Hummingbird Bread With Heavenly Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

This Hummingbird Bread with Heavenly Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is a delicious twist on classic banana bread. It includes ripe bananas, pineapple, shredded coconut, and pecans, creating a tropical-inspired flavor in every bite. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting flavored with cinnamon, this bread is perfect for dessert, brunch, or any special occasion. The combination of flavors creates a moist, flavorful loaf that pairs perfectly with the creamy, slightly spiced frosting.

Hummingbird Bread is a tropical twist on classic banana bread, made even more delicious with a creamy cinnamon-spiced frosting. This recipe is perfect for special occasions, gatherings, or a sweet treat any time of the day.

INGREDIENTS

• Bananas: 3 ripe bananas, mashed, for natural sweetness and moisture.
• Sugar & Brown Sugar: Adds balanced sweetness to the bread.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and helps with structure.
• Oil: 1/4 cup of canola or vegetable oil for extra moisture.
• Flour: 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour for the base of the bread.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Ensures the bread rises properly.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
• Shredded Coconut: 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut for tropical flavor.
• Pineapple: 1/2 cup diced pineapple, patted dry for extra fruity goodness.
• Pecans: 1/2 cup chopped pecans for added crunch and flavor.

Once you've gathered all your ingredients, you're ready to begin making this delicious bread. Next, let's go through the detailed instructions on how to bake it perfectly.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.

Step 2:

In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add the sugar, brown sugar, egg, and oil. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 3:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.

Step 4:

Fold in the shredded coconut, diced pineapple, and chopped pecans. Be careful not to overmix the batter.

Step 5:

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6:

While the bread cools, prepare the frosting by beating together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Beat until creamy and well combined.

Step 7:

Once the bread has cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. For added texture and flavor, sprinkle with chopped pecans if desired.

Step 8:

Slice the bread and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve the bread slightly chilled for a refreshing, creamy texture with the frosting.
• If you prefer a warm treat, let the bread sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.
• Store the bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• The bread can also be frozen without the frosting. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw it in the refrigerator and frost before serving.

Helpful Notes

• You can substitute walnuts for pecans if you prefer a different texture or flavor.
• For added sweetness, drizzle honey or maple syrup over the bread before serving.
• To make the bread extra moist, you can add an additional tablespoon of vegetable oil or melted butter to the batter.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Chef Thomas Keller: "For a more complex flavor, try browning the butter before adding it to the batter."
• Chef Ina Garten: "Adding a pinch of nutmeg to the frosting can elevate the flavor and add warmth."

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It's an easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
• The combination of tropical fruits and crunchy nuts gives a delightful contrast in texture and flavor.
• The cinnamon cream cheese frosting is rich and creamy, adding just the right amount of sweetness to balance the fruity bread.

Variations

• For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Make it vegan by replacing the egg with a flax egg, using coconut oil instead of vegetable oil, and opting for vegan cream cheese and butter.