Contents
Introduction
Chef Art Smith’s Hummingbird Cake is a delightful dessert that has been gaining popularity over the years. This cake is known for its unique blend of flavors and textures that make it a crowd-pleaser. If you’re a fan of cakes, then you should definitely try this recipe. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at this delicious cake and share some tips on how to make it at home.
The History of Hummingbird Cake
The Hummingbird Cake is said to have originated in Jamaica, but it gained popularity in the United States after being published in a Southern Living magazine in 1978. The recipe was created by L.H. Wiggins, who was a cook at the Jamaica Tourist Board. The cake was named after the island’s national bird, the hummingbird, which is known for its sweet beak.
The Ingredients
Chef Art Smith’s Hummingbird Cake is made with a variety of ingredients, including mashed bananas, crushed pineapple, pecans, and cream cheese frosting. The combination of these ingredients gives the cake its unique flavor and texture. To make the cake, you’ll need:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 8-ounce can crushed pineapple, undrained
- 2 cups mashed ripe bananas
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, at room temperature
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
The Method
Now that you have all the ingredients, it’s time to start baking! Here are the steps to make Chef Art Smith’s Hummingbird Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour three 9-inch cake pans.
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Add the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients, and mix until well combined.
- Add the crushed pineapple (with juice), mashed bananas, and chopped pecans to the batter, and stir until well combined.
- Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and let them cool completely on wire racks.
- To make the cream cheese frosting, beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth.
- Add the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
- Spread the frosting between the layers of the cake, and on top and sides of the cake.
- Decorate the cake with chopped pecans, if desired.
Tips for Making the Perfect Hummingbird Cake
If you want to make Chef Art Smith’s Hummingbird Cake perfectly, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you start baking.
- Don’t overmix the batter, as this can make the cake tough.
- Use ripe bananas for maximum flavor.
- When making the cream cheese frosting, make sure the butter and cream cheese are both at room temperature.
- Don’t overbeat the frosting, as this can make it runny.
The Verdict
Chef Art Smith’s Hummingbird Cake is a delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a unique blend of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. If you’re a fan of cakes, then you should definitely give this recipe a try. It’s easy to make and will impress your family and friends. So what are you waiting for? Get baking!
In conclusion
Chef Art Smith’s Hummingbird Cake is a classic dessert that has stood the test of time. It’s a perfect blend of flavors and textures that make it a crowd-pleaser. With this recipe, you can now make this delicious cake at home and impress your friends and family. So go ahead and give it a try, you won’t be disappointed!