Hummingbird bread baking is a delightful culinary adventure that brings the vibrant flavors of the tropics right into your kitchen. This moist and flavorful bread, often infused with bananas, pineapple, and pecans, has its roots in the Southern United States, where it was inspired by the beloved Hummingbird Cake. The combination of sweet fruits and nuts creates a texture that is both tender and satisfying, making it a favorite among many. I love how this recipe not only fills the air with a heavenly aroma but also brings a sense of warmth and comfort to any gathering. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat or a sweet afternoon snack, hummingbird bread baking is sure to please your taste buds and leave you craving more!
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
Preparing the Batter
Let’s get started on our Hummingbird Bread! This delightful recipe is a perfect blend of tropical flavors and is super easy to make. First, I like to gather all my ingredients and tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important step, as you want your oven to be hot and ready for the bread when you finish preparing the batter.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or a potato masher until they are smooth. I usually leave a few small chunks for texture, but it’s up to you!
- Add the drained crushed pineapple to the mashed bananas. Make sure to squeeze out as much juice as possible to avoid making the batter too wet.
- Next, add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the banana and pineapple mixture. Stir well until everything is combined.
- Pour in the vegetable oil, and crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and give it another good stir. The mixture should be smooth and well combined.
Mixing the Dry Ingredients
Now that we have our wet ingredients ready, it’s time to mix the dry ingredients. This step is crucial for ensuring that our bread has the right texture and flavor.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices throughout the flour.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. I like to do this in three parts, folding the flour in gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
- If you’re using nuts or shredded coconut, fold them in at this stage. They add a lovely crunch and flavor to the bread.
Preparing the Baking Pan
Before we pour our batter into the pan, we need to prepare it to ensure our bread comes out easily after baking.
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for extra insurance against sticking.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Make sure to leave a little room at the top, as the bread will rise while baking.
Cooking Process
Now comes the exciting part—baking our Hummingbird Bread!
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. I recommend checking for doneness around the 60-minute mark. You can do this by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bread; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready!
- If the top of the bread is browning too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil to prevent it from burning while the inside continues to cook.
- Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This allows it to set and makes it easier to remove from the pan.
- After cooling, carefully turn the loaf out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This step is essential for achieving the

Conclusion:
In summary, this Hummingbird Bread recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a delightful and flavorful treat. The combination of ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, and warm spices creates a moist and tender loaf that is simply irresistible. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a dessert, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your household. For serving suggestions, I recommend slathering a warm slice with a bit of cream cheese or butter for an extra touch of decadence. You can also experiment with variations by adding nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, or even a handful of chocolate chips for a sweet twist. The possibilities are endless, and I encourage you to get creative! I truly believe that once you try this Hummingbird Bread, you’ll be hooked. So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let the delightful aroma fill your kitchen. Don’t forget to share your experience with friends and family, and let them know how much you loved this recipe. I can’t wait to hear about your baking adventures! Happy baking! Print
Hummingbird Bread Baking: A Delicious Recipe to Try Today
- Total Time: 75-85 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 10-12 slices) 1x
Description
This Hummingbird Bread combines ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, and warm spices for a moist and flavorful treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. Easy to make and customizable with nuts or chocolate chips, it can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for a week. Enjoy this delightful loaf that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth, leaving a few small chunks for texture if desired.
- Add the drained crushed pineapple to the mashed bananas, squeezing out excess juice.
- Stir in the granulated sugar and brown sugar until well combined.
- Pour in the vegetable oil, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients in three parts, being careful not to overmix.
- If using, fold in the nuts and shredded coconut.
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and pour the batter in, smoothing the top.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick around the 60-minute mark.
- If the top browns too quickly, tent with aluminum foil.
- Once baked, cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Customize with your favorite nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate chips.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freeze individual slices for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
Leave a Comment