Throughout the passage of time, spanning numerous decades, we have concocted an array of recipes. From hearty casseroles to savory cornbread to flavorful barbecue dishes, we have explored and mastered a myriad of Southern culinary classics. Yet, amongst all these delicacies, it is the realm of desserts that truly captivates the hearts of both our dedicated team and cherished readers. Many hold dear the treasured recipes passed down through generations, such as pecan pralines, peach cobbler, and the coveted cakes. A significant number of these beloved cake recipes originated from the pages of Southern Living many years ago. So, which cake has withstood the test of time? Which one is hailed above all others? None other than the illustrious Hummingbird Cake.
Learn the Recipe:
What is the Hummingbird Cake?
The inception of the original Hummingbird Cake is believed to have taken place in Jamaica during the 1960s. How did this delicacy secure its place as the unofficial dessert of the South? For this, we extend our gratitude to Mrs. L.H. Wiggins of Greensboro, North Carolina. Wiggins first introduced the Hummingbird Cake to Southern Living in 1978, unknowingly paving the way for it to become our most cherished cake recipe of all time.
The Hummingbird Cake is simply mesmerizing—three layers of utter moistness enveloped in a luscious cream cheese frosting and adorned with toasted pecans. Its taste matches its visual appeal, if not surpasses it, while the sentimental value imbued in every slice enhances its sweetness.
Ingredients for the Hummingbird Cake:
Canned Crushed Pineapple (In Juice): Ensure not to discard the syrupy juice from the canned pineapple. The juice contributes to the flavor, sweetness, and imparts a tangy, tropical essence to the cake.
Oil: While butter holds its own charm, this recipe thrives on the use of oil. Opting for oil instead of butter adds richness and moisture to the batter. Furthermore, utilizing oil eliminates the need for a stand mixer, allowing for effortless manual mixing.
Bananas: When incorporating bananas into baking, opt for ripe, spotty ones. Such bananas offer heightened sweetness, enhance the flavor profile, and seamlessly blend into the batter.
Pecans: Toasted pecans are a game-changer. Integrating toasted pecans into the batter introduces a subtle crunch to the cake, counterbalancing some of the sweetness. (Nuts can be omitted from the recipe as per preference).
Feedback from Reviewers:
For numerous aficionados, their adoration for the Hummingbird Cake recipe remains unwavering. Having prepared this cake on numerous occasions, it consistently garners praise. Here are the sentiments shared by home bakers:
“For three decades, this cake has reigned as our favorite, a simple yet de
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