If you’re searching for a treat that combines warm Southern nostalgia, a whisper of spice, and a dreamy swirl of frosting, this Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is for you. Each tender slice offers the best of banana bread with the tropical brightness of pineapple, crowned by a rich, cinnamon-kissed cream cheese topping. Whether for a sunny brunch, a cozy breakfast, or a sweet afternoon indulgence, this is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting absolutely irresistible is the marriage of humble, pantry-friendly ingredients layered with subtle flavors and creamy decadence. Each element plays a starring role—so don’t skip a thing!
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation for a light yet satisfyingly moist crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Brings sweetness and helps create a beautifully golden crust.
- Brown sugar (packed): Adds depth and a subtle caramel note that pairs perfectly with spices.
- Baking soda: Gives the loaf a lovely, gentle lift.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and ensures all the flavors pop.
- Ground cinnamon: The aromatic backbone—warm and comforting, in both bread and frosting.
- Ground nutmeg: A little goes a long way to lift the spice profile.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together, adding richness and structure.
- Vegetable oil: Creates a tender, moist loaf that stays soft for days.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the sweet flavors with fragrant complexity.
- Mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium): The essential sweet fruitiness and signature banana flavor.
- Crushed pineapple (drained): Offers tropical tang and keeps the bread extra moist.
- Chopped pecans (optional): Bring crunch and an earthy, toasty note (highly recommended, especially if toasted!)
- Cream cheese (softened): For a decadently tangy, plush frosting base.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds creamy, spreadable richness to the frosting.
- Vanilla extract (for frosting): Perfumes the frosting beautifully.
- Ground cinnamon (for frosting): Layers another hit of spice that ties the whole dessert together.
- Powdered sugar: Creates a pillowy, smooth-sweet frosting texture.
How to Make Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Space
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C)—a warm kitchen always sets the mood! Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray and line with parchment if you love easy removal. This step ensures your Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting comes out intact, with picture-perfect edges.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Give everything a good stir until no streaks remain—mixing the spices evenly ensures their warmth permeates every bite. This quick step saves you from uneven pockets of sweetness or spice.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Once mixed, gently stir in the mashed bananas and well-drained crushed pineapple. The bananas bring a luscious sweetness while the pineapple adds brightness and moisture—the signature duo that makes this loaf so special.
Step 4: Bring the Batter Together
Pour your wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir just until the mixture is combined—overmixing can make your bread tough! If you’re using pecans, fold them in now, savoring the anticipation of that nutty crunch in every slice.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Scoop the gorgeous, thick batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Slide it into the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. The loaf is done when a toothpick or cake tester comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack. Patience is key here—let it cool completely before frosting so every swirl stays plush and pretty.
Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
While your bread cools, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until luxuriously smooth. Mix in the vanilla and cinnamon, then gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is fluffy, spreadable, and irresistible. This cinnamon cream cheese frosting is the crowning glory of your Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting.
Step 7: Frost and Slice
Once the bread is completely cool, generously spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting over the top. Take a moment to admire your handiwork, then slice, serve, and delight in every bite!
How to Serve Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
Garnishes
For that bakery-fancy finish, sprinkle extra chopped pecans or a dusting of ground cinnamon over the frosting. A few pineapple tidbits or even banana chips add playful color and hint at the flavors within Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting.
Side Dishes
This bread shines alongside a fresh fruit salad, a mug of rich coffee, or a tall glass of milk. For brunch, try serving it with a platter of sliced oranges or a yogurt parfait—the creamy, spiced frosting plays well with both sweet and tangy accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to switch things up, bake the batter as muffins or mini loaves for charming, portable treats. Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting also looks stunning when layered in a trifle with extra bananas and whipped cream, or cut into cubes for a unique dessert “platter” on a special occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting covered in the refrigerator for up to five days. The frosting holds up beautifully and the bread remains moist—just let your slice sit a few minutes at room temperature for best flavor and texture before enjoying.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze, simply wrap the unfrosted bread tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It will keep well for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then top with fresh cinnamon cream cheese frosting before serving.
Reheating
For that fresh-baked warmth, pop a slice in the microwave for just 10–15 seconds. If frosted, keep an eye out so the topping doesn’t melt too much—it’s all about achieving that just-right, bakery-style experience at home.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Simply substitute a reliable gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Check your labels for xanthan gum and know that the texture may be a touch more crumbly, but the flavors of Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting will shine just as deliciously.
What if I don’t have pecans?
No worries—you can use walnuts or leave them out entirely if you prefer. The bread is still fantastic even without nuts, and just as moist and fragrant.
Can I use less sugar?
Feel free to reduce the sugar slightly (by about 1/4 cup) if you’re watching sweetness levels. The ripe bananas and pineapple provide natural sugars, so your Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting will remain flavorful and plush.
Is it possible to make this vegan?
With a few thoughtful swaps—such as flax eggs instead of regular eggs, plant-based cream cheese, and a vegan butter—you can absolutely enjoy a dairy-free, egg-free version of this beloved treat.
Can I turn this into muffins?
Definitely! Just portion the batter into muffin tins and reduce the baking time to about 20–25 minutes. Frost once cooled and you’ll have darling, portable bites of Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting for any occasion.
Final Thoughts
There’s a true sense of comfort and celebration in every bite of Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting, and sharing it with loved ones makes it even sweeter. Give it a try next time you crave something special—you just may discover your new favorite baked treat.
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Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Hummingbird Bread with a luscious Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting. This moist and spiced loaf, filled with bananas, pineapple, and pecans, is the perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
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
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium)
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Prepare the batter: Whisk together dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, combine wet ingredients and mix well. Fold in pecans. Pour into loaf pan.
- Bake: Bake for 55–65 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.
- Make the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla, cinnamon, and powdered sugar. Spread frosting over cooled bread.
Notes
- You can make muffins by adjusting bake time. Store leftovers covered in the fridge. Toasted pecans make a great addition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 31g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
