magnolia bakery hummingbird cake recipe

3 min read 19-11-2024

Meta Description: Craving a taste of Magnolia Bakery's famous Hummingbird Cake? This complete recipe recreates the moist, spiced cake layered with creamy cream cheese frosting. Get ready for a delightful baking experience! Learn the secrets to achieving that signature Magnolia Bakery flavor and texture. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply indulging in a sweet treat.

A Southern Classic Reimagined

Magnolia Bakery's Hummingbird Cake isn't just a cake; it's a nostalgic trip to the heart of Southern comfort food. This moist, spiced loaf cake, studded with pineapple and bananas, is generously layered with a tangy cream cheese frosting. It's a recipe that has captivated taste buds for years. Let's dive into recreating this beloved dessert.

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe is broken down into components for the cake and the frosting. Gather everything before you begin for a smooth baking process.

For the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium)
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

16 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions:

Follow these instructions carefully for optimal results. Remember to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Making the Cake Batter:

Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.
Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Fruit & Nuts: Gently fold in the drained crushed pineapple, mashed bananas, and nuts (if using).
Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Cream Cheese Frosting:

Cream Cheese & Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
Flavor: Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.

Assembling Your Hummingbird Cake:

Level Cakes (Optional): If your cakes have domed tops, use a serrated knife to level them.
Frost: Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer with a generous amount of cream cheese frosting. Top with the second cake layer.
Final Frosting: Frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting. You can create a rustic look or a smooth, elegant finish.
Chill (Optional): For easier slicing and a firmer frosting, chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Tips for Magnolia Bakery Success:

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs, butter, and cream cheese are at room temperature for optimal mixing and texture.
Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
Fresh Ingredients: Use ripe bananas and fresh pineapple for the best flavor.
Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Enjoy Your Homemade Magnolia Bakery Hummingbird Cake!

This recipe brings the magic of Magnolia Bakery's famous Hummingbird Cake right to your kitchen. Enjoy every bite of this moist, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying dessert! Let us know how yours turns out in the comments below!