Experience the tropical splendor of these Exquisite Mini Hummingbird Cakes, perfect for those who appreciate the delicate balance of flavors and textures. This recipe creates two charming 4-inch, 2-layer cakes, each packed with ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, sweetened coconut flakes, and toasted pecans. The result is a moist, flavorful cake that is further elevated by a generous layer of cream cheese frosting, making each bite a delightful tropical escape.
Why You'll Love This: You will fall in love with these Mini Hummingbird Cakes for their irresistible blend of tropical ingredients and rich, moist texture. The mashed bananas provide natural sweetness and a tender crumb, while the crushed pineapple adds a juicy burst of flavor. The sweetened coconut flakes and toasted pecans bring a delightful crunch and depth to the cake. Topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting, these mini cakes are a perfect treat for any special occasion or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth. Their small size makes them perfect for sharing or enjoying individually.
Perfect Occasion: These Mini Hummingbird Cakes are ideal for any special occasion where you want to impress your guests with a sophisticated and delicious dessert. They are perfect for birthdays, tea parties, bridal showers, or any celebration where a touch of tropical flavor is desired. Their beautiful presentation and delectable taste also make them a wonderful gift for friends and family. Whether served at a festive gathering or enjoyed as an elegant afternoon treat, these mini cakes are sure to be a hit.
Decoration Tips: For an elegant presentation, consider topping each cake with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or chopped pecans. You can also add a few small edible flowers or fresh fruit slices to enhance the visual appeal. To make the cakes even more special, drizzle a bit of honey or caramel sauce over the frosting. Serve the cakes on a beautiful cake stand or individual dessert plates to highlight their charm and sophistication.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups (6 3/4 oz) all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (4 oz) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (3 1/2 oz) sugar
- 1/2 cup packed (3 1/2 oz) brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (8 oz) mashed ripe banana (about 2 medium bananas)
- 1/4 cup (1 oz) sweetened dried coconut flakes, chopped*
- 1/2 cup (2 oz) chopped pecans, toasted
- 8 oz can crushed pineapple, drained
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line the bottoms of four 4-inch cake pans with parchment paper. Grease and flour the insides to ensure easy removal of the cakes.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking soda, fine sea salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract in three separate additions, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated.
- Stir in the mashed bananas, drained crushed pineapple, chopped pecans, and sweetened coconut flakes until well combined.
- Gently fold in the flour mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Place the filled cake pans on a baking sheet for stability.
- Bake until a toothpick inserted into the centers comes out clean, about 25-28 minutes. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before turning them out onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, trim the cakes to 1-inch thickness if necessary. Fill, stack, and frost the cakes with cream cheese frosting.
Optional Cream Cheese Frosting:
- For the frosting, you can use a homemade recipe or a store-bought option. Here’s a simple homemade frosting recipe:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (2 oz) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
Note: Chop the coconut flakes to achieve a finer texture if desired. This step is optional but recommended for a more uniform texture.
Enjoy!