Hummingbird Quick Bread
Homemade Hummingbird Bread is a deliciously moist, fluffy, and oh-so-good quick bread topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. This recipe yields 2 loaves of bread: one to serve and enjoy, and one to freeze. If you love hummingbird cake, you’ll love this quick bread even more!
Hummingbird Quick Bread Recipe
Do you love the Hummingbird cake? But don’t you have the time to bake a three-layer cake and frost each layer? Then you’ll love our Hummingbird Quick Bread Recipe!
We love this recipe simply because it’s much easier to make the batter and bake. Not to mention, frosting the top is quick, too. And, it’s even better than the cake! Why? That’s because it contains less sugar, fat, and calories per serving than a slice of cake. Plus, you still get the same result in a super moist, delicious flavor and fluffy texture – we all LOVE!
What gives it its delicious flavor?
The main ingredients in this hummingbird bread are crushed pineapple, mashed bananas, and warm spices. Everyone loves the flavor!
What does the hummingbird bread taste like?
Everyone usually asks what it tastes like. Well, the best way we can describe its flavor is that it’s like a combination of a carrot cake and banana bread, together.
So beware, when you serve it, everyone may even be tempted to go back for a second slice! We love quick bread recipes, and this one is adapted from our hummingbird cupcakes, and it is the best! For more quick bread recipes, don’t miss our Lemon Zucchini Olive Oil Bread and Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread.
Reasons we LOVE this Recipe for Hummingbird Quick Bread
- It Makes 2 Loaves: This recipe will make two loaves of bread. One to immediately enjoy, and one to freeze for another time. Ideal for sharing with family and friends.
- The Flavor & Texture: Ideal for those who love the Hummingbird cake, simply because it contains all the same flavors and texture of the cake, but in a quick bread.
- Easy to Make: Best part? This recipe is super easy to whip up and bake. No need for a lot of fuss. Especially, if you don’t have the time to dedicate to making a full-blown 3 or 4-layer cake with frosting.
- Not Too Sweet: This recipe is not as sweet as the original hummingbird cake recipe, and it does not compromise its delicious flavor and moist texture. A win-win!
Ingredients You Will Need:
As with all our quick bread recipes, you will need some common pantry ingredients, along with a can of crushed pineapple and mashed bananas. So, let’s review the ingredients needed for this recipe:
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
- 3 cups of all-purpose flour (or GF flour)
- 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 + 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 3 large eggs – lightly beaten
- 1 cup olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 + 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 16-ounce can of crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 + 1/2 cups mashed bananas (about 2 to 3 ripe bananas)
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 brick (8 ounces, 277g) cream cheese, softened
- 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter – sliced into pieces
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 + 1/2 cups of powdered sugar
How to Make Hummingbird Quick Bread (in one bowl!)
The best part about this quick bread? Is that it’s made in just one bowl! There are two steps to making it. One is to make the batter, and the other is to make the cream cheese frosting.
- Preheat The Oven: To Bake at 350°F (180C). Prepare two 9 x 5 loaf pans with cooking spray, and dust each pan with flour.
- Make the Batter: In one large mixing bowl, whisk the dry ingredients. Next, add the eggs and oil, stirring with a wooden spoon until the dry ingredients are moistened. (Do not beat.) Then, stir in the vanilla extract, the can of crushed pineapple (with its juice), 1 cup of chopped pecans, and mashed bananas. Stir until well combined.
- Pour into Bread Pans: Pour and divide the batter evenly into each prepared bread pan. Place them on the center rack of your oven.
- Then Bake: Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the wooden toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the breads to cool for a few minutes, then carefully flip them over to remove from the pans. Allow to cool completely before frosting.
- Make the Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter, add the powdered sugar and vanilla. Add the frosting over the two loaves of bread, then scatter on top with crushed pecans.
Our Best Tips For Baking Success
- Preheat the Oven: Before you start, it’s best to preheat the oven. This way, it will be ready for you when you place the pans into the oven.
- Measure Carefully: When it comes to baking, precise measurements will ensure the best results.
- Crushed Pineapple: If you can’t find a can of crushed pineapple, you can use one can (15 ounces) of whole pineapple or tidbits and place them into a mini food processor and pulse until they are finely chopped.
- Allow Cooling: It’s best to wait for the breads to cool completely before adding the cream cheese frosting on top.
- Keep Breads Wrapped: To keep these breads fresh longer, and not dry out, you can wrap them with plastic wrap and keep them chilled in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh longer, and up to one week.
- Freezing: If you want to freeze the loaves of bread, it’s best not to add any cream cheese frosting on top. Simply wrap each bread with clear wrap and freeze. They will freeze for up to 1 month. Then allow the breads to thaw before adding the frosting on top.
- Servings: Depending on how thick or thin you slice this bread, it will give you anywhere from 8 to 12 servings per loaf.
Quick Note! Keep in mind, the nutrition label is based on a serving of the quick bread without the cream cheese frosting. Plus, when sliced into 1-ounce pieces, some breads may yield more or fewer servings depending on the loaf size or the portion size desired. For example, a 9×5-inch loaf might yield 12 to 16 slices.
More Delicious Bread Recipes
- Triple Chocolate Zucchini Bread
- Cinnamon Sweet Potato Quick Bread
- Blueberry Banana Bread
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
Are you baking with us? If you try our hummingbird quick bread, let us know, leave a comment, and don’t forget the stars below! We’d love to hear from you, and thank you… xo!
Hummingbird Quick Bread
Homemade Hummingbird Quick Bread is deliciously moist, flavorful, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. This recipe will make 2 loaves of bread, one to serve and one to freeze! If you love the hummingbird cake, then you'll love this hummingbird quick bread even more!
Ingredients
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
- 3 cups of organic unbleached all-purpose flour (or GF flour)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1 + 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 3 large eggs - lightly beaten
- 1 cup olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 + 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 16-ounce can of crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 + 1/2 cups mashed bananas (about 2 to 3 ripe bananas)
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 brick (8 ounce, 277g) cream cheese, softened
- 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter - sliced into pieces
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 + 1/2 cups of powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup (or more) of crushed pecans, as garnish
Instructions
Prepare Batter for 2 Loaves:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180C). Prepare two 9 x 5 loaf pans with cooking spray, and dust each pan with flour.
- In one large mixing bowl, combine the first 7 of the dry ingredients. Use a strong wooden spoon to stir to combine.
- Next, add the eggs and oil, stirring until dry ingredients are moistened. ( Do not beat.)
- Then, stir in the vanilla extract, the can of crushed pineapple (with its juice), 1 cup of chopped pecans, and mashed bananas. Stir until well combined.
- Pour and divide the batter evenly into each prepared bread pans. Place them on the center rack of your oven.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the wooden toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and allow the breads to cool for a few minutes, then carefully flip them over to remove from the pans. Allow to cool completely before frosting.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Beat cream cheese and butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and beat at low speed until light and fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract. Refrigerate frosting until ready to use.
- When ready to frost the breads, use a knife or a back of a spoon to spread the cream cheese frosting over the tops and sides of each bread. Then scatter some crushed pecans on top. Cover and store in the refrigerator. Best kept chilled.
- Yields: two loaves of hummingbird quick bread
Notes
Keep in mind, the nutrition value is based on the breads without the cream cheese frosting. Plus, when sliced into 1-ounce pieces, some breads may yield more or less servings depending on the loaf size or the portion size desired. For example, a 9x5 inch loaf might yield 12 to 16 slices.
Recipe Tips
- Crushed Pineapple: If you can't find a can of crushed pineapple, you can use one can (15 ounces) of whole pineapple or tidbits and place them into a mini food processor and pulse until they are finely chopped.
- Allow the Breads To Cool: It's best to wait for the bread to cool completely before adding the cream cheese frosting on top.
- Keep Breads Wrapped: To keep these breads fresh longer, you can cover them with clean wrap, and keep them chilled in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh longer, and up to one week.
- Freezing: If you want to freeze the breads, it's best to not add any cream cheese frosting on top. Just simply wrap the breads with clear wrap and freeze. They will freeze up to 1 month. Then allow the breads to thaw, before adding the frosting on top.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 servings ( 1 bread) Serving Size: 1 servingAmount Per Serving: Calories: 213Total Fat: 10.8gCarbohydrates: 25.1gFiber: 2.6gSugar: 17gProtein: 3.7g
Have a Delicious Day! 😉
Thanks for stopping by….
xo anna and liz
Related Posts:
Welcome! From Anna and Liz
We believe the kitchen is the center and the heart of the home. It is where we cook, eat, and unwind with family and friends, creating memorable traditions! Read more…
FREE EMAIL BONUS
Weeknight Dinners Made Easy
Tips & recipes for delicious meals . . . no matter your skill level!
FREE EMAIL BONUS
Weeknight Dinners Made Easy
Tips & recipes for delicious meals . . . no matter your skill level!