Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you crave a slice of something exceptionally moist, sweetly tropical, and lusciously frosted, you absolutely must try Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting. This Southern-inspired quick bread overflows with banana, pineapple, shredded coconut, and crunchy pecans—each bite a symphony of flavors and textures. The dreamy cream cheese frosting is the ultimate crowning touch, making this loaf as perfect for brunch and celebrations as it is for an afternoon treat. Whether it’s your first taste or you’re already a fan, Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting is destined to become a cherished staple in your recipe collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s walk through the wonderfully simple ingredients that give Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting its irresistible flavor and joyful texture. Each addition plays a crucial role, and together, they create pure baking magic right in your own kitchen.

• Butter (softened): Rich, creamy butter is the backbone of both the bread and the frosting, ensuring a tender crumb and velvety finish.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the bread while contributing to a lovely golden color as it bakes.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a deep, caramel-like flavor that truly enhances every bite.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and give the bread structure for that perfect slice.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the essential body, giving your bread a sturdy yet soft texture.
• Baking Soda: Gives the bread just the right amount of lift, ensuring it’s fluffy and light.
• Salt: Balances out the sweetness and brings out all the other flavors.
• Mashed Bananas: The heart of hummingbird bread, bananas add incredible moisture and a fruity aroma.
• Vanilla Extract: Infuses the bread (and frosting!) with a gentle, sweet warmth.
• Ground Cinnamon: Delivers a hint of spice that beautifully complements the fruit and nuts.
• Crushed Pineapple (with juice): Adds juicy sweetness and a delightful tropical note—don’t forget the juice for extra flavor!
• Shredded Coconut (sweetened): Brings a chewy texture and a boost of sweetness that pairs so well with the other ingredients.
• Chopped Pecans: Lend a lovely crunch and nutty depth that makes every bite interesting.
• Cream Cheese (softened): The base of the iconic frosting, giving it tang and velvety smoothness.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting to perfection and ensures it’s gloriously creamy.

How to Make Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pans

First, get your kitchen ready for baking magic. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees, and then grease two 8×4-inch loaf pans. This helps your Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting release effortlessly later and bake up with golden, delicious edges.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat until this mixture is wonderfully light and fluffy—this step helps your bread become airy and gives it an irresistible texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Crack in the eggs and pour in your vanilla extract. Now beat everything until the eggs are fully combined. This blends in even more richness and that irresistible hint of vanilla.

Step 4: Sift and Combine the Dry Ingredients

Over the wet mixture, sift in the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir gently, just until the batter starts to come together—you want it to be well-mixed but not overworked.

Step 5: Fold in Fruits and Nuts

To the batter, add the crushed pineapple (juice and all!), shredded coconut, and those crunchy chopped pecans. Stir until they’re evenly distributed throughout—the aroma at this point is out of this world!

Step 6: Add Mashed Bananas

Finally, fold in the mashed bananas. This is where your Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting really comes to life, transforming into the moist, fragrant batter we all crave.

Step 7: Bake

Divide the batter between your prepared pans. Slide them into the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. When a cake tester or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, your loaves are ready. Let them cool completely before frosting.

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the loaves cool, prepare the dreamy frosting. In a bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla, then slowly mix in powdered sugar until the frosting is creamy and luscious—ideal for spreading.

Step 9: Frost and Finish

Spread the cream cheese frosting thickly over the cooled loaves. Sprinkle with reserved chopped pecans for a gorgeous, crunchy finish. Now, all that’s left is to slice, serve, and savor!

How to Serve Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

Bring out the beauty (and flavor!) of your Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting by showering the top with extra chopped pecans, a sprinkle of toasted coconut, or even a pinch of cinnamon. A few thin banana or pineapple slices artfully arranged add a festive touch for special occasions.

Side Dishes

A warm slice pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or a creamy chai latte. For brunch, serve alongside a bowl of fresh tropical fruit or yogurt with honey and granola to echo the bread’s natural sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cubing the loaf and layering with extra cream cheese frosting and fruit in a glass trifle dish for an easy dessert. Or, serve slices toasted and topped with a drizzle of honey for a slightly caramelized twist on your Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay moist and delicious for up to five days, making it perfect for a sweet treat any time of day.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted bread by wrapping each loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It’ll stay fresh for up to three months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge, frost, and enjoy as if it were freshly baked.

Reheating

For just-baked warmth, slice what you need and heat gently in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. If you prefer a slightly crisp edge, try toasting individual slices in a dry skillet—just add the frosting after warming.

FAQs

Can I make Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap out the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The results are still incredibly moist and full of those signature flavors.

Do I have to use pecans?

No worries if pecans aren’t your thing or you have allergies. Walnuts work beautifully, or skip nuts altogether—the Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting will still be scrumptious and satisfying.

What if I don’t have pineapple on hand?

Crushed pineapple is pretty essential for that tropical flair, but in a pinch, you could substitute with a little applesauce or finely chopped mango for moisture and fruity sweetness.

Is it okay to reduce the sugar?

If you prefer a less sweet bread, you can cut back the sugar slightly, but keep in mind that the pineapple and bananas naturally add sweetness, too. Try reducing each type of sugar by a couple of tablespoons to start.

Can I make this as muffins instead?

Definitely! Spoon the batter into muffin tins lined with papers, filling about 3/4 full. Bake at 350 degrees for about 20–25 minutes, and don’t forget to frost once cooled for individually portioned treats.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve experienced the magic of Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting, you’ll understand why it’s become such a beloved favorite. Gather your ingredients, invite someone to bake with you, and treat yourselves to a loaf (or two!) of pure joy. Let this recipe bring sunny, nostalgic flavors right into your home!

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