Hummingbird Bread

Y’all, this Hummingbird Bread has everything a good ol’ Hummingbird cake should have – but in loaf shape! I’m talking ripe bananas and crushed pineapple (which make it super moist and just the right amount of sweet), mixed with a pinch of cinnamon and some chopped toasted pecans. It’s chewy, it’s fluffy, and it’s hella tasty. In fact, it’s so tasty on its own that it doesn’t even need cream cheese frosting!

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Hummingbird cake is a Southern classic, and I could honestly enjoy a slice for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. But let’s be real, diving into a cake first thing in the morning can make us feel kinda guilty… And that’s where this Hummingbird Bread recipe swoops in to save the day! It’s a bit lighter than cake, but it doesn’t skimp on that rich, indulgent taste. Plus, it’s baked in a loaf pan, making it perfectly acceptable for slicing and savoring with your morning coffee. Or at least for me, it is!

The Heart & Soul Of Hummingbird Bread

Cuisine Inspiration: Southern
Cooking Method: Baking
Dietary Info: Vegetarian
Key Flavor: Sweet, fruity, and a bit nutty
Skill Level: Beginner

Sweet Spots

• Perfect Anytime Treat: Whether you’re kickstarting your day with a warm cup of coffee or winding down after a hearty meal, this hummingbird bread fits right in. It’s just perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or a sweet evening treat.
• Easy to Make: Don’t ya worry if you’re not a pro baker – this recipe is as straightforward as it gets! The dough comes together in less than 10 minutes, making it a hassle-free experience for those who are just getting their hands floury.
• Heavenly Texture and Taste: Every bite of this bread is… Well, too good to be true. The texture is wonderfully moist and fluffy, while the flavors of ripe bananas, juicy pineapple, and toasty pecans come together in a symphony of sweet, fruity goodness with a hint of warmth.
• Versatile and Customizable: Want to go nut-free or add a different fruit? Go right ahead! It’s a forgiving hummingbird bread recipe that pretty much always turns out great.

Ingredients To Make Hummingbird Bread

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of our bread, giving it structure and a tender crumb. You can also use a gluten-free flour blend.
• Baking Soda: This is what helps the bread rise and become fluffy.
• Kosher Salt: Just a pinch to balance the yummy flavors.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy note that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the fruit and the nuttiness of the pecans.
• Butter: Softened butter makes the bread rich and adds moisture.
• Dark Brown Sugar: It gives the bread a deep, caramel-like sweetness and contributes to its moist texture. I tried to make it with white sugar once and it just doesn’t taste the same.
• Eggs: For structure and richness.
• Sour Cream: If you really want a super moist classic hummingbird bread, use sour cream. It also adds a slight tanginess to balance the sweetness out.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the sweet flavors and adds that classic, home-baked aroma. An aroma so inviting, you’ll have neighbors peeking over the fence!
• Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter the bread! Very ripe bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture to the bread, creating a soft texture.
• Crushed Pineapple: No hummingbird bread recipe is complete without pineapple.
• Chopped Pecans: Toasted pecans provide an addictive crunch and nutty flavor to our hummingbird bread with pineapple. It’s a signature Southern touch!

How To Make Hummingbird Bread

Step 1: Mix The Dry Ingredients

1. Add baking soda, salt, and cinnamon to a medium bowl.
2. Whisk the ingredients together and set aside.

Step 2: Make The Bread Dough

1. Add butter and brown sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer.
2. Mix on medium-high until light, fluffy, and doubled in volume. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the mixing bowl with a spatula as necessary. Then, reduce the speed to low and add eggs, one at a time, adding the next after the first has been fully incorporated.
3. Add sour cream and vanilla and mix on low until combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Add bananas, pineapple, and pecans.
6. Mix until evenly distributed. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix for a few more seconds.

Step 3: Bake The Bread

1. Pour the batter into a prepared 9×5 inch loaf pan and smooth the top.
2. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.

Tips For Making The Best Hummingbird Bread With Pineapple

1. Mash Your Bananas Well: For an extra moist loaf, mash your bananas really well until they’re smooth and creamy. The finer the mash, the more evenly the banana flavor and moisture will be distributed through your bread.
2. Mess-Free Mashing: Speaking about mashing, you can keep your kitchen tidy by mashing the bananas in a zip-lock bag. Just toss your ripe bananas in, seal the bag, and squish away. Once they’re perfectly mashed, snip off a corner of the bag and squeeze the banana puree straight into your mixing bowl. No extra dishes, no sticky counters!
3. Drain Your Pineapple: Make sure your crushed pineapple is well-drained before adding it to the mix. Too much liquid can make the bread soggy, so press the pineapple against a sieve or squeeze it in a clean kitchen towel to get rid of the excess juice.
4. Gentle Folding: When mixing your fruits and nuts into the batter, use a gentle hand. Over-mixing can lead to a dense hummingbird bread.

Popular Substitutions & Additions

• Spice It Up: For those who love a little extra warmth in their bread, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the batter. Any warm spice brings lots of cozy flavors!
• Cream Cheese Drizzle: If you love the classic pairing of cream cheese frosting with hummingbird cake but want something lighter, whip up a cream cheese drizzle. Just blend some cream cheese with powdered sugar and milk until it’s smooth and drizzly, then pour over your cooled bread.
• Add Shredded Coconut: Many easy hummingbird bread recipes include coconut, and for good reason. It adds a tropical touch and a delightful texture!
• Greek Yogurt Swap: If you’re out of sour cream or want a lighter alternative, Greek yogurt makes a fantastic substitute. It keeps the bread moist and adds a slight tanginess, similar to sour cream.
• Fold-In Chocolate Chips: Chocolate pairs wonderfully with the banana and adds a lovely texture contrast to the nuts and fruit.
• Nuts Variations: If pecans aren’t your favorite or you’re looking for a different texture, try swapping them with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty crunch in your bread.

What To Serve With This Easy Hummingbird Bread

• For a Cozy Morning Start: Kick off your day in style by pairing this Hummingbird Bread with a steaming mug of your favorite coffee or a soothing cup of tea. It also goes beautifully with a dollop of butter.
• Brunch Favorites: If you’re hosting a brunch, this bread fits right in alongside a savory bacon quiche, eggnog french toast, or on a breakfast/brunch board!
• Dessert Pairing: Elevate your dessert game by serving this bread with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. A light, fruity sorbet also makes a refreshing partner to the rich, moist bread.
• Holiday Spread: When the holidays roll around, this bread is a fantastic addition to your festive table. Serve it alongside spiced cider, wassail, or a rich French hot chocolate for a comforting, festive feel that everyone will love.

How To Store Hummingbird Bread

After your Hummingbird Bread has completely cooled, wrap it up snugly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh, and place it in an airtight container. You can leave it on the counter if you plan to eat it within a couple of days. For longer storage, pop it in the fridge.

How Long Will Hummingbird Bread Last?

On the counter, your bread will stay fresh and delicious for about 2-3 days. If you’ve tucked it away in the fridge, you’ve got about a week to enjoy those slices at their best. Just remember, the fresher, the better!

Can I Freeze Classic Hummingbird Bread?

You can! Wrap the whole loaf or individual slices well with plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil, and tuck it into the freezer. It’ll keep its yummy goodness for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw it at room temperature and maybe give it a quick warm-up in the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just make sure to chop it finely and remove as much juice as possible to keep the moisture level consistent.

My bread didn’t rise much. What happened?
There could be a few culprits here. Make sure your baking soda is fresh – it loses potency over time. Also, be careful not to overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients. Overmixing can deflate the batter and affect the rise.

Can I make this recipe into muffins instead of a loaf?
Sure thing! This batter will work wonderfully in a muffin tin. Just adjust your baking time – muffins will bake faster than a full loaf, so start checking them around the 20-25 minute mark.

Moist, fluffy, and just plain scrumptious, this Hummingbird Bread will have y’all coming back for seconds before the first slice even cools off! You’ve got the ripe bananas, the sweet pineapple, and those toasty pecans, all wrapped up in a bread that’s just begging to be enjoyed at any time of day.

More Bread Recipes

• Easy Banana Bread Recipe (So Delicious And Moist!)
• Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
• Apple Fritter Bread
• Zucchini Bread
• Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread

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