Irresistible Hummingbird Bread Recipe with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
There’s something incredibly special about the changing seasons, especially when spring bursts forth with vibrant colors and sweet scents. I can vividly recall the delight of my grandmother’s kitchen during those first warm days of the year. The windows were flung open, letting in a soft breeze that carried the aroma of blooming flowers and fresh baked goods. One of my favorite memories is when she pulled out her magical recipe for Hummingbird Bread—a delightful quick bread that’s bursting with the flavors of ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, and warm spices. Today, I’m thrilled to share this recipe for Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting with you, because it’s not just a treat; it’s a hug in slice form.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weekdays.
- Moist and flavorful, with wonderful tropical notes.
- Can be made ahead of time—ideal for brunch gatherings!
- Pairs beautifully with coffee or tea.
- Heavenly cream cheese frosting adds a sweet touch.
Ingredients
Let’s gather everything we need for this delightful adventure! Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup ripe bananas, mashed (about 2 medium bananas)
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Helpful Note: The more ripe your bananas are, the sweeter your bread will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots—they’re perfect!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to bake? Let’s get started!
- Preheat your oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This helps to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the oil and sugar until well combined. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, mashed bananas, and crushed pineapple. Mix until smooth and combined.
- Combine wet and dry: Slowly add your dry mixture to the wet mixture. Gently fold until just combined. Do not overmix! A few lumps are okay—overmixing can lead to dense bread.
- Add nuts (optional): If you’re including nuts, fold them in gently now.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Make the frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, followed by the vanilla and cinnamon. Mix until fluffy and luscious—pure magic!
- Frost the bread: Once the bread is completely cool, generously spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting over the top. Cut into slices and prepare for the compliments!

Pro Tips & Variations
Now that you’ve got the base recipe down, let’s play around a bit!
- Substitute the nuts: If you’re not a fan of nuts—or have allergies—feel free to leave them out or swap them for shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
- Spices: Experiment with additional spices! A pinch of nutmeg or allspice can elevate the warm flavors even more.
- Make it healthier: Substitute half of the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile. You can also use whole wheat flour for added nutrition!
- Add-ins: Try adding raisins or dried cranberries for a pop of tartness.
- Make it a cake: For a fun variation, pour the batter into a cake pan and layer with frosting between two round cakes.
Serving Suggestions
Serving Hummingbird Bread is a joy! I love to slice it and serve it warm with a big cup of coffee on lazy weekend mornings. It also makes a lovely addition to brunch tables—imagine it alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, and maybe some quiche. The bread boasts such a beautiful moist texture and sweetness that it can even stand alone as a delightful afternoon snack. For a little extra flair, you could even sprinkle some toasted coconut or additional crushed nuts on top of the frosting.
Storage Tips
Now, if you’re lucky enough to have some leftovers (or if you’ve made an extra loaf to share), here’s how to keep them delicious:
- Refrigeration: You can store the frosted bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor.
- Freezing: If you want to save some for later, slice the bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place it in a freezer-safe container. It should keep well for up to 3 months! Thaw by leaving it out at room temperature or warming it in the oven.
- Frosting storage: If you have leftover frosting, it can be stored in the fridge for about a week. Just give it a good stir before using it again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas in this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas work perfectly; just be sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before mashing them up.
What if I don’t have cream cheese for the frosting?
No problem! You can use a simple vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar and milk as a lighter option. Just mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of milk until you reach your desired consistency!
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, if you use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, you’ll still get a moist and delicious bread. Just keep an eye on the baking time as it may vary slightly.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
For a vegan version, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water = 1 egg) and use a plant-based butter for the frosting. The rest remains the same!
Can I add more fruit to this recipe?
Of course! You can fold in dried fruits like raisins or cranberries, or even swap out some banana for applesauce or grated carrots for a fun twist!
Conclusion
And there you have it—my treasured recipe for Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting! I hope it brings warmth and sweetness to your kitchen just as it has brought to mine. I would love to hear how yours turned out and any creative twists you added. So, grab your mixing bowls and let’s make some magic together! Don’t be shy; leave a comment or share your baking adventures!
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Irresistible Hummingbird Bread Recipe with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Description
Savor homemade Hummingbird Bread topped with creamy cinnamon cream cheese frosting. This delightful recipe will elevate your dessert game!
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
A delightful quick bread bursting with the flavors of ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, and warm spices, topped with creamy cinnamon cream cheese frosting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 loaf
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
Keywords: Hummingbird Bread, Quick Bread, Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting, Dessert Recipe, Banana Bread, Pineapple Bread
