Spring Delight Hummingbird Layer Cake
This delightful Hummingbird Cake is a fruity twist on a classic dessert, perfect for springtime gatherings or any occasion that calls for a cheerful treat. Bursting with the tropical flavors of crushed pineapple and ripe bananas, it's further enhanced with the sweetness of maraschino cherries. The addition of cherry juice gives the cake a lovely blush, making it not only delicious but visually charming as well. Ideal for using up overripe bananas, this easy-to-make cake is a family favorite that will leave everyone asking for seconds. The luscious cream cheese frosting adds a rich, creamy finish, making each slice a little slice of heaven. Embrace the flavors of spring with this warm, inviting cake that is sure to impress your loved ones!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boxed white or yellow cake mix
18 1/4 ounces (Choose a mix without pudding.)
Crushed pineapple in juice
8 ounces (Undrained from the can.)
Bananas
2 medium (Peeled and mashed.)
Maraschino cherries
10 (Chopped.)
Maraschino cherry juice
2 teaspoons (Use from the cherry jar.)
Water
1/2 cup (Use room temperature.)
Canola oil
1/2 cup (No preparation needed.)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (No preparation needed.)
Cinnamon
1 teaspoon (No preparation needed.)
Cream cheese frosting
16 1/4 ounces (Store-bought or homemade.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the white or yellow cake mix, crushed pineapple (with juice), mashed bananas, chopped maraschino cherries, cherry juice, water, canola oil, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated and you have a smooth batter.
3
Grease two 9-inch round cake pans. Evenly divide the batter between the two pans.
4
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5
Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 5 minutes. Then carefully transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
6
To assemble the cake, place the first layer (bottom cake) on a serving plate. Generously frost the top with cream cheese frosting.
7
Carefully place the second layer (top cake) on top of the frosted bottom layer. Frost the top and sides of the cake, blending the frosting for a seamless two-tier layer.
8
If the tops of the cakes have domed during baking, use a serrated knife to level them before frosting for an elegant finish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Spring Delight Hummingbird Layer Cake?
This cake is a fruity twist on a classic dessert, bursting with tropical flavors of crushed pineapple, ripe bananas, and maraschino cherries.
What flavors can I expect from this hummingbird cake?
The cake features a blend of tropical pineapple, mashed bananas, sweet maraschino cherries, vanilla, and a touch of cinnamon.
How many layers does this hummingbird cake have?
This recipe creates a two-tier layer cake using 9-inch round pans.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What type of cake mix is recommended for this recipe?
Use an 18 1/4 ounce box of white or yellow cake mix, preferably one without pudding.
Should I drain the crushed pineapple before adding it to the batter?
No, the 8 ounces of crushed pineapple should be used undrained, including its juice.
How many bananas are needed for the Spring Delight Hummingbird Layer Cake?
The recipe calls for 2 medium bananas, peeled and mashed.
Is this a good recipe for using up overripe bananas?
Yes, overripe bananas are ideal for this recipe as they provide a rich sweetness and soft texture.
How many maraschino cherries are used in the batter?
The recipe uses 10 maraschino cherries, which should be chopped before being added.
What gives the cake its lovely blush color?
The addition of maraschino cherry juice gives the cake a charming blush hue.
How much cherry juice is required?
You will need 2 teaspoons of cherry juice from the maraschino cherry jar.
What type of oil should be used in the batter?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of canola oil.
Is there vanilla extract in this cake?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Does this hummingbird cake contain any spices?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon is added to enhance the flavor profile.
How much water is added to the cake batter?
The batter requires 1/2 cup of room temperature water.
What size cake pans are needed?
You will need two 9-inch round cake pans.
How should I prepare the cake pans?
The cake pans should be greased to prevent sticking.
How long does the cake need to bake?
Bake the cakes for 25 to 30 minutes.
How do I know when the cakes are finished baking?
The cakes are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
How long should the cakes cool in the pans?
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 5 minutes after removing them from the oven.
Where should the cakes finish cooling?
Transfer the cakes to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
What kind of frosting is best for this cake?
A luscious cream cheese frosting is used to provide a rich and creamy finish.
How much frosting is required?
The recipe suggests using 16 1/4 ounces of store-bought or homemade cream cheese frosting.
How do I assemble the layers of the hummingbird cake?
Place the bottom layer on a plate, frost the top, add the second layer, then frost the top and sides for a seamless look.
What should I do if the cake tops are domed?
Use a serrated knife to level the tops before frosting to achieve an elegant, flat finish.
Is this hummingbird cake difficult to make?
No, this is an easy-to-make recipe that uses a cake mix as a base for convenience.
Is this recipe suitable for spring gatherings?
Yes, it is specifically described as perfect for springtime gatherings due to its fruity flavors and blush color.
Can I use homemade cream cheese frosting?
Yes, you can use either store-bought or homemade cream cheese frosting.
What category of food does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as a dessert, specifically a layer cake.
What makes this cake visually charming?
The combination of the two tiers and the subtle blush color from the cherry juice makes it visually appealing.