Hummingbird Bread Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

Featured in: Sweet treats for any occasion

Hummingbird Bread is a delightful twist on traditional banana bread, incorporating the sweetness of pineapple and the crunch of pecans. This tropical-inspired loaf is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack. The addition of shredded coconut adds a subtle texture, while the cream cheese frosting brings a tangy smoothness to each bite. Easy to make and even easier to devour, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you're hosting a brunch or just craving something sweet, this Hummingbird Bread is the answer.
A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Mon, 28 Apr 2025 00:28:02 GMT
Hummingbird Bread Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting Pin it
Hummingbird Bread Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting | myhomemaderecipe.com

Transform simple ingredients into a slice of Southern paradise with this Hummingbird Bread - where ripe bananas, juicy pineapple, and toasted pecans create a moist, tropical-inspired quick bread that's crowned with silky cinnamon cream cheese frosting. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of fruits and nuts, making ordinary moments feel like a special occasion.

When I first discovered this recipe at my grandmother's house in Georgia, I was amazed by how something so simple could taste so extraordinary. Now, the smell of it baking instantly takes me back to her sunny kitchen.

Essential Ingredients

  • Bananas: The spottier, the better! Those dark speckles mean more natural sweetness.
  • Crushed pineapple: Fresh or canned works, but drain it well. Those little bits of fruit create pockets of tropical sweetness.
  • Shredded coconut: Sweetened coconut adds texture and depth. Toast it lightly for enhanced flavor.
  • Pecans: Fresh ones have the best flavor. Store them in the freezer to preserve their natural oils.
  • Cream cheese: Full-fat, room temperature cream cheese ensures the smoothest frosting.
  • Oil: Creates an incredibly moist texture that stays fresh for days.

Creating Your Tropical Paradise

Step 1:
Start by preheating your oven and preparing your pan meticulously. The parchment paper overhang makes removal effortless.
Step 2:
Toast your pecans first - just until fragrant. This simple step amplifies their flavor throughout the bread.
Step 3:
Mash those ripe bananas until they're completely smooth. Any lumps now will show in the final bread.
Step 4:
Drain your pineapple thoroughly, pressing gently to remove excess moisture.
Step 5:
Whisk your dry ingredients separately to ensure even distribution of leaveners.
Step 6:
When mixing wet ingredients, don't overmix - you want them just combined.
Step 7:
Fold in the fruits and nuts with a gentle hand to keep the batter light.
Step 8:
Smooth the top of your batter carefully - it'll rise more evenly.
Step 9:
Check for doneness starting at 50 minutes. The center should spring back when touched.
Step 10:
Let it cool in the pan briefly before moving to a rack.
Step 11:
Wait until completely cool before frosting - patience is key!
Step 12:
Whip that frosting until it's cloud-like and fluffy.
Step 13:
Garnish with extra toasted pecans and coconut for both beauty and crunch.
A slice of cake with walnuts on top. Pin it
A slice of cake with walnuts on top. | myhomemaderecipe.com

The best part about this bread is how it brings people together. I've never served it without someone asking for the recipe, especially when they taste that cinnamon-spiced frosting.

Make It Your Own

  • Add a handful of chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
  • Swap pecans for macadamia nuts for a Hawaiian twist.
  • Include some grated carrots for extra moisture and nutrition.

This bread has become my go-to for everything from breakfast treats to afternoon tea. The way the flavors meld together creates something truly special.

A slice of cake with walnuts on top. Pin it
A slice of cake with walnuts on top. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Variations and Substitutions

You can easily tweak this recipe to suit your taste. Swap the pecans for walnuts if you prefer a different crunch, or skip the frosting for a lighter, banana bread-style loaf. For a fun twist, divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake into mini hummingbird muffins, perfect for brunch or snacks. You can also add a handful of raisins or sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the batter before baking for an extra burst of flavor.

How to Store and Freeze

Once your Hummingbird Bread is completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, slice the loaf and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap before placing them into a freezer-safe bag. Frozen slices can last up to three months and are easy to thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave for a freshly baked taste.

A slice of cake with walnuts on a wooden cutting board. Pin it
A slice of cake with walnuts on a wooden cutting board. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Why This Bread Is So Special

Hummingbird Bread brings together sweet bananas, juicy pineapple, and rich coconut for a moist, flavorful loaf that feels both festive and comforting. The creamy frosting with a hint of cinnamon adds a luxurious touch without overwhelming the tropical flavors. It’s a simple yet special treat that’s perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or just an afternoon pick-me-up with coffee or tea.

Serving Ideas

There are many ways to enjoy a slice of Hummingbird Bread. Drizzle it with honey for added sweetness, sprinkle on extra toasted pecans for more crunch, or top it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. For a cozy breakfast option, warm a slice slightly and spread a little butter on top for a comforting treat.

Every time I make this Hummingbird Bread, I'm reminded that the best recipes are often the ones passed down through generations, each baker adding their own special touch to make it uniquely theirs.

Hummingbird Bread

A moist and flavorful bread that combines tropical fruits and nuts, finished with a tangy cream cheese topping.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
60 Minutes
Total Time
70 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Bread Base

01 3 ripe bananas, mashed
02 ½ cup sugar
03 ¼ cup brown sugar
04 1 large egg
05 ¼ cup canola or vegetable oil

→ Dry Ingredients

06 1 ½ cups flour
07 1 teaspoon baking powder
08 1 teaspoon baking soda
09 ½ teaspoon salt

→ Mix-Ins

10 ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut
11 ½ cup pineapple, diced and patted dry
12 ½ cup chopped pecans

→ Cream Cheese Frosting

13 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
14 ¼ cup butter, softened
15 ½ cup powdered sugar
16 ½ teaspoon vanilla
17 ½ teaspoon cinnamon
18 ⅓ cup chopped pecans for topping

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 02

In a large mixing bowl, beat mashed banana, sugars, egg, and oil with a handheld mixer until well combined.

Step 03

Mix in flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until combined. Fold in coconut, pineapple, and chopped pecans.

Step 04

Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes until a toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean. Cool completely on wire rack.

Step 05

Beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon and beat until combined.

Step 06

Spread frosting evenly over cooled loaf and sprinkle with chopped pecans.

Notes

  1. Unfrosted bread can be frozen for up to one month
  2. Fresh or canned pineapple both work well
  3. Walnuts can substitute for pecans
  4. Use very ripe bananas for best results

Tools You'll Need

  • Loaf pan
  • Handheld mixer
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Wire cooling rack

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains nuts
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains dairy
  • Contains wheat

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 316
  • Total Fat: 19 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 34 g
  • Protein: 4 g