Are you craving a moist, subtly spiced cake that's bursting with tropical flavors? Look no further! This hummingbird cake recipe, made easier with a cake mix base, is the perfect solution for a delicious dessert without the fuss. It's a fantastic option for busy weeknights or impressive weekend gatherings – everyone will be raving about this quick and easy homemade treat. Get ready to enjoy this simple yet incredibly satisfying recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) spice cake mix
- 1 (15 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, but highly recommended!)
- 1 cup creamy cream cheese frosting (store-bought or homemade – see variations below)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your cake releases easily and prevents sticking.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the drained crushed pineapple, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
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Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the spice cake mix to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough cake.
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Incorporate Nuts: Gently fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts, if using.
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool & Frost: Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a nice, clean finish.
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Frost & Serve: Once cooled, frost the entire cake with the cream cheese frosting. Slice and serve! Enjoy this simple and delicious hummingbird cake.
Cooking Tips for the Best Hummingbird Cake:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to test for doneness. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
- Let it cool completely: Cooling the cake completely before frosting is crucial to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Get creative with nuts: While pecans and walnuts are classic, feel free to experiment with other nuts like macadamia nuts or even chopped peanuts.
Variations:
- Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting: For an even more decadent treat, try making your own cream cheese frosting. Numerous recipes are readily available online.
- Add a touch of spice: For a warmer flavor profile, add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter.
- Use different fruits: Try substituting the pineapple with another tropical fruit like mango or peaches.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate – based on using a standard spice cake mix and homemade cream cheese frosting):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: Approximately 18-22g
- Protein: Approximately 4-5g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 45-50g
This delicious hummingbird cake recipe is perfect for those looking for easy recipes, quick dinner ideas (although it's dessert!), and healthy meals (relatively speaking!). It's a great example of homemade cooking that doesn't require extensive baking skills. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a fantastic addition to your collection of best recipes. Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful cake!