Hummingbird Bread with Heavenly Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting – Tropical, Moist & Irresistible
Introduction
This Hummingbird Bread is a delightful twist on classic banana bread, infused with tropical flavors of pineapple, coconut, and pecans. Moist, tender, and bursting with sweetness, it’s finished with a luscious cinnamon cream cheese frosting that takes it to bakery‑worthy heights. Perfect for brunch, holidays, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee, this loaf is a showstopper that feels both nostalgic and exotic.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Tropical flavors: Pineapple and coconut bring a sunny twist.
Moist texture: Bananas keep the loaf soft and tender.
Nutty crunch: Pecans add depth and balance.
Decadent frosting: Cinnamon cream cheese adds a warm, spiced finish.
Ingredients
For the Bread
3 ripe bananas, mashed
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
1 large egg
¼ cup canola or vegetable oil
1½ cups all‑purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
½ cup sweetened shredded coconut
½ cup diced pineapple, patted dry
½ cup chopped pecans
For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp ground cinnamon
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5‑inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk mashed bananas, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, and oil until smooth.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 4: Combine
Add dry mixture to wet mixture. Stir until just combined.
Step 5: Add Mix‑Ins
Fold in coconut, pineapple, and pecans.
Step 6: Bake
Pour batter into prepared pan. Smooth top. Bake 50–60 minutes, until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely.
Step 7: Make Frosting
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Beat until fluffy.
Step 8: Frost & Garnish
Spread frosting over cooled bread. Sprinkle with extra pecans if desired.
Tips & Tricks
Dry pineapple well: Prevents excess moisture in the loaf.
Extra tropical: Add ½ tsp coconut extract to batter.
Festive garnish: Top with toasted coconut flakes.
Storage: Refrigerate frosted loaf up to 4 days; freeze unfrosted loaf up to 2 months.
Variations
Carrot Hummingbird Bread: Add ½ cup grated carrot for extra sweetness.
Chocolate Twist: Stir in white chocolate chips.
Holiday Version: Add cranberries and swap pecans for walnuts.
Mini Loaves: Bake in smaller pans for gifting.
Serving Ideas
Serve slices with hot tea or coffee.
Pair with tropical fruit salad for brunch.
Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for indulgence.
Present on a dessert platter with other quick breads.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, just dice finely and pat dry.
Q: Can I skip the frosting?
Absolutely—the bread is delicious plain, but frosting adds decadence.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
Yes, bake the loaf a day ahead and frost before serving.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf
Final Thoughts
This Hummingbird Bread with Heavenly Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is moist, tropical, and irresistibly sweet. With its blend of bananas, pineapple, coconut, and pecans, topped with spiced cream cheese frosting, it’s a recipe that feels both comforting and exotic—perfect for sharing or savoring slice by slice.