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Perfect Southern Hummingbird Cake Recipe with Bourbon Caramel Drizzle

southern hummingbird cake bourbon caramel - featured image
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A moist and light Southern hummingbird cake featuring ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, warming spices, and a rich bourbon caramel drizzle for a perfect balance of sweet and boozy flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil (neutral oil like Canola recommended)
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained well (fresh or canned)
  • 2 medium ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 1 cup (220g) packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional for topping: whipped cream or cream cheese frosting

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, beat vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined (2-3 minutes).
  4. Fold in crushed pineapple and mashed bananas gently, then stir in chopped nuts if using.
  5. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and fold gently until just combined.
  6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Tap pans gently to release air bubbles.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Start checking at 25 minutes.
  8. Cool cakes in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes, then invert onto racks to cool completely.
  9. To make bourbon caramel drizzle: melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly, and cook for about 4 minutes until thickened.
  10. Remove from heat and stir in bourbon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Let cool slightly to thicken.
  11. Frost cooled cakes with cream cheese frosting or whipped cream if desired.
  12. Drizzle bourbon caramel generously over the top and sides of the cake.
  13. Slice and serve at room temperature.

Notes

Drain pineapple well to avoid soggy batter. Fold ingredients gently to keep cake light. Use room temperature eggs for better rise. Stir caramel constantly and add bourbon off heat to preserve aroma. Check cake doneness starting at 25 minutes to avoid drying out. If bananas are not ripe, roast at 300°F for 10-15 minutes until blackened and soft.

Nutrition

Keywords: hummingbird cake, bourbon caramel, Southern dessert, banana cake, pineapple cake, moist cake, spiced cake, cream cheese frosting, potluck dessert

Find it online: https://cheerycrisp.com/perfect-southern-hummingbird-cake-recipe-with-bourbon-caramel-drizzle/