Hummingbird Bread with Heavenly Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Hummingbird Bread with Heavenly Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist, flavorful quick bread filled with ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, and chopped pecans, then topped with a sweet, spiced cream cheese frosting. Inspired by the classic Southern hummingbird cake, this loaf is easier to make but still delivers that rich, tropical charm I love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this bread because it takes everything delicious about hummingbird cake—bananas, pineapple, nuts, warm spice—and simplifies it into a loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. The texture is moist and tender, and the cinnamon cream cheese frosting adds just the right amount of indulgence. It’s a perfect blend of fruity, nutty, and sweet, and I always get asked for the recipe when I share it.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the bread:

• Ripe bananas, mashed

• Crushed pineapple (with juice)

• All-purpose flour

• Granulated sugar

• Brown sugar

• Baking soda

• Ground cinnamon

• Salt

• Eggs

• Vegetable oil

• Vanilla extract

• Chopped pecans or walnuts

For the frosting:

• Cream cheese, softened

• Unsalted butter, softened

• Powdered sugar

• Ground cinnamon

• Vanilla extract

• A splash of milk or cream (if needed, for consistency)

directions

1. I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard loaf pan.

2. In a large bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and both sugars.

3. In another bowl, I mix the mashed bananas, crushed pineapple, eggs, oil, and vanilla until well combined.

4. I pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined, then fold in the chopped pecans.

5. I pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. I let the bread cool completely in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool fully before frosting.

7. To make the frosting, I beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth, then gradually add the powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. If the frosting is too thick, I add a splash of milk.

8. I spread the frosting generously over the cooled loaf and top with extra chopped nuts if I’m feeling fancy.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 1 loaf, serving about 8–10 slices. It takes 15 minutes to prep, about 1 hour to bake, and a little extra time to cool and frost—so I usually have it ready in about 1.5 hours total.

Variations

Sometimes I add shredded coconut for a more tropical vibe, or substitute applesauce for some of the oil to lighten it up. When I want a stronger spice flavor, I mix in a pinch of nutmeg or allspice. I’ve also tried this recipe as muffins—just reduce the baking time to about 20–25 minutes.

storage/reheating

I store the frosted bread in the fridge, covered, for up to 5 days. It tastes great cold or at room temperature. To freeze, I wrap the unfrosted loaf in plastic and foil and freeze for up to 2 months—then thaw and frost when I’m ready to serve.

FAQs

What makes it a “Hummingbird” bread?

It’s based on the Southern Hummingbird Cake, which features bananas, pineapple, and pecans—believed to be sweet enough to attract hummingbirds.

Can I make this without the frosting?

Yes, the bread is moist and flavorful on its own, but the frosting definitely adds something special.

Can I use fresh pineapple?

I prefer canned crushed pineapple for consistency and moisture, but fresh pineapple (finely chopped and juicy) can work too.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, I’ve used a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with good results. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum for structure.

Is it okay to skip the nuts?

Definitely. I love the crunch they add, but the bread is still delicious without them.

Conclusion

Hummingbird Bread with Heavenly Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is a rich, moist, and flavorful loaf that brings Southern charm to every slice. Whether I’m baking it for a gathering or just treating myself to something sweet, it’s a simple yet elegant recipe that never fails to impress.