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+ servings
Close-up of a moist, textured slice topped with a light glaze.

Hummingbird Bread

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
This moist and flavorful hummingbird bread is made with bananas, crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, and pecans, then topped with a rich cream cheese frosting.
12 Servings

Ingredients

For the Bread:

  • cups 300g all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup 113g unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup 100g granulated sugar
  • ½ cup 110g brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • cups mashed ripe bananas approximately 3–4 medium bananas
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 can 8 oz / 227g crushed pineapple with juice
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • ½ cup chopped pecans

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz 226g cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup 113g unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup 120g powdered sugar
  • ½ cup chopped pecans for garnish

Instructions
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan (or two 8×4-inch pans) and line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until well combined. Set aside.
  3. Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Incorporate the wet ingredients: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined.
  5. Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually stir the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix until just incorporated; do not overmix.
  6. Add the mix-ins: Gently fold in the crushed pineapple (with its juice), shredded coconut, and chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
  7. Transfer and bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too quickly, tent lightly with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
  8. Cool the bread: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then carefully lift it out using the parchment overhang and place on a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
  9. Prepare the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue to beat until light and creamy.
  10. Frost and garnish: Once the bread is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Sprinkle with the remaining chopped pecans for garnish. Slice and serve.

Notes

To make this hummingbird bread gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Ensure the baking powder, baking soda, and other ingredients (such as the shredded coconut and powdered sugar) are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination. The texture may be slightly softer but remains moist and flavorful.
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