Taste Tradition with a Southern Favorite: Hummingbird Cake

Directions

Have each cake ingredient measured and/or ready (as indicated) before starting. Make sure an oven rack is in the center of the oven, and preheat oven to 350ºF. While the oven is preheating, toast the pecans until they become fragrant, about 5-10 minutes. Keep an eye on the pecans as they’re toasting, as the oils in the nuts can burn. After removing the pecans from the oven, pour them onto a plate to cool. Once cooled, chop ¾ cup of the toasted pecans; set aside the chopped pecans and the 16 extra whole pecans.

Oil the bottoms and sides of two 6-inch cake pans using the coconut oil cooking spray. Line the bottom of each pan with parchment paper. Spray coconut oil cooking spray onto each parchment paper.

Sift the whole wheat white flour into a large bowl. Add baking soda, cornstarch, cinnamon, and sugar to bowl; whisk to combine the ingredients.

Place the eggs in a different bowl; beat. Add the melted (cooled) coconut oil and vanilla bean paste; lightly mix (ingredients will not be thoroughly combined).

Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Pour the egg-oil mixture into the well. Stir the ingredients together using a wooden spoon until the ingredients are combined. Add in the bananas, pineapple, and chopped pecans; lightly mix. Spoon the cake batter into the prepared pans until they are ¾ full.

Place the cake pans into the oven and bake for approximately 55 minutes. Because oven temperatures vary, test to see if the cakes are ready by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cakes; if the toothpick comes out clean, they’re ready. After removing the cakes from the oven, set the cakes while still in the pans on a cooling rack for 10 minutes. Remove the cakes from the pans by turning the cake pans over and over the cooling rack, carefully catch the cakes, and set them on the cooling rack. If the cakes do not easily release from the cake pans, you can tap the pans a couple of times. If the parchment paper is stuck to the cake bottoms, peel off and discard. Let the cakes completely cool before assembling the cake.

Have each icing ingredient measured and/or ready (as indicated) before starting. Place the butter and cream cheese in a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Beat ingredients on medium-high until fluffy. Scrape down the bowl. Mix in sifted powdered sugar on low speed until it is just incorporated. Mix in vanilla bean paste and lemon zest on low speed until just incorporated.

Once the cakes have completely cooled, use a serrated knife to split each in half horizontally so that you have four cake layers.

Note: If you have a turntable that you can set a cake board on before assembling the cake, you will be able to frost the cake easier. But it’s not necessary.

Place the first cake layer on a cake board prepared with a thin layer of icing. Dollop and spread some of the icing onto the top of the first layer. Stack the second cake layer atop the first cake layer; dollop and spread some of the icing onto the top of the second layer. Stack the third cake layer atop the second cake layer; dollop and spread some of the icing onto the top of the third layer. Stack the fourth cake layer atop the third cake layer. Crumb-coat the cake and place in the fridge for 30 minutes.

When you’re ready for the final coat, place a thick layer of icing onto the top of the cake and spread the icing evenly over the entire cake, smoothing the sides as you go. Place the remaining 16 toasted whole pecan pieces atop the cake (approximately two whole pecans per slice), gently pushing them into the icing until they hold firm. Slice into 8 pieces and serve.

If you have any leftovers and your house stays 70ºF or cooler, this cake will keep well for up to three days at room temperature, covered. If you live somewhere where it is hot and humid, though, and if you do not plan on not eating the leftovers within a couple of days, you should store them, covered, in the fridge. Note: Whole wheat white flour makes for a denser cake. If you would like your cake to be less dense, you can substitute ½ of the whole wheat white flour with ½ all-purpose white flour.