Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re searching for a treat that effortlessly blends Southern charm, fruity sweetness, and an irresistibly creamy finish, look no further than Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting. This beloved classic captures everything there is to love about banana bread, but takes it up a notch: juicy pineapple, crunchy pecans, and a lusciously spiced frosting make it truly special. Whether you’re a long-time fan or brand new to this crowd-pleasing loaf, it’s a recipe that sparks smiles (and maybe a little bit of friendly competition for the last slice!).

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting so delightful is how each simple ingredient plays its part, creating a loaf that’s beautifully textured and bursting with flavor. Gather these pantry staples and a couple of fresh extras — every one brings something to the party!

  • All-purpose flour: The base of our bread, ensuring a tender but sturdy crumb that holds all those delicious mix-ins.
  • Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve that golden-brown exterior we all crave.
  • Brown sugar: Adds depth and a hint of molasses flavor, making every bite just a little more interesting.
  • Baking soda: Keeps the loaf nice and airy, countering any heaviness from the moist fruits.
  • Baking powder: Ensures even more lift, so your bread never turns out dense.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances every other flavor.
  • Ground cinnamon: The soul of the spice blend, essential for that warm, inviting aroma.
  • Ground nutmeg: A pinch goes a long way, rounding out the spices with a subtle edge.
  • Large eggs: Bring everything together for structure and richness.
  • Vegetable oil: Keeps the texture moist and soft, without weighing the loaf down.
  • Crushed pineapple (with juice): Delivers tropical flair and extra moisture — don’t drain that juice!
  • Ripe bananas (mashed): For natural sweetness, tender texture, and old-fashioned comfort.
  • Vanilla extract: A touch of mellow flavor that ties the fruits and spices together.
  • Chopped pecans (optional): For those addictive crunchy bits; you can swap for walnuts or skip altogether.
  • Cream cheese (softened): The star of our frosting, making it decadently smooth and just a little tangy.
  • Unsalted butter (softened): Gives the frosting a rich, silky finish.
  • Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect spreadable consistency.
  • Cinnamon (for frosting): Doubles down on that cozy spice factor — don’t skip it!

How to Make Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan. For fuss-free removal, line the pan with parchment paper, letting some hang over the edges like a handy sling. This little detail ensures your Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting comes out perfectly, every time.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, both sugars, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This not only distributes the leaveners and spices evenly, but also breaks up any sugar lumps, giving your bread a uniform flavor throughout.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, vegetable oil, crushed pineapple (with all that lovely juice), mashed bananas, and vanilla extract until smooth. This blend is what infuses the loaf with tropical fruitiness and keeps it wonderfully moist.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet mixture over your dry ingredients, folding gently just until there are no dry streaks left. Be careful not to overmix, or your bread could turn out dense! If you’re using pecans, fold them in now — their crunch is a game-changer.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Spoon the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it in the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick in the center — it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Cool the Bread Completely

Once baked, let your loaf cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then lift it out using the parchment overhang and transfer to a wire rack to cool fully. Resist the urge to frost too soon: warm bread will melt the luscious icing!

Step 7: Whip Up the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until silky-smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon, beating until fluffy and well combined. The cinnamon boosts warmth in every bite of this Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting.

Step 8: Frost and Garnish

Spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting generously over your cooled loaf. For a finishing touch, sprinkle extra chopped pecans on top if you like — they pack both crunch and a touch of elegance.

How to Serve Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A final flourish can elevate the presentation: scatter a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts across the creamy frosting, or try a light dusting of ground cinnamon. You can even tuck in a few edible flowers or banana chips for a playful twist.

Side Dishes

This bread shines alongside a cup of tea or rich, strong coffee. For brunch, pair slices with Greek yogurt and fresh berries, or serve after a meal with a bowl of lightly sweetened whipped cream and tropical fruits to lean into those pineapple notes.

Creative Ways to Present

For extra flair, cube the frosted bread and serve as bite-sized dessert bars at parties; or gift a frosted loaf, wrapped in parchment and tied with a ribbon. Don’t be afraid to make mini loaves or even jumbo muffins to suit the occasion — Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is wonderfully versatile!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your bread moist and flavorful, store any leftover Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting covered in the refrigerator. The loaf stays delicious for up to 5 days; just bring slices to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

Freezing

If you’d like to save some for later, wrap the unfrosted bread tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then frost just before serving to maintain that plush, creamy topping.

Reheating

For a warm treat, pop individual slices (without frosting) in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. If already frosted, let the bread come to room temperature naturally, as microwaving can cause the icing to melt and lose its smooth texture.

FAQs

Can I skip the pecans if I have a nut allergy?

Absolutely! The Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is just as delicious without nuts. You’ll still get all that wonderful fruit flavor and dreamy texture.

Can I make this bread gluten free?

Yes — simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free baking mix. Do keep an eye on the baking time, as some blends absorb liquids differently and may require a few extra minutes in the oven.

Why is it called Hummingbird Bread?

This Southern classic got its whimsical name because it’s sweet enough to attract hummingbirds. Traditionally made as a cake, it’s now just as loved as a quick bread, thanks to its moist crumb and plenty of tropical flavor.

Can I double the recipe?

You sure can! Bake the batter in two loaf pans side by side, or try making a sheet cake version (just watch the baking time). It’s a wonderful way to ensure there’s plenty of Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting to go around.

Is the frosting necessary?

While the cinnamon cream cheese frosting is truly the crowning glory, you can enjoy the bread without it for a less-sweet, breakfast-style loaf. But if you’re aiming for maximum wow-factor, don’t skip that generous swirl on top!

Final Thoughts

If you adore a baking project that’s as comforting as it is crowd-pleasing, give Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting a try. It’s a recipe that delights guests and bring families together, and I promise: once you’ve tried a slice, you’ll understand why it’s a forever favorite. Happy baking!

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Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

4.7 from 13 reviews

Indulge in the tropical flavors of a classic Hummingbird Bread topped with a luscious Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting. This moist and flavorful bread is perfect for any occasion, from brunch to dessert.

  • Author: nadia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 10 slices 1x
  • Category: Dessert, Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Units Scale

Bread:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup crushed pineapple with juice
  • 2 medium ripe bananas mashed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugars, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In another bowl, whisk eggs, oil, pineapple, bananas, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients, fold in pecans.
  3. Bake: Pour batter into the pan, bake for 55–65 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before frosting.
  4. Make the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon, mix until creamy.
  5. Frost the bread: Spread frosting over cooled bread, garnish with pecans if desired.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, skip the frosting and serve as a quick bread.
  • Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Freezes well without the frosting.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: ~320 kcal
  • Sugar: ~30 g
  • Sodium: ~260 mg
  • Fat: ~14 g
  • Saturated Fat: ~5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: ~9 g
  • Trans Fat: ~0 g
  • Carbohydrates: ~45 g
  • Fiber: ~2 g
  • Protein: ~4 g
  • Cholesterol: ~45 mg

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