If you crave a tender, fruit-studded quick bread with a Southern twist, Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting is calling your name! Imagine banana bread getting a tropical upgrade with sweet pineapple, crunchy pecans, and a crown of tangy, silky frosting—pure happiness in every bite. Whether you serve it as a brunch treat, share it at a family gathering, or save it for an afternoon pick-me-up, this irresistible loaf is guaranteed to delight.

Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting is a joy, because each one plays a starring role in the bread’s unique flavor and incredible moistness. From overripe bananas to creamy frosting, don’t skip a single element—they all work together to make this loaf unforgettable.

All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that helps the bread hold its tender crumb and structure.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and balances the tangy fruit flavors everywhere in this loaf.
Packed brown sugar: Brings moisture and a delicious hint of caramel depth to the bread.
Baking soda: Ensures a lofty, light slice by giving rise to the batter.
Salt: Brightens every flavor and keeps the bread from tasting flat.
Ground cinnamon: Adds classic warmth and coziness to each bite.
Ground nutmeg: Gives a subtle, fragrant nuttiness that pairs beautifully with banana.
Large eggs: Bind everything together for a tender crumb.
Vegetable oil: Infuses unbeatable moisture for days-long softness.
Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream: Adds tang and richness to balance the sweet ingredients.
Vanilla extract: Just a splash enhances all the tropical, nutty, and fruity flavors.
Mashed ripe bananas (about 2): The heart of the bread—make sure they’re extra brown and soft for peak flavor.
Crushed pineapple (drained): Brings juicy, bright sweetness and a subtle tropical vibe.
Chopped pecans: Give delightful crunch and toasty flavor throughout the loaf.
Shredded coconut (optional): Adds extra chew and a gentle sweetness if you want even more texture.
Cream cheese (softened): The base of the dreamy frosting, bringing tang and a smooth finish.
Unsalted butter (softened): Adds luxurious richness to the cream cheese frosting.
Powdered sugar: Makes the frosting sweet, fluffy, and perfectly spreadable.
Vanilla extract (for frosting): Adds one final boost of flavor to finish the loaf.
Milk: Adds just enough creaminess for perfect frosting consistency.

How to Make Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and prepping a 9×5-inch loaf pan with a generous layer of grease and a light dusting of flour. This extra step prevents sticking and guarantees that glorious loaf will release perfectly after baking.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Grab a big mixing bowl and whisk together your flour, both sugars, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This thoroughly distributes the baking soda and spices, so you get flavor and rise in every bite of the Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients and Fruit

In a separate bowl, whisk those eggs, oil, yogurt (or sour cream), and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and cheerful. Fold in the mashed bananas and crushed pineapple—the aroma is instantly uplifting and the mixture should look flecked with fruit.

Step 4: Bring the Batter Together

Pour your wet mixture over the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Overmixing could mean a tough loaf, so stop as soon as you don’t see dry streaks. Fold in the chopped pecans and coconut (if you’re using it), savoring the sight of all those gorgeous textures mingling together.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

Spoon the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Pop it into the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. Your kitchen will fill with sweet, nutty, tropical perfume—check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a crumb or two attached.

Step 6: Cool Completely

Let your bread hang out in the pan for about 10 minutes before turning it onto a wire rack. Full cooling is non-negotiable before frosting—otherwise, the cream cheese magic will melt away!

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth and fluffy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla; beat until the frosting feels light and luxurious. If it’s too thick, drizzle in milk a spoonful at a time until it’s perfectly spreadable for your Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Step 8: Frost, Slice, and Serve

Once the loaf is completely cool, lavish the top with a thick layer of cream cheese frosting. Slice generously and serve up a celebration of flavors and textures in every bite.

How to Serve Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

Sprinkle extra chopped pecans or toasted coconut over the frosting for crunch and flair. A dusting of cinnamon or a few pineapple tidbits make for a pretty, inviting slice—perfect for when you want to turn your Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting into a showstopper.

Side Dishes

Serve thick slices with a steaming mug of coffee or black tea for a cozy breakfast, or partner it with a bowl of fresh fruit salad for something a little lighter. If you’re feeling decadent, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream is pure Southern luxury on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the loaf thin and arranging it on a tiered platter for a dessert buffet, or cut the bread into cubes and skewer with fruit for a playful party treat. You can even make mini loaves and gift them with a little jar of extra cream cheese frosting for later—so sweet and thoughtful!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover slices of Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting keep beautifully! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to five days. The flavors intensify and the frosting stays smooth and dreamy.

Freezing

You can freeze the bread (without frosting) for up to three months—just wrap it well and stash it in a zip-top bag. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature and slather with freshly whipped cream cheese frosting before serving. It’s the best kind of future treat!

Reheating

If you love a warm slice, simply microwave individual portions for about 10 seconds. The cream cheese frosting will get slightly gooey and the bread becomes delightfully soft—a wonderful way to resurrect leftover Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting.

FAQs

Can I make Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting nut-free?

Absolutely! Omit the pecans entirely or swap them for sunflower seeds or more shredded coconut. You’ll still enjoy plenty of wonderful texture and flavor.

How ripe should the bananas be?

The riper, the better—think deep brown spots and a scent so sweet it perfumes your kitchen. Overripe bananas give the bread major flavor and extra moisture.

Can I substitute the pineapple with something else?

Pineapple really brings a signature sweetness and tropical note, but if unavailable, try drained, crushed mango for a similar effect. You can also add an extra banana if you prefer.

Can this recipe be made into muffins?

Yes, just divide the batter among greased or lined muffin tins and bake at 350°F for about 20 to 25 minutes. Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting makes heavenly cupcakes too!

What’s the best way to frost the bread?

Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to swirl a generous layer over the cooled loaf. For extra prettiness, drizzle with a little honey or sprinkle crushed pecans on top just before serving.

Final Thoughts

Go ahead and treat yourself and your loved ones to this slice of Southern hospitality! There’s truly nothing like sharing a homemade Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting—it’s as beautiful and bold as it is flavorful. Gather your ingredients and bake a loaf soon; every bite is like a hug from the kitchen.

Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 10 slices 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Hummingbird Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting. A moist, tropical bread loaded with bananas, pineapple, and pecans, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients:

2 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2)
1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1–2 tablespoons milk, as needed for consistency

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugars, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk eggs, oil, yogurt, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in bananas and pineapple.
Blend and Bake: Add wet mixture to dry ingredients, fold in pecans and coconut. Pour into pan and bake for 55–65 minutes.
Make Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter, add sugar and vanilla. Adjust consistency with milk.
Frost and Enjoy: Spread frosting on cooled bread, slice, and serve.