texture.
Chocolate Chip Tropical Bread
Add semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter for a rich, decadent addition that pairs beautifully with the tropical ingredients.
Hummingbird Bread French Toast
Slice the bread thickly and use it for French toast, adding a drizzle of maple syrup and fresh fruit for a decadent breakfast treat.
Nut-Free Version
Omit the pecans and use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option, still keeping the delightful textures and flavors intact.
