Vegan Hummingbird Cake

By Kirsten Maxwell April 21, 2023 23 mins read 135 Views

Bananas, pineapple, and pecans come together in this easy one-bowl Vegan Hummingbird Cake! It’s a moist and warmly spiced dessert that’s bursting with bright, tropical flavors.

a slice of vegan hummingbird cake on a grey plate.

This Vegan Hummingbird Cake has become one of my favorite desserts ever! Every bite has beautiful layers of fruity, nutty, warm, and sweet flavors while the cream cheese frosting on top perfectly complements the wide range of complexities. If you love carrot cake, then you may just love hummingbird cake even more.

Four key ingredients set this popular Southern cake apart from carrot cake and other spice cakes. They are:

Warm spices, like nutmeg and cinnamon
Toasted pecans
Pineapple chunks and their juices
Ripe bananas

Altogether, they infuse this cake with gorgeous tropical flavors that beautifully contrast the warming spices. Plus, with its moist and fluffy crumb, you’ll have a hard time stopping after only one slice!

a cream cheese frosted-vegan hummingbird cake with a slice being removed.

Why is it called hummingbird cake?

The original recipe for hummingbird cake comes from Jamaica, where it’s known as the Doctor Bird Cake. It gets this name from its national bird, the swallow tail hummingbird.

Eventually, the recipe became popular throughout the Southern United States, where it was re-named “hummingbird cake”. Some say the name comes from the sweet flavors attracting hummingbirds or that it’s so good, you’ll want to hover around the cake until you get a slice (just like a hummingbird). The true reason, however, is up for debate.

How to make vegan hummingbird cake

Find the complete recipe with measurements in the recipe card below.

Start by whisking the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg together in a large bowl.

whisking flour, sugar, and spices together in a large white bowl.

Next, add the oil, crushed pineapple, mashed bananas, almond milk, vanilla, and pecans to the same bowl as the dry mix. Mix until just combined and no dry flour streaks remain.

using a wooden spoon to stir hummingbird cake ingredients together in a large white bowl.

Pour the cake batter into two prepared cake pans. Bake the cakes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Set them aside to cool while you make the icing.

Once the cake layers are completely cool, add some frosting in between each layer before frosting the sides and tops. Sprinkle more pecans on the outside for decoration, then slice and enjoy!

Decoration ideas

Hummingbird cake is traditionally decorated with cream cheese frosting. It’s also very nice with the lemon frosting from my Vegan Lemon Cake and Vegan Buttercream.

Chopped pecans are a must-have hummingbird cake decoration, although you can also add toasted coconut, dried fruit, or other types of crushed nuts on top.

hummingbird cake batter in a large white bowl.

Vegan hummingbird cupcakes

You can use this recipe to make cupcakes by making the batter as normal, then pouring it into a lined muffin tin until each cup is ¾ full. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Tips for success

Always use toasted pecans! They’re 10 times as flavorful as raw pecans and will give your cake an added layer of warmth. Either buy pre-toasted pecans or toast them yourself in a dry skillet over medium-low heat.
Overmixing the cake batter will lead to a dense cake. I like to combine the wet and dry ingredients by hand (with a wooden spoon) to avoid overmixing.
You’ll know the cakes are ready to come out of the oven when the tops are set, the edges are turning golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (some crumbs stuck to the toothpick are ok).
If you’re short on time, place the baked cake layers in the fridge to help them cool down faster. Only do this after they were left to cool in the pans for 15 minutes.
This recipe makes enough batter for a two-layer cake. If you want to make a four-layer cake like in the photos, slice each cake layer in half lengthwise with a serrated knife.

2 layers of hummingbird cake on a wire rack.

Frequently asked questions

I have a nut allergy. What can I use instead of the pecans?

You can make a nut free hummingbird cake by omitting the pecans and using soy milk or oat milk instead of almond milk. Alternatively, replace the nuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. The flavor will be slightly different but the crunch will still be there.

Can it be made gluten free?

I haven’t tried making a vegan gluten free hummingbird cake, but a good quality gluten free flour mix, like Better Batter, may work in place of the all purpose flour.

Can it be made oil free?

Old-fashioned hummingbird cake recipes, like the original printed in the 1978 copy of Southern Living, were made with a generous amount of vegetable oil to achieve a decadent and moist crumb. While there isn’t as much oil in my version, it’s still crucial and should not be replaced. Even melted vegan butter shouldn’t be used as a substitute because it doesn’t provide the same amount of moisture.

How far in advance can you make the cake/frosting?

The cake layers will stay moist and fresh for up to 1 week ahead of serving. Wrap them in a layer of plastic and keep them in the fridge, or in the freezer for longer.

Vegan buttercream or cream cheese frosting can also be made 2 to 3 days in advance. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge until it’s time to decorate the cake.

using a fork to take a bite from a slice of vegan hummingbird cake.

Want more incredible vegan cake recipes?

Pumpkin Coffee Cake
Vegan Banana Cake
1 Bowl Apple Cake
Vegan Yellow Cake
German Chocolate Cake

Vegan Hummingbird Cake

Bananas, pineapple, and pecans come together in this easy one-bowl Vegan Hummingbird Cake! It’s a moist and warmly spiced dessert that’s bursting with bright, tropical flavors.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 50 minutes

Chilling time 2 hours

Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes

Servings slices

Calories 323kcal

Author Nora Taylor

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup canola oil
1 cup crushed pineapple, with juice 2 8-oz cans
2 cups mashed overripe bananas 4-5 bananas
3/4 cup almond milk
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup chopped toasted pecans plus more for topping
1 Recipe Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and prepare 2 8-inch round pans by lining them with a circle of parchment paper on the bottom and spray well with non-stick spray.
In a large bowl, add the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg. Whisk well.
To the dry ingredients, add the oil, crushed pineapple, mashed bananas, almond milk, vanilla and pecans. Mix until just combined, but do not over mix. It's helpful to mix by hand so you don't accidentally over mix the batter and cause the cake to be dense.
Divide the cake batter into the prepared pans and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and the tops of the cakes are set.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 15 minutes, then carefully remove them and let them cool on a cooling rack until completely cool. Please do not try to frost this cake when it's still warm at all, it will slip and break.
Once the cakes have cooled, prepare the Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting. You may also use Vegan Buttercream or the lemon frosting from my Vegan Lemon Cake, if you prefer.
For a four layered cake like my photos, slice each cake into two layers using a large serrated knife (or simply leave as two layers).
Add frosting between each layer, then frost the outside and top of the cake as well. Sprinkle additional chopped or halved pecans for decoration, if desired. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Store leftover cake in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze for longer.
May omit the nuts if needed, or use sunflower seeds instead.
May use any plant milk instead of almond, such as soy or oat.
I haven’t tried this cake gluten free, but a good quality gluten free mix may work pretty well. I like Better Batter brand.

Nutrition

By: Nora
Title: Vegan Hummingbird Cake
Sourced From: www.noracooks.com/vegan-hummingbird-cake/
Published Date: Fri, 21 Apr 2023 20:49:00 +0000

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the disadvantage of plant-based meat?

The main drawback of plant-based meats is their lack of essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids found in animal protein sources. Plant-based meat has lower levels of certain essential amino compounds, vitamin B12 and iron. These nutrients are found in greater amounts in animal protein sources. Due to the high amount of preservation required, some plant-based meats have more sodium than real meat. Furthermore, purchasing quality vegan products from grocery stores or online outlets can be more expensive and time-consuming. Vegan alternatives might require more work during cooking, and may take longer to prepare.

Can you still eat out at restaurants on a plant-based diet?

Many restaurants now offer plant-based menu options. Many new vegan restaurants are appearing in large cities, providing delicious options for vegetarians. There are also vegetarian-friendly options available in most mainstream restaurants, so there is still plenty of opportunity to enjoy restaurant offerings while eating a plant-based diet. Look for recipes where vegetables or legumes such as tofu, tempeh, seitan, or other protein sources like beans are the stars. Incorporate vinegar and healthy oils instead of mayonnaise or dressings high in saturated fat. Do not be afraid to ask your server whether certain items can be made vegan.

Consider reading vegan cookbooks beforehand to learn more about how you can substitute meats for rich sauces. Most restaurants will be happy to accommodate guests who are vegan or vegetarian and will try their best to make sure they do. If you're creative and do some research, it is possible to eat out on a plant based diet and enjoy your meal.

What is an alternative to meat as a source of protein?

Protein is an important component of a healthy diet. It can be found in both animal- and plant-based sources. You can find plant-based protein in legumes, nuts, seeds, grains and beans. Due to the high levels of antioxidants found in many fruits, vegetables, and other plants, eating more can provide anti-inflammatory benefits. Some dairy alternatives, such as almond and oatmilk, can be fortified with protein, which makes them a great plant-based substitute to cow's. Alternatives like pumpkin seeds and nutritional yeast can lend cheesy flavor to dishes while providing more micronutrients than their animal-based equivalents. You can also add extra nutrition to smoothies or shakes by using vegan protein powders.

Can a plant-based diet reduce the risk of chronic diseases?

Because of its many environmental and health advantages, plant-based eating is growing in popularity. It is a diet that includes a lot of fruits, vegetables as well whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and removing or greatly reducing animal proteins such as milk and meat. A plant-based diet has many benefits including improved heart health, digestion health benefits, higher energy levels, lower stress hormones and potential environmental protection. It is possible to get sufficient protein by following a plant based diet.

Are plant-based foods environmentally sustainable?

Because of their health and environmental benefits, plant-based diets are growing in popularity. A plant-based diet is more sustainable than eating foods from animal sources. It generally produces less pollution and generates fewer greenhouse gasses. A plant-based diet also takes up fewer resources as plants are typically grown with fewer inputs than animal products. In addition, animals that are commercially farmed often require large amounts of water, land, and fossil fuel resources. Some environmental effects of livestock production have been associated with global warming. Reducing consumption of these foods and incorporating more plant-based meals to one's week could help reduce carbon footprint and promote healthier, more eco-friendly practices.

Can I eat eggs on a plant-based diet?

No, eggs are not permissible on a plant-based diet. This diet bans the consumption of all animal products such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs and other animal products. However, many vegan alternatives to traditionally egg-centric dishes can be found that offer the same taste and texture but don't use animal products. Tofu scrambles, omelets, and chickpea flour are excellent breakfast dishes that look and feel like eggs. However, they also contain plant-based proteins. You can use aquafaba (the liquid found inside a can chickpeas) to substitute eggs for vegan egg whites when making meringues. Additionally, egg replacers like flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with water substituted for one large egg can help keep non-vegan recipes intact without sacrificing taste.

Statistics

In the United States, poor-quality diet is the most significant predictor of early death, according to an article published in the May 2017 Journal of Geriatric Cardiology. (everydayhealth.com)
Another found that following a diet rich in plant foods and lower in animal foods was associated with a 16 percent lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 31 to 32 percent lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease. (everydayhealth.com)

External Links

How To

How do you include more whole foods in a plant-based diet

It is important to make an effort to eat more whole foods in a plant-based diet for optimal health. This will help increase your intake of vitamins and nutrients, as well as dietary fiber. Start by replacing animal protein and processed foods with more nutritious options like legumes, seeds and nuts. You can get sustenance from whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts.

It is important to include a wide range of colors in your meals. The powerful antioxidants found in colorful ingredients can boost immunity. Consider red pepper strips, black beans and spinach. Create meal plans that cater to seasonal produce using recipes that satisfy every tastebud. For example, smoothies, stir fries, and casseroles are crowd favorites!

Whole foods have a much longer shelf life than processed ones, which can be advantageous. You can save time shopping for vegan-friendly products by taking an hour each week to plan your meals.

Find other ways to maintain a balanced lifestyle. This could include making delicious vegan breads or substituting for fish with tofu. The best thing about experimentation is that it allows you to explore new ways of managing your food choices.