If you’re looking for a recipe that feels like a cozy hug from the South, Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is it. This beautiful loaf combines ripe bananas, juicy pineapple, crunchy nuts, and a touch of coconut, all crowned with a swoon-worthy cinnamon cream cheese frosting. The result is a moist, flavorful bread that works for breakfast, snack time, or dessert—a true crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress. It’s the perfect way to use up overripe bananas and bring a bit of sunshine to your kitchen, one slice at a time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about this recipe is how it turns everyday staples into something absolutely irresistible. Each ingredient plays its own special role, from creating a dreamy crumb to adding bursts of flavor and a bit of crunch. Here’s what you’ll need to make Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting shine:
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation for the bread, giving it structure and a tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the fruit and spices.
- Brown sugar: Brings a hint of caramel flavor and extra moisture.
- Baking soda: Helps the bread rise and stay light.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors—don’t skip it!
- Ground cinnamon: Warms up the bread with classic spice and makes the frosting irresistible.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the loaf extra moist without overpowering flavors.
- Greek yogurt or sour cream: Adds a slight tang and boosts tenderness.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors with a sweet, fragrant note.
- Mashed ripe bananas: The heart of the bread, providing sweetness, moisture, and that irresistible banana flavor.
- Crushed pineapple (drained): Adds juicy bursts and a tropical twist.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts: Bring crunch and a nutty depth—toast them for even more flavor.
- Shredded coconut (optional): For that extra layer of texture and a hint of coconutty sweetness.
- Cream cheese (softened): The creamy, tangy base for the cinnamon frosting.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and helps the frosting whip up beautifully.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths out the frosting for perfect spreadability.
- Ground cinnamon (for frosting): Doubles down on the cozy, spiced flavor.
- Vanilla extract (for frosting): Lends a lovely aroma and rounds out the sweetness.
- Milk: Just a splash makes the frosting light, fluffy, and easy to spread.
How to Make Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan well—this ensures your loaf pops out easily and beautifully. A quick swipe of butter or a little nonstick spray does the trick, and lining with parchment paper adds extra insurance if you like.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This step evenly disperses all the leavening, spices, and sweeteners so every bite of your hummingbird bread is perfectly balanced.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs lightly, then stir in the vegetable oil, Greek yogurt or sour cream, and vanilla extract. Once blended, add the mashed bananas and drained crushed pineapple. The mixture should look lusciously thick and fruity—don’t worry if it’s a little lumpy.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently fold everything together with a spatula or wooden spoon, mixing just until no streaks of flour remain—overmixing can make the bread tough. Then, fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts and shredded coconut (if using) for that signature hummingbird flair.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Spoon the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Slide it into the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely—this patience pays off with the perfect texture.
Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
While your bread cools, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract, then beat again until fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add milk a tablespoon at a time until it’s spreadable and silky.
Step 7: Frost and Slice
Once your hummingbird bread is completely cool, generously spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting over the top. Slice into thick, moist pieces and get ready to savor every bite—this is the moment you’ll want to share (or maybe keep all to yourself!).
How to Serve Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
Garnishes
For a bakery-worthy finish, sprinkle extra chopped pecans or walnuts and a dusting of ground cinnamon over the top of the cinnamon cream cheese frosting. A few toasted coconut flakes can add a pop of color and crunch. These simple touches make each slice feel special and add a little extra texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve slices of Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting alongside fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast or brunch, or pair with a piping hot cup of coffee or tea for a comforting afternoon treat. It’s also lovely with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla yogurt if you’re feeling indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
For something a little different, try baking the batter in muffin tins to create portable hummingbird bread muffins—perfect for lunchboxes or on-the-go breakfasts. You can also cut the loaf into cubes and layer it with whipped cream and fresh fruit for a quick trifle, or toast slices and serve them warm with a drizzle of honey for a delightful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to five days. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store slices in an airtight container to keep it moist and fresh. The flavors deepen over time, so it’s just as delicious (if not more so) the next day!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this bread for later enjoyment. If you plan to freeze, it’s best to do so before adding the frosting. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then frost before serving for that just-baked feel.
Reheating
To enjoy a warm slice, simply microwave individual pieces for 10-15 seconds, or pop them in a toaster oven until just heated through. If the loaf is frozen, let it thaw completely in the fridge before reheating. The frosting softens beautifully, making each bite taste freshly made.
FAQs
Can I make Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour. The texture may differ slightly, but the flavors will still shine through wonderfully.
What if I don’t have Greek yogurt or sour cream?
No worries—plain regular yogurt works well, or you can substitute with buttermilk for a similar tangy tenderness in your hummingbird bread.
Can I use other nuts or leave them out?
Definitely. Pecans and walnuts are traditional, but feel free to swap in almonds or leave the nuts out entirely if you have allergies or just prefer a nut-free loaf. The bread will still be moist and flavorful.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is ready to come out of the oven. Avoid overbaking to keep the loaf tender and moist.
Can I make this recipe into muffins?
Yes! Spoon the batter into lined muffin tins, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. These portable muffins are perfect for breakfast or snacks on the go.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a treat that feels both comforting and a little bit special, Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is the answer. It’s easy enough for everyday baking, but impressive enough for sharing with friends and family. Give this recipe a try—you might just find it becomes your new favorite loaf!
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Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Southern-inspired Hummingbird Bread combines the tropical flavors of banana and pineapple with warm cinnamon and crunchy nuts, topped with a luscious cinnamon cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack, this loaf is moist, flavorful, and irresistibly comforting.
Ingredients
For the Bread
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 bananas)
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
For the Frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (to adjust consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This ensures even distribution of flavors and leavening agents.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until light. Stir in the vegetable oil, plain Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine all wet elements smoothly.
- Add Fruits: Fold in the mashed ripe bananas and the drained crushed pineapple to the wet mixture, adding moisture and sweetness.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Slowly add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing gently just until the batter is combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the bread.
- Incorporate Nuts and Coconut: Fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts and the shredded coconut if using, which add texture and flavor complexity.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This step ensures the bread is fully cooked but remains moist.
- Cool the Bread: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is crucial before frosting to prevent melting.
- Make the Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until fluffy. Adjust consistency with 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk as needed for spreadability.
- Frost and Serve: Once the bread has fully cooled, spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice into 10 portions and serve fresh, enjoying the harmonious blend of sweet, spiced, and creamy flavors.
Notes
- This bread stores well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days when kept in an airtight container.
- For enhanced flavor and crunch, toast the nuts lightly before adding them to the batter.
- To make portable muffins, pour the batter into muffin tins and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–22 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
