Hummingbird Bread: A Tropical Slice of Southern Comfort

When you think of comforting, flavor-packed baked goods, Hummingbird Bread is a standout. This delightful twist on the classic Hummingbird Cake combines the moist, tropical flavors of banana and pineapple with the warmth of cinnamon and pecans, all baked into a loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, gifting a homemade treat, or simply craving something sweet, this bread is sure to delight. With its vibrant flavors and tender crumb, Hummingbird Bread is a celebration of Southern charm in every slice.

In this article, we’ll explore why this bread is worth baking, provide a detailed recipe, highlight its unique flavor profile, and share tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time. Let’s dive into this tropical, nutty masterpiece!

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Why You’ll Love Hummingbird Bread

Before we get into the recipe, let’s talk about what makes this bread so irresistible:

1. A Tropical Flavor Explosion

The combination of ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, and toasted pecans creates a symphony of flavors that’s both sweet and tangy, with a hint of spice from cinnamon.

2. Moist and Tender Crumb

Thanks to the natural moisture from bananas and pineapple, this bread stays wonderfully soft and tender, even days after baking.

3. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re serving it at a casual brunch, a holiday gathering, or as an afternoon snack, this bread is versatile enough to fit any setting. Its golden crust and speckled interior make it a standout treat.

4. Customizable Ingredients

You can adjust the sweetness level, swap nuts, or add a cream cheese glaze for extra indulgence.

5. Make-Ahead Friendly

This bread freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or gifting. Simply thaw and enjoy when ready.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of ingredients to make one 9×5-inch loaf of Hummingbird Bread :

For the Bread:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
• ½ cup crushed pineapple (drained, but reserve the juice)
• ½ cup chopped pecans (toasted)

For the Cream Cheese Glaze (Optional):

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons reserved pineapple juice (or milk)
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

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Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) . Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.

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Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.

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Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the mashed bananas and drained crushed pineapple until well combined.

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Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense. Gently fold in the toasted pecans.

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Step 5: Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth 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 (a few moist crumbs are okay).

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Step 6: Cool the Bread

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze (Optional)

In a small mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth. Add the reserved pineapple juice (or milk) and vanilla extract, mixing until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread.

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Step 8: Slice and Serve

Slice the bread into thick pieces and serve plain or with a pat of butter. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

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Nutritional Highlights of Hummingbird Bread

While this bread is indulgent, it does offer some nutritional benefits thanks to its wholesome ingredients:

1. Vitamins from Bananas and Pineapple

Bananas are rich in potassium and vitamin B6, while pineapple provides vitamin C and manganese, making this bread a nutritious treat.

2. Healthy Fats from Nuts

Pecans contain heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, protein, and fiber, adding both nutrition and crunch.

3. Fiber from Whole Ingredients

The combination of bananas, pineapple, and whole nuts adds dietary fiber, supporting digestion and keeping you full longer.

4. Portion Control

The individual slices make it easy to enjoy a satisfying serving without overindulging.

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Tips for Perfect Hummingbird Bread

To ensure your bread turns out perfectly every time, follow these expert tips:

1. Use Ripe Bananas : The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the bread will be.
2. Drain the Pineapple Well : Excess moisture from the pineapple can make the batter too wet. Drain it thoroughly before adding it to the mix.
3. Toast the Pecans : Toasting enhances the nuts’ natural oils and brings out their nutty flavor, making them far superior to raw pecans.
4. Don’t Overmix the Batter : Overmixing can lead to dense bread. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
5. Freeze for Later : Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

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Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary preferences:

1. Add Coconut

Stir shredded coconut into the batter for an extra tropical twist.

2. Gluten-Free Option

Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

3. Swap Nuts

Replace pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.

4. Skip the Glaze

For a less sweet option, skip the cream cheese glaze and serve the bread plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar.

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Serving Suggestions

These versatile loaves shine on their own, but here are a few ways to elevate your experience:

• With Coffee or Tea : Serve slices alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy morning treat.
• Brunch Spread : Include this bread in a brunch spread with quiche, fruit, and pastries for a sweet ending.
• Gift Idea : Wrap the loaf in decorative paper or a cellophane bag tied with ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Holiday Dessert : Feature it as part of a holiday dessert table or bring it to potlucks and gatherings.

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Conclusion: A Bread Worth Savoring

Hummingbird Bread is a celebration of tropical flavors and Southern comfort, bringing together the sweetness of bananas, the tanginess of pineapple, and the crunch of pecans in one delightful loaf. Its moist texture and vibrant taste make it a standout for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a party, treating yourself to a lazy weekend snack, or simply craving something sweet.

So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to create a loaf that’s as cheerful as it is delicious. Once you’ve tasted the magic of this tropical, nutty treat, you’ll want to make it again and again.

Happy baking!

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