Family Cuisine Presents: Delectable Gluten-Free Hummingbird Cake

Gluten Free Hummingbird Cake

If you’re searching for a cake that’s bursting with flavor, look no further than this amazing gluten-free hummingbird cake. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, each layer of this decadent delight is infused with the sweetness of pineapple and the crunch of pecans. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is sure to delight your taste buds!

Table of Contents

What Exactly is a Hummingbird Cake?

A hummingbird cake is a beloved southern specialty. Crafted with mashed bananas and crushed pineapple, this cake is traditionally finished off with a rich cream cheese frosting and a sprinkling of pecans.

Why You’ll Love Our Gluten-Free Hummingbird Cake

Exquisite flavors from the combination of crushed pineapple and bananas.
A visually stunning cake that’s suitable for any event. Alternatively, you can make cupcakes or a sheet cake with the same batter.
The cake base is entirely dairy-free. Swap in dairy-free butter when preparing the frosting to make it 100% dairy-free.
This recipe calls for readily available ingredients that are easy to find.

Notes on Ingredients

Gluten-free flour blend: For this recipe, we tested King Arthur’s Measure for Measure Gluten-Free Blend. While other flours may work, we haven’t experimented with them and cannot assure the same results.
Xanthan or guar gum: If your gluten-free flour blend doesn’t contain either of these, adding 1 teaspoon is crucial. These ingredients act as binders, preventing the cake from crumbling.
Milk or non-dairy milk: Both options work well. We used almond milk, but any other dairy-free milk should yield similar results. We advise against canned coconut milk.
Cooking oil: Avocado oil was our choice, but any light oil or butter will suffice.
Crushed pineapple: Canned or fresh crushed pineapple can be used. Opt for unsweetened if using canned.
Bananas: Ripe bananas provide the best flavor for this recipe.
Pecans: Toasted, unsalted pecans are recommended. If necessary, omit the pecans for a nut-free version.

Tips on Ripening Bananas

Place your bananas on a baking sheet and bake at 225º F for 20 minutes.
If you have time, put your bananas in a brown paper bag and let them sit on the counter for a couple of days (remember to seal the bag!).
Another option is to grill the bananas. Cut a slit down the peel and grill at 300º F with the lid closed for 15 minutes.

Crafting the Perfect Gluten-Free Hummingbird Cake

Step 3: Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients. Add the chopped pecans if desired.

Step 4: Mix the ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can compromise the fluffiness of your gluten-free cake.

Step 7: Transfer the cakes, still in their pans, to a cooling rack. After 5 minutes, gently remove the cakes from the pans onto a wire cooling rack.

Step 8: In a standing mixer bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Begin mixing at a low speed and gradually increase it as the powdered sugar incorporates.

Whip the frosting for an additional 20 seconds, then turn off the mixer. Avoid frosting the cake until it has completely cooled. Optionally, you can pipe the remaining frosting onto the top of the cake and garnish with finely chopped pecans or coconut. For best results, chill the cake in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to set the frosting.

For those who relish pineapple-infused cakes, our Gluten-Free Pineapple Upside Down Cake is a must-try.

Storage Instructions

Place the cake in a cake storage container to ensure its freshness. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

If you wish to freeze this cake, we recommend slicing it and flash-freezing the slices on a sheet pan. Once frozen, transfer the slices into a freezer-safe storage container or freezer bag.

Pro-tip: You can also bake the cake rounds ahead of time, freeze them without frosting, and thaw whenever you’re ready to use them.

Our Expert Tips and Recipe FAQ

Resist the temptation to open the oven door prematurely. Doing so may cause your cake to cook unevenly or sink in the center. Patience is key!
Need more guidance? Check out our comprehensive Gluten-Free Cake Troubleshooting Guide.