How to Make Hummingbird Cake With Cake Mix: Simple Steps!
To make a delicious Hummingbird Cake using cake mix, follow these simple steps: Combine cake mix with additional ingredients, bake the cake layers, and prepare a homemade cream cheese frosting to assemble and decorate the cake.
Hummingbird Cake is a classic Southern dessert that consists of moist layers of cake filled with bananas, pineapple, and pecans, all held together by a luscious cream cheese frosting.
By using a cake mix, you can save time and effort, while still creating a scrumptious dessert that your guests will love.
Stir in chopped pecans, and then divide the batter evenly among greased cake pans. Bake the cake layers according to the package instructions.
While the cake layers cool, prepare a homemade cream cheese frosting by blending together cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
Once the cake layers are completely cooled, **spread the frosting between layers and over the top and sides of the assembled cake
11 Ingredients on Making Hummingbird Cake with Cake Mix
Ingredient | Quantity | Instructions |
Boxed yellow cake mix | 1 (15.25 oz) package | Follow package instructions for mixing |
Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp | Add to cake mix before baking |
Crushed pineapple (undrained) | 1 (8 oz) can | Add to cake mix before baking |
Overripe bananas, mashed | 1 cup | Add to cake mix before baking |
Chopped pecans | 1 cup | Add to cake mix before baking |
Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Add to cake mix before baking |
Eggs | As required by cake mix | Follow package instructions for adding eggs |
Oil | As required by cake mix | Follow package instructions for adding oil |
Water | As required by cake mix | Follow package instructions for adding water |
Prepared cream cheese frosting | 1 (16 oz) container | Use to frost cake after it has cooled |
Chopped pecans (for garnish) | ½ cup (optional) | Sprinkle on top of the frosted cake |
Key Takeaway
Five Facts About: Hummingbird Cake and Cake Mix
What You’Ll Need
Making hummingbird cake with cake mix is a wonderful way to whip up a delicious dessert that is bursting with flavor. To make the perfect hummingbird cake, you’ll need a few essential ingredients that will make it truly sensational.
Here are the ingredients required to make this delectable cake:
- One box of yellow cake mix
- Three eggs
- One cup of water
- One-third cup of vegetable oil
- One can of crushed pineapple, drained (20 oz)
- One mashed banana
- One teaspoon of vanilla extract
- One teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- One-third cup of chopped pecans
- One container of cream cheese frosting (16 oz)
Substitutions Or Alternatives
In case you are unable to find all the necessary ingredients for making the hummingbird cake, you can always make some substitutions or alternatives that will work just as well.
Here are some ideas:
- Yellow cake mix: You can switch to a white cake mix if yellow cake mix is not available.
- Crushed pineapple: If you cannot find canned pineapples, you can use fresh or frozen pineapples, finely chopped.
- Pecans: If you or someone you are baking for has a nut allergy, you can substitute the pecans with some shredded coconut instead.
- Cream cheese frosting: You can easily make your own cream cheese frosting with cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
Tips For Sourcing Specialty Ingredients
For some ingredients, like crushed pineapple and pecans, you might need to visit a specialty store or shop online to find them.
Here are some tips on where to find specialty ingredients:
- Pineapple: You can try looking for canned pineapples at your local grocery store or online stores like amazon and walmart.
- Pecans: Many grocery stores carry them, but you may get a better deal if you try specialty stores like trader joe’s, whole foods, or online stores like nuts.com.
- Cream cheese frosting: Be sure to check the baking aisle of your grocery store to find pre-made cream cheese frosting or try making it from scratch using a recipe online.
Making a hummingbird cake with cake mix is easy and fun! By following the simple instructions and using the list of ingredients above, you can easily whip up a cake that will have all your friends and family members asking for more.
Step-By-Step Recipe Guide
How To Make Hummingbird Cake With Cake Mix: Step-By-Step Recipe Guide
Hummingbird cake is a delightful treat that is perfect for any occasion. If you want to enjoy this cake without putting in too much effort, then here’s a simple guide for you.
With the help of just a few ingredients, and some basic baking skills, making a hummingbird cake with cake mix will be a breeze!
Detailed Instructions On How To Prepare The Cake Mix
Making a cake with cake mix is an easy task, and hummingbird cake mix is no exception.
Here are the detailed instructions on how to prepare the cake mix:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit.
- Take a large mixing bowl and add the hummingbird cake mix.
- Pour in the required amount of oil, eggs, and water as directed on the cake mix package.
- Mix the ingredients with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds. Then increase the speed to medium and mix for another 2 minutes until the batter is smooth.
- Stir in the pineapple, bananas, and pecans with a wooden spoon until they are well combined in the batter.
Recommendations On How To Measure Ingredients Accurately
To make a perfect hummingbird cake, it’s important to measure the ingredients accurately.
Here are some recommendations to help you measure the ingredients correctly:
- Use measuring cups and spoons for dry and liquid ingredients respectively.
- Make sure to level off the measuring cups and spoons with a knife or spatula to ensure consistency in your measurements.
- Check the expiry date of the cake mix before using it. Expired cake mix can give you a cake with a different texture and taste.
Explain How To Mix The Ingredients Appropriately
Properly mixing the ingredients is crucial for the perfect texture and taste of the cake.
Here’s how you can mix the ingredients appropriately:
- Start by mixing the cake mix, oil, eggs, and water on low speed for 30 seconds to avoid splattering.
- Then, beat the mixture on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth, but do not over mix. This ensures that all ingredients are well incorporated into each other.
- Add the fruits and nuts with a wooden spoon and fold them into the batter. It’s important not to use the electric mixer at this stage, since it can damage the texture of fruits and nuts.
Provide Baking Time And Temperature Guidelines
Every oven is different, so it is important to follow the baking time and temperature guidelines mentioned on the cake mix package to achieve the best results.
The hummingbird cake should be baked at 350 degrees fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Suggest How To Check If The Cake Is Cooked Correctly
The final and crucial step is to check if the cake is cooked correctly.
Here is how to check if the hummingbird cake is ready:
- Insert a toothpick in the center of the cake and pull it out. If it comes out clean, then the cake is ready.
- If the toothpick has some batter sticking to it, then you should bake the cake for additional 2-3 minutes.
- You can also press the cake gently with your finger, if it springs back, then it is ready to come out of the oven.
By following these easy-to-understand steps, you can make a delicious hummingbird cake that your family and friends will love. Enjoy!
Adding The Frosting
Frosting adds the perfect finishing touch to a hummingbird cake, and there are plenty of options to choose from.
Here are some of the best frosting choices, along with their advantages:
Cream Cheese Frosting
- A classic choice
- The tangy flavor complements the sweetness of the cake
- It’s easy to make
- It’s perfect for decorating with different toppings
To make perfect cream cheese frosting, follow these steps:
- Beat cream cheese and butter together until light and fluffy.
- Add in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, then beat until smooth.
- Spread the frosting onto the cooled cake.
Vanilla Frosting
- Simple yet delicious
- Complements the natural sweetness of the cake
- Easy to make
Here’s how to make vanilla frosting:
- Beat butter until it’s light and fluffy.
- Add in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, then continue beating until it’s smooth.
- Spread the frosting onto the cooled cake.
Pineapple Frosting
- A tropical twist on the classic cream cheese frosting
- The pineapple flavor goes well with the cake’s ingredients
- It’s a unique frosting choice
To make pineapple frosting, follow these simple steps:
- Beat cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy.
- Add in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, then continue beating until it’s smooth.
- Fold in crushed pineapple until well combined.
- Spread the frosting onto the cooled cake.
Decorate With Frosting
Decorating with frosting is the perfect way to make your hummingbird cake stand out.
Here are some creative ways to decorate your cake with frosting:
Using A Pastry Bag
- Use a pastry bag with a decorative tip for a professional-looking finish
- Consider using multiple frosting colors for a vibrant and eye-catching cake
- Try out different frosting tip designs for unique decorations
Fruit Toppings
- Add fruit toppings to your cake for a fresh and flavorful finish
- Consider using fresh berries, sliced banana, or kiwi
- Arrange the fruit on top of the frosting in a pattern that complements the cake’s colors
Nuts
- Add chopped nuts to your frosting for a crunchy texture
- Consider using pecans, walnuts, or almonds
- Sprinkle the nuts over the frosting in a decorative pattern
By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to create a delicious and beautiful hummingbird cake with frosting that will impress your guests.
Serving And Storing Hummingbird Cake
Talk About Serving Suggestions
Once your hummingbird cake is baked, cooled, and ready to be served, you can either slice it into small pieces or bigger portions, depending on the occasion.
Here are some serving suggestions:
- Garnish the cake with a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts on top to add some crunch and texture to each slice.
- Serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to balance the sweetness of the cake and add a cool and creamy touch.
- Hummingbird cake also goes well with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a pleasant and enjoyable treat.
Suggest Accompaniments That Complement The Cake
If you want to take your hummingbird cake to the next level, consider pairing it with some delicious accompaniments that will complement its flavors.
Here are some suggestions:
- Cream cheese frosting is a classic pairing for hummingbird cake. The creamy and tangy frosting adds a delicious contrast to the cake’s sweetness and enhances its tropical flavors.
- Fresh berries, such as sliced strawberries or raspberries, are a perfect accompaniment for hummingbird cake. They add a pop of color, freshness, and a juicy twist to each bite.
- A drizzle of caramel sauce or honey is another great way to complement the cake’s sweetness and add some extra flavor without overpowering it.
Share Useful Tips On Storing Or Freezing The Cake
To keep your hummingbird cake fresh and tasty, it’s essential to store it properly.
Here are some useful tips on storing and freezing hummingbird cake:
Storing:
- Store the cake in an airtight container or wrap it in cling wrap to prevent air from drying it out.
- Keep the cake at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Before serving, bring the cake to room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour to enhance its flavors and texture.
Freezing:
- If you’re not planning to eat the cake right away, you can freeze it for up to 2 months.
- Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn and keep it fresh.
- When you’re ready to serve, thaw the cake in the fridge overnight, or at room temperature for a few hours, and bring it to room temperature before slicing and serving.
Highlight How To Keep The Cake Fresh And Moist For An Extended Period
Hummingbird cake is a dense and moist cake that can dry out quickly if not stored properly.
To keep the cake fresh and moist for an extended period, follow these tips:
- When baking the cake, make sure not to overbake it, as this can cause it to become dry and crumbly.
- Add extra moisture to the cake by adding a can of crushed pineapple and its juice to the batter. The pineapple adds a tropical flavor and keeps the cake moist.
- Store the cake in an airtight container or wrap it in cling wrap to prevent air from drying it out.
- If you’re serving the cake the next day, brush it with simple syrup to add moisture and enhance the flavors. To make simple syrup, mix equal parts of sugar and water and heat until the sugar dissolves.
- When storing the cake, place a slice of bread or a piece of apple in the container to absorb any excess moisture and keep the cake fresh and moist. Replace the bread or apple every day or two.
FAQ For How To Make Hummingbird Cake With Cake Mix
What Is Hummingbird Cake?
Hummingbird cake is a traditional southern cake made with bananas, pineapple, and pecans.
Is It Possible To Make Hummingbird Cake With Cake Mix?
Absolutely! Making hummingbird cake with cake mix is an easy and delicious alternative.
What Kind Of Cake Mix Is Best For Hummingbird Cake?
Yellow cake mix is the traditional choice, but you can also use white cake mix or spice cake mix.
What Are Some Tips For Baking A Perfect Hummingbird Cake?
Be sure to properly measure all ingredients, mix them thoroughly, and bake the cake until it’s golden brown.
Can I Make A Hummingbird Cake Ahead Of Time?
Yes! Hummingbird cake stays fresh for up to three days when stored at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge.
Conclusion
As you can see, making hummingbird cake with cake mix is incredibly easy and produces a delicious dessert that is sure to impress. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is perfect for you.
With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a beautifully moist cake that is infused with tropical flavors and topped with a creamy and sweet frosting.
Remember to let your cake cool before frosting and to use ripe bananas for the best results. So next time you’re looking for a quick and delicious dessert, try making hummingbird cake with cake mix. Your taste buds will thank you!