Sweet Celebration - Homemade Hummingbird Layer Cake

Homemade Hummingbird Layer Cake

SERVES 12

cake ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour

2 cups sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt (coarse preferred)

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1 cup vegetable oil

2 large eggs, beaten

2 cups ripe bananas, mashed

8 ounce can crushed pineapple, undrained

1/2 cup coconut flakes

1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

frosting ingredients optional toppings

16 ounces cream cheese

1/2 cup butter, room temperature

4 cups powdered sugar

2 teaspoon vanilla extract

optional toppings

1/2 cup coconut flakes, toasted if desired

1/4 cup pecans, toasted if desired

cake instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Using three 9-inch round cake pans, grease the pans then line with parchment paper and grease the paper. Set aside.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

3. Stir in the oil, eggs, mashed bananas, crushed pineapple, coconut flakes, and vanilla until just combined—do not overmix.

4. Evenly divide the batter among the three prepared pans.

5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. The frosting may be prepared at this time, or whenever you’re ready to assemble after cooling the cakes.

6. Once cool, lift the parchment paper wrapped cake from the pan and remove the parchment.

frosting instructions

1. In a large bowl with an electric hand mixer, blend the cream cheese and butter on high speed until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.

2. Add powdered sugar in small increments, beating well after each addition.

3. Stir in vanilla extract.

Notes: Make sure the cake is completely cool to the touch. For level cakes, slice a thin piece off the rounded tops, if desired.

assembly instructions

1. Place the first cake layer on a serving plate. Using an offset spatula, spread the top with 1 cup frosting.

2. Add the next layer on top of the first, and spread with 1 cup frosting.

3. Add the last layer and spread the remaining frosting over the tops and sides of the cake.

4. Decorate with toppings, if desired.

“A PARTY WITHOUT CAKE IS JUST A MEETING.” Julia Child