Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s tender, bursting with tropical fruit, and finished off with a dreamy, spiced frosting, let me introduce you to Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting! This classic Southern treat combines everything I adore in a comfort bake: mashed bananas, pineapple, sweet coconut, and pecans packed into a golden loaf, all crowned with a tangy, cinnamon-kissed cream cheese topping. It’s a showstopper that’s somehow both elegant and homey, making every slice irresistible—perfect for guests or cozy afternoons with a cup of coffee!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this loaf is how beautifully the ingredients come together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each simple staple brings its own special magic to Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting, so let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need before you start baking!

• All-purpose flour: The foundation for a light yet sturdy crumb that holds all the dreamy mix-ins.
• Baking soda: Essential for lift, ensuring your loaf is fluffy and rises perfectly.
• Salt: Just a touch to brighten everything up and keep the flavors balanced.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds lovely warmth and pairs beautifully with both the bread and frosting.
• Ground nutmeg: A little goes a long way to add depth and a hint of spice.
• Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps keep the bread moist.
• Packed light brown sugar: Offers a subtle molasses note and chewy texture.
• Large eggs: Bind everything together and add rich flavor.
• Vegetable oil: Makes the loaf extra tender and moist without overpowering the flavors.
• Vanilla extract: A must for rounding out the tropical flavors in the bread and frosting.
• Mashed ripe bananas (about 2 bananas): The key to a sweet, fragrant, and super-moist crumb.
• Crushed pineapple (drained): Adds juicy bursts of fruit and a gentle tang.
• Chopped pecans: Bring a toasted, buttery crunch to every bite—toast them if you want extra flavor!
• Shredded sweetened coconut: Gives a touch of chewy sweetness and a tropical vibe.
• Cream cheese (softened): The star of the frosting, tangy and lush.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Adds silkiness and rich flavor to the topping.
• Powdered sugar: For that smooth, creamy sweetness in the frosting.
• Ground cinnamon (for frosting): Warms up the cream cheese for a spiced, comforting finish.
• Vanilla extract (for frosting): Deepens the flavor in your creamy swirl.
• Pinch of salt (for frosting): Makes the sweetness and spice pop!

How to Make Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or simply line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Giving your pan this loving attention up front ensures your Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting comes out perfectly golden and never sticks.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This guarantees all your dry ingredients are swirling in harmony and every bite is equally flavorful. I never skip this step—it’s what makes the bread’s base tender-crumbed and delicious.

Step 3: Blend the Sugars, Eggs, Oil, and Vanilla

In a separate large bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Think of this as the foundation for all those mouthwatering flavors to come, adding moisture and depth to every slice.

Step 4: Add the Fruit and Nuts

Now the magic happens! Gently stir in your mashed bananas, drained crushed pineapple, chopped pecans, and shredded coconut. These not only bring unbeatable flavor and sweetness, but also add texture—the signature move for Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting that makes it so crave-worthy.

Step 5: Combine and Pour

Add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want this batter to stay soft and delicate. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and gently smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are perfect, but no wet batter). Let the Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then carefully transfer it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Patience pays off here—cooling gives you the best texture before frosting.

Step 7: Make the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

While your loaf cools, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until silky smooth. Add the powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla, and a pinch of salt, beating until the frosting is light, fluffy, and irresistibly creamy. This swirl of spiced frosting turns simple banana-pineapple bread into a true celebration!

Step 8: Frost and Serve

Once the bread is completely cooled, generously spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting over the top. For the cleanest slices, chill your frosted loaf for 30 minutes before slicing. Now you’re ready for the moment you’ve been waiting for—dive into your gorgeous loaf of Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting!

How to Serve Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

Give your loaf bakery-level flair by sprinkling extra chopped pecans or a little toasted coconut on top of the frosting. A dusting of cinnamon or a few edible flowers can make every slice look picture perfect and special for brunches or celebrations!

Side Dishes

This luscious bread pairs so well with a hot cup of coffee, creamy latte, or even a glass of iced tea. For breakfast, add a side of fresh berries or sliced tropical fruit to echo the fruity flavors baked into the loaf. It also makes a wonderful compliment to a simple fruit salad at brunch or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting into thick cubes and serving it on a platter with toothpicks as a playful party bite. Or, layer slices with extra frosting and berries in mason jars for individually portioned desserts. For a brunch board, include it alongside muffins, scones, and your favorite fresh fruits for a spread that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your loaf is frosted, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay perfectly moist and fresh for about 4 days—if it lasts that long! The flavors only get better after a day, as everything melds together for a truly memorable treat.

Freezing

If you want to bake ahead, you can absolutely freeze Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting. For best results, freeze the unfrosted bread, tightly wrapped in plastic and foil, for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and frost just before serving for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.

Reheating

If you love your bread a bit warm, pop individual (unfrosted) slices in the microwave for a few seconds or toast lightly. Add the frosting just before eating, or enjoy cold—the sweet, tangy topping is a delight either way!

FAQs

Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts offer a slightly more robust flavor and make a great swap for pecans in Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting. Toast them beforehand for an even deeper nutty aroma.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. Keep an eye on texture and don’t overmix for best results—everything else stays the same!

How do I know when the bread is done?

The loaf is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are fine). The top should be golden and the loaf should feel springy when gently pressed.

Can I make the frosting ahead?

You sure can! The cinnamon cream cheese frosting can be made a day or two in advance and stored covered in the fridge. Give it a quick stir before spreading on your cooled bread.

What can I use instead of pineapple?

If you don’t have crushed pineapple, applesauce or even finely grated apple can provide the moisture and subtle sweetness the recipe needs—though the iconic flavor of Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is best with pineapple for that tropical note!

Final Thoughts

Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is truly one of those bakes that brings people together, whether you’re sharing a loaf at a brunch table or sneaking a slice with coffee in the afternoon. I can’t wait for you to experience all those cozy spices, tropical flavors, and that irresistible creamy topping for yourself. Happy baking—let me know how you love it!

Print