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The Ultimate Hummingbird Cake
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- SERVES
- 12
- COOK TIME
- 30 Min
If you've never tried baking a southern-style Hummingbird Cake, are you ever in for a double treat when you make our version of The Ultimate Hummingbird Cake. Our Test Kitchen has created a decadent, creamy filling to sandwich between our special recipe for a moist and golden cake.
What You'll Need:
- 1 (18.25-ounce) package yellow cake mix
- 1 (4-serving-size) package vanilla instant pudding mix
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup water
- 4 eggs
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
- 1 (16-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 1 (6-ounce) jar red maraschino cherries, well drained and chopped, with 1 tablespoon reserved for garnish
- 1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple, well drained
- 1 cup chopped pecans, with 2 tablespoons reserved for garnish
What To Do:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat 2 (8-inch) round baking pans with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine cake and pudding mixes, oil, water, eggs, banana, and cinnamon. Beat with an electric mixer until thoroughly combined. Pour mixture into prepared pans.
- Bake 30 to 35 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool 10 minutes, then remove to wire rack to cool completely. When cool, slice cakes horizontally in half, making 4 layers.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Stir in whipped topping, cherries, pineapple, and pecans.
- Place 1 cake layer on platter and evenly spread one-quarter of cream cheese mixture on top. Repeat with remaining cake layers and finish with cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle with reserved cherries and pecans.
Notes
- Our Boiled Custard is filled with southern hospitality -- just give it a try, y'all!
- Did you know? This recipe was one of best-loved recipes of 2012! Click here to find out what else made the list.
- Interested in more great desserts like our Ultimate Hummingbird Cake recipe? Then be sure to check out our free eCookbook, Classic Cakes: 24 Easy Cake Recipes to Make Year-Round.
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cookerinNM
Nov 29, 2018
Since most box cake mixes nowadays are 15.5 oz., can one of these be used instead of the 18.25 oz. one that the recipe calls for? Also, if I wanted to put the batter in 3--8 inch cake tins, any idea how long to bake them? Thanks in advance to anyone who answers these questions.
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msdeb21
Apr 15, 2017
Oh my, this cake has so many great tasty ingredients! This will make a wonderful birthday cake for my mom (she doesn't like chocolate). I can't wait to make it and eat it, of course. It has to taste amazing, and it's beautiful, too. I'm starting a new shopping list, to get all the ingredients!
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stellacolonel 5895982
Mar 30, 2014
This sounds great ! I am headed to the store now to get the ingredients
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genefinman 0109803
Nov 13, 2013
I made this cake and my husband wanted to devour the cake in one night. I will definitely make this cake for special occasion and not so special occasions. it was so good and easy to make!
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genefinman 0109803
Nov 13, 2013
I made this for my husband. I had to hold him back from Eatting the whole thing! I will be making this cake for special and not so special occasions. Love it!!
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genefinman 0109803
Nov 13, 2013
I made this cake and my husband wanted to devour it. I will definitely make this cake for special occasions and not so special occasions!!
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Patty Grz
Oct 26, 2013
I do think I'll make this for my birthday too. Sounds perfect.
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GMarieg
Jul 02, 2013
I am going to make this for my Birthday!!!
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unicorns
Jun 09, 2013
We made this cake & it was really good. I think it could use more pineapples since we couldn't taste them.
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donjoyflu 8156478
Jun 07, 2013
What can we substitute for the bananas? Allergies. donjoyflu8156478
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Puckmom68
Jun 21, 2013
You can just leave the bananas out . If you like coconut it could be added .this recipe is very forgiving . You can switch it up and it always comes out good
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janettamcdonald 4649501
Nov 10, 2013
I bet some peaches would be good substitute.
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wilsoncr 7739879
Jun 07, 2013
I'm a rare person that doesn't like cream cheese or sour cream. Any substitutions for the cream cheese in this recipe? Can it hold up without it?
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Puckmom68
Jun 21, 2013
I like to use just a thin confectionary sugar icing and drizzle it on and drip down the sides
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brmason8 9997679
Jan 18, 2013
This was by far the best cake I've ever made.
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LEB
Jan 16, 2013
Can anyone tell me if there is a possible substitute for the pineapple? I am allergic to pineapple and would love to make this cake.
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christinewittlieff5425 0959472
Jan 21, 2013
I've found many recipes for pineapple upside down cakes that offer another version for using peaches instead of pineapple and if it is chopped small i don't see why you couldn't use it. I have made an upside down cake and also a recipe for another cake recipe that called for pineapple and I used peaches and the recipe turned out fantastic. Hope this helps Sincerely Christine Wittlieff Greenfield WI
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gcbarn 3199982
Jun 07, 2013
mangos or peaches or kiwi would be a nice twist to using pineapples good luck let us know how it comes out
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jesbelle1975 7221367
Jan 16, 2013
This cake is sooooo good and so easy to make and it looks beautiful. Happy Birthday to me!
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princess15213
Jan 11, 2013
I haven't made this yet, but I am interested in making the cream cheese mixture to use as a frosting for other sweets.
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faneftj 7128568
Jan 11, 2013
An easy way to slice the layers in half is to use dental floss or strong thread - wrap it around the layer and pulled the ends until the cake is sliced in two. You'll have nice, even layers!
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kmcgowan 3768608
Jan 11, 2013
That was a good tip on an easy way of slicing of the cake layers. I would only add to use non-flavored dental floss. The "minty taste" might just transfer to the cake. ;-p
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Sa1lys0K
Dec 27, 2012
I can't wait to make this one. Not only does it look beautiful but it sounds wonderful... like a banana split. Yummieeee One question: Does it need to be kept in fridg since the icing has the cream whip or whipped cream. I ask because, like Racheal Ray, I am baking challenged. :))
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sILVER bELLE
Oct 26, 2012
THIS LOOKS WONDERBAR. I HOPE TO BE ABLE TO MAKE IT SOON.
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Riverrat715
Jun 04, 2012
I love this cake but uise real cream rather than whipped topping. Out of this world good.
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gcbarn 3199982
Jun 07, 2013
Fantastic excellent idea fresh is better
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sILVER bELLE
Jun 04, 2012
I will try this one day. Am in an assisted living...LOOKS WONDERCAR however!
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dearcat
Jun 14, 2012
To sILVER bELLE: I too live in Senior Citizen housing. I have made this twice, but with strawberries and real whipped cream and the neighbors loved it.
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shurroe 7750946
Jun 04, 2012
It was Deeeelish. Will make it again.
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twhite12 6996018
May 08, 2012
My family loved this!!! The way to a man's heart is through his stomach and this did the trick!
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BonnieK
May 07, 2012
Just finished making this cake, used fresh strawberries in place of cherries, topped with walnuts more strawberries and shaved hershey bar! Ohhhh so good!
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wyomugs
May 07, 2012
It should be called the Ultimate YUMMMM Cake! It is really so SIMPLE to make. It not only LOOKS spectacular but tastes the same! I made my version using low fat cream cheese, low fat whipped topping, sugar free pudding mix and it still tasted like "MORE!"
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tweety 6535975
May 04, 2012
this looks amazing i havent made it yet but making it tomorrow my daughter calls me mr. foods
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nannyto9 2567663
May 03, 2012
I have a recipe for this cake but it is made from scratch. The frosting is different here so I am going to use it next time I make my recipe.
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grapejelly
May 02, 2012
So many recipes look too good to resist, but I would love to see the nutrition statements.
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billheus 5447977
May 02, 2012
i can't get the cake recipe to print? help
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gcbarn 3199982
Jun 07, 2013
So get a pencil and paper and write it down the old fashion way. or just save it in your computer to look at it after, simple as that God be with you, have a nice weekend
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suerhodes42 9440731
May 01, 2012
i love it u can crush up ice make a coffee freeze
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missg08
May 01, 2012
Looks to good to eat...can't wait to taste!!!!
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melonhead718 1056743
May 01, 2012
looks really good will try soon
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whackykaki 5741879
May 01, 2012
think i will try his one soon!!!!
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joanmensing 6277521
May 01, 2012
love your recipes enjoy them often
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Riverrat715
May 01, 2012
This is a fabulous desert. I have made it using a pint of whipping cream instead of cool whip, left out the banana, used fresh raspberries instead of cherries. Also drizzled melted chocolate over cake. It was a smash hit. You can try different things with this recipe and make it your own. Oooh so good. PS Love the string idea for cutting cake, been using it for years but thanks for sharing it with new cooks.
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nittpicker
May 01, 2012
To keep the string centered as you place it around the cake layer, insert toothpicks around center of layer. Use the over-under string placement to keep string centered around layer.
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laurabun136
May 01, 2012
For those who think slicing cake layers is difficult, try this: using a piece of heavy string or even unwaxed dental floss, twist your thread or floss between your forefingers. Placing the string at the middle of the layer and pull through to the other side. It helps to bend down to the level of the layer and then eyeball as you slowly pull the thread. Flip the cut side down, since it's easier to frost a smooth surface than the crumbly one you've just created. Much easier than trying to saw across with a knife!
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