Hummingbird Bread with Heavenly Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

If you adore the tropical flavors of banana, pineapple, and pecans, you’re in for a treat with this Hummingbird Bread with Heavenly Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting! Imagine all the wonderful elements of the classic Hummingbird Cake but in an easy-to-make, sliceable bread form. Each bite is bursting with fruit, nuts, and warm spices, all topped with a luscious, slightly tangy cinnamon cream cheese frosting. This bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert—any time you want to add a little sweetness to your day!

Hummingbird Bread is a delightful twist on the traditional Southern Hummingbird Cake, combining all the same flavors in a more casual, yet still indulgent, form. The addition of the cinnamon cream cheese frosting takes it to another level, adding a hint of spice that perfectly complements the fruit and nuts in the bread.

Recipe Summary

This Hummingbird Bread with Heavenly Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is an easy and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of a Hummingbird Cake in a loaf. Packed with bananas, crushed pineapple, and toasted pecans, it’s moist, flavorful, and perfectly sweet. The cinnamon cream cheese frosting is the crowning glory, adding a creamy, spiced finish to every slice.

Exciting Story

The first time I made Hummingbird Bread was when I was looking for a way to use up some overripe bananas and a can of crushed pineapple in my pantry. I remembered how much I loved Hummingbird Cake, so I decided to create a bread version. The result was even better than I imagined! The bread was so moist and full of flavor, and the cinnamon cream cheese frosting added a lovely touch of warmth. It’s now a favorite in our house, and I often make it when we have guests—it never fails to impress!

Why This Hummingbird Bread?

• Tropical Flavors: Bananas, pineapple, and pecans come together in perfect harmony.
• Moist and Tender: This bread stays moist for days, thanks to the fruit.
• Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting: The frosting adds a rich, spiced sweetness that takes this bread over the top.
• Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a sweet snack.

How to Make Hummingbird Bread with Heavenly Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs together until light and fluffy. Add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract, and beat until combined. Stir in the mashed bananas and crushed pineapple.

Step 4: Combine and Add Nuts
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Fold in the toasted pecans and shredded coconut, if using.

Step 5: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it with foil. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon, and beat until well combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until smooth and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 7: Frost the Bread
Once the bread is completely cooled, spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting generously over the top. Slice and serve!

Tips

• Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
• Drain the Pineapple Well: Make sure to drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in the bread.
• Toast the Pecans: Toasting the pecans brings out their flavor and adds a nice crunch to the bread.

Substitutions and Variations

• Nuts: Swap the pecans for walnuts or omit them if you prefer.
• Coconut: If you’re not a fan of coconut, simply leave it out.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.

Make a Healthier Version

• Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
• Less Sugar: Reduce the amount of sugar by ¼ cup without sacrificing too much sweetness.
• Greek Yogurt: Substitute some of the oil with Greek yogurt for a lighter texture.

Closing

This Hummingbird Bread with Heavenly Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful, tropical twist on a classic Southern dessert. It’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a brunch or just treating yourself to a special treat. The combination of flavors and textures is sure to win you over with every bite!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze Hummingbird Bread?
Yes, you can freeze the bread (without frosting) for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving.

How do I store leftover bread?
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Can I make this bread without nuts?
Absolutely! Simply omit the pecans for a nut-free version.

What if I don’t have cinnamon for the frosting?
You can substitute ground nutmeg or leave out the spice altogether for a plain cream cheese frosting.

Can I make this bread into muffins?
Yes, you can make Hummingbird Muffins by dividing the batter into a muffin tin and baking at 350°F for 18-20 minutes.