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Hummingbird Bread

Why you’ll love this recipe

Hummingbird bread is a delightful treat that combines tropical flavors for a comforting and satisfying loaf. The combination of ripe bananas and crushed pineapple gives this bread its signature moisture and sweetness. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up overripe bananas while adding a fruity twist to your baked goods.

How to make Hummingbird Bread

Ingredients:

2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas, crushed pineapple, vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
Fold in the chopped nuts if using.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to serve Hummingbird Bread

Hummingbird bread is delicious on its own, but it can also be served with a spread of butter or cream cheese for added richness. It makes an excellent breakfast item, snack, or dessert. Consider serving it alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.

How to store Hummingbird Bread

To keep your Hummingbird bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze it. It will maintain its best quality for about three months in the freezer. Just thaw it at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Tips to make Hummingbird Bread

For extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
Ensure your bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.
If you don’t have pecans or walnuts, feel free to skip the nuts or substitute with chocolate chips for a different flavor twist.

Variation

You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the blend includes xanthan gum or add a pinch of it to ensure proper texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned pineapple for this recipe?
Yes, canned pineapple works perfectly as long as it’s fully drained. Dole or any other brand should suffice.

2. 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 a few moist crumbs, the bread is done.

3. Can I add other fruits to my Hummingbird bread?
Absolutely! Chopped apples or shredded carrots can be wonderful additions for extra flavor and moisture. Just keep the total wet ingredients balanced.