Hummingbird Bread

Hummingbird Bread is a unique and tasty treat that combines tropical flavors like bananas and crushed pineapple. It’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. This recipe has a rich history, tracing back to Jamaica, and has evolved over time. If you’re curious about how to make this delicious bread, along with its background and variations, keep going to discover all the essential details you need.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you try Hummingbird Bread, you’ll quickly discover a unique blend of flavors that makes it stand out. This delightful recipe combines bananas, coconut, pineapple, and spices, creating a tropical taste that’s hard to resist. With added chopped pecans, you’ll enjoy a satisfying texture in every bite. Plus, it can be made in various sizes, from mini loaves to standard ones, making it perfect for any occasion. You can easily adapt the recipe to your dietary needs by using whole wheat flour or reducing sugar. The natural sweetness from ripe bananas and crushed pineapple means you won’t need extra frosting. Additionally, this bread is a lighter version of the traditional Hummingbird cake, making it a guilt-free indulgence. Whether for breakfast or brunch, this versatile bread is sure to please.

History

Hummingbird Bread, originally known as “Doctor Bird Cake,” emerged from Jamaica in the late 1960s, thanks to the efforts of the Jamaican tourism board. They introduced this delightful cake to attract tourists, featuring bananas and pineapple without cream cheese frosting. In 1968, they sent the recipe to the US as part of a press kit, sparking interest in local newspapers and community cookbooks. By the early 1970s, the name changed to “Hummingbird Cake,” and pecans were added. The first printed recipe appeared in Southern Living magazine in 1978. Over the years, cream cheese frosting became a staple, and regional variations emerged, making this cake a beloved part of Southern culture, celebrated for its unique flavors and ingredients. Notably, the cake is made with oil instead of butter, which contributes to its moist texture.

Recipe

Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup dark brown sugar
– 2 large bananas, very ripe, mashed
– 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
– ¾ cup chopped pecans, toasted
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ½ cup sour cream
– ½ cup softened butter

Cooking Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a loaf pan and set it aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until well combined.
In a separate large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth and creamy. Stir in the drained crushed pineapple and mix well.
Add the softened butter and sour cream to the banana-pineapple mixture, stirring until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Fold in the toasted pecans, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Extra Tips:

For an extra dimension of flavor, consider adding shredded coconut or even swapping out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend if desired.

Be mindful of the moisture level from the crushed pineapple; if you want a moister bread, you can skip draining it, but be aware that it may result in a soggier texture.

Toasting the pecans brings out their natural oils and enhances their flavor, so don’t skip this step! Additionally, the hummingbird bread is a versatile and customizable treat, making it suitable for various occasions.

Enjoy your hummingbird bread fresh or store it in an airtight container for up to a week.

Final Thoughts

Enjoying a slice of hummingbird bread isn’t just about savoring a delicious treat; it’s also about appreciating the rich history and cultural journey behind this delightful recipe.

Originating from Jamaica, this cake, known as “Dr. Bird Cake,” has traveled across cultures, finding a special place in Southern cuisine. You might notice its unique blend of flavors, reminiscent of spiced carrot cake and banana bread. As you indulge, consider the various adaptations available, from traditional ingredients like pineapple and bananas to modern twists like sourdough versions. Each slice contains approximately 182 calories, making it a treat to enjoy in moderation.

Every bite connects you to its vibrant past, showcasing how recipes can evolve and inspire across regions. Ultimately, hummingbird bread is a demonstration of culinary creativity and cultural exchange.

FAQ

What makes hummingbird bread such a beloved recipe? It’s all about the combination of flavors and textures. The key ingredients include flour, sugar, eggs, and fruits like crushed pineapple and ripe bananas, which add natural sweetness. Hummingbird Bread is inspired by Hummingbird Cake, which has been popular in Jamaica since the 1970s, adding a rich history to this delightful treat.

You can easily make substitutions, such as using gluten-free flour or replacing butter with shortening for a dairy-free option. To prepare, mix dry and wet ingredients separately before combining them. Bake at 350 degrees F until a toothpick comes out clean.

For added moisture, consider using sour cream. Don’t forget toasted pecans for crunch! With 225g of sugar and 42g of protein, this bread is deliciously indulgent yet packed with nutrients, making it a delightful treat for everyone.