Classic Hummingbird Cake is a soft and tender cake that is loaded with tropical flavors including banana and pineapple. Plus it's perfectly spiced with a hint of cinnamon. All covered with a luscious, smooth cream cheese frosting. Be prepared for this to become your new favorite cake!
Toast the pecans in a medium size skillet on the stovetop over medium heat. Stir the pecans while toasting for 3-5 minutes until the pecans have darkened in color and are fragrant. Remove from the heat and set aside.
In a medium size mixing bowl combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Whisk to combine. Set aside.
In a large bowl combine the sugars and add in the egg. Whisk together. Pour in the oil and stir until mostly combined. Add in the banana and crushed pineapple. Stir until well combined.
Add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until the batter is just coming together.
Chop up the toasted pecans and fold into the batter.
Divide the batter and pour into the prepared baking pans. Bake the cakes on the same rack for 30-35 minutes or until baked through and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Remove the baked cakes and set to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then gently remove the cakes from the pan and continue to cool on a wire rack until cooled completely to room temperature.
Cream Cheese Frosting
Add the room temperature softened cream cheese and butter to a large mixing bowl. Beat either in a stand mixer or with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Mix in the vanilla and salt.
Gradually add in the powdered sugar while mixing. Continue until the frosting has a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Assemble the cake by placing one of the cakes on the plate, top with a thick layer of frosting. Smooth to make an even layer. Gently place the other cake layer upside down on the top (this helps give a nice flat top to the cake. Cover the cake with the rest of the frosting. Garnish with chopped pecans as desired.