Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients:
For the Bread:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup canola or vegetable oil
- 1 and 1/2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup pineapple, diced and patted dry
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
For the Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat a loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Prepare the Batter:
- In a large bowl, mix together the mashed bananas, sugar, brown sugar, egg, and oil until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the shredded coconut, diced pineapple, and chopped pecans.
- Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
- Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon, and continue to beat until well combined and fluffy.
- Frost the Bread:
- Once the bread has completely cooled, spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Optionally, sprinkle additional chopped pecans over the frosting for extra crunch.
- Serve:
- Slice and enjoy! This bread can be served as a sweet breakfast treat or a cozy evening dessert.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Calories: 316 kcal per serving
Servings: 12
Most Popular Questions and Their Answers Related to Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
- Can I use frozen bananas? Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
- Can I substitute the pecans? Yes, walnuts or almonds make a great substitute.
- Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned? Absolutely, just make sure to pat it dry to avoid extra moisture.
- Is there a substitute for the coconut? You can omit it or replace it with chopped nuts or dried fruits.
- Can I make this bread gluten-free? Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- How do I store the bread? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Can I freeze Hummingbird Bread? Yes, it freezes well. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Do I have to use cream cheese frosting? No, you can use a simple glaze or leave it unfrosted.
- Can I add more spices to the bread? Yes, adding cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice can enhance the flavor.
- What if my bread is too dense? Ensure you’re not overmixing the batter and that your baking powder and soda are fresh.
- Can I make this into muffins? Yes, adjust the baking time to about 20-25 minutes.
- Why is my bread sinking in the middle? This can happen if the batter is overmixed or if the oven temperature is too high.
- Can I use a different type of oil? Yes, melted coconut oil or olive oil can be used instead of canola or vegetable oil.
- Can I use less sugar? You can reduce the sugar, but it might alter the texture and flavor slightly.
- What type of cream cheese is best for the frosting? Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and flavor.
- Can I make the frosting ahead of time? Yes, the frosting can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Is it okay to leave the bread out overnight? It’s best to refrigerate the bread if not eaten within a few hours, especially if frosted.
- What can I add to make it more festive? Dried cranberries, raisins, or a dash of rum extract can make it more festive.
- How do I ensure my bread is moist? Do not overbake and make sure to measure your ingredients accurately.
- Can I add a crumble topping? Yes, a simple streusel topping made of butter, sugar, and flour can add extra texture and sweetness.
By following these tips and answering these common questions, you will be well on your way to mastering the perfect Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting. Enjoy baking.
Achieving the Perfect Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting: 30 Secrets to Mastery
Preparation and Ingredients
- Ripe Bananas: Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- Fresh Pineapple: Use fresh pineapple instead of canned for better texture and taste.
- Pat Dry: Ensure the diced pineapple is thoroughly patted dry to prevent excess moisture.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Have all ingredients at room temperature for even mixing.
- Quality Nuts: Use high-quality pecans and toast them for extra flavor before adding.
Mixing and Combining
- Proper Mixing: Mix the wet ingredients until fully combined but avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Gentle Folding: Fold in the dry ingredients gently to avoid overdeveloping the gluten.
- Even Distribution: Ensure coconut, pineapple, and pecans are evenly distributed in the batter.
- Layering Flavors: For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter.
Baking Techniques
- Loaf Pan Preparation: Coat the loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Correct Temperature: Ensure the oven is fully preheated to 350°F (175°C) before placing the bread inside.
- Even Baking: Place the loaf pan in the center of the oven for even heat distribution.
- Check Early: Begin checking for doneness at 50 minutes to prevent overbaking.
- Toothpick Test: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs when done.
Cooling and Frosting
- Cooling Time: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Avoid Overcooling: Do not frost the bread while it’s warm, as the frosting will melt.
- Smooth Frosting: Ensure the cream cheese and butter are fully softened to avoid lumps in the frosting.
- Gradual Mixing: Add the powdered sugar gradually to the cream cheese mixture to avoid a sugar cloud.
- Spreading Frosting: Use an offset spatula to spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bread.
Enhancing Flavor
- Extra Cinnamon: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top of the frosting for added flavor.
- Nut Topping: Top the frosting with additional chopped pecans for a crunchy texture.
- Coconut Garnish: Add a sprinkle of shredded coconut on top for a decorative touch.
- Honey Drizzle: Drizzle a bit of honey over the frosting for added sweetness and shine.
Presentation and Serving
- Clean Slices: For clean slices, use a sharp, serrated knife and wipe it between cuts.
- Serving Temperature: Serve at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
- Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.
- Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds to enhance the flavors before serving.
Troubleshooting and Adjustments
- Dry Bread: If the bread turns out dry, try adding an extra banana or a tablespoon of sour cream next time.
- Dense Bread: If the bread is too dense, ensure you are not overmixing the batter.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter bread, increase the sugar slightly or add a tablespoon of honey to the batter.
By following these detailed steps and techniques, you will achieve the perfect Hummingbird Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting, ensuring it’s flavorful, moist, and beautifully presented every time. Enjoy your delicious creation!