My Dad has never been an emotional person. He’s the kind of guy that doesn’t really express his feelings – you know, the rough, tough exterior kind of thing. I’ve never seen him cry (though my Mom tells me she saw it happen when our beloved family dog, Maggie, died several years ago). I can probably count on one hand the number of times he’s said “I love you.” And that’s okay with me. I know he loves me. We understand each other like that. And honestly, though we might sign it in birthday cards or something, I can’t say that I’ve shared those 3 little words with him often either. But again, I think he knows that I do love him.
The other day, I called to talk to my Mom and Dad answered the phone. We chatted for a few minutes and when we went to say goodbye, I said “love you” in one of those accidental, habitual, that’s-what-I-always-say kind of ways. It was a slip. It shocked me. Honestly, it caught us both off guard. Neither of us knew what to say after that and Mom quickly came on the line. At first I regretted creating the awkwardness. But the more I thought about it, the more proud I became about what had happened, because the truth is… I do love him. I love him for the father he was and is to me, the husband is to my mother, and the “Papa” he is to my little boy. Maybe you should consider one of those accidental “I love yous” today. You never know how it might make you feel…
Hummingbird Cake is one of my wife’s favorite desserts, but it can be challenging and time consuming. Turning this into an easy sheet cake makes it easier to accomplish in a fraction of the time without sacrificing flavor. Y’all enjoy!
Hummingbird Sheet Cake
Ingredients
For Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 2 bananas, chopped
For Icing:
- 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
For Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350 °F and lightly spray a 9x13-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Combine dry ingredients, blend well.
- Add eggs and oil, mix well.
- Add vanilla, pineapple, bananas, and nuts. Stir gently to combine.
- Pour into the prepared pan. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
For Icing:
- Blend together the butter, cream cheese, and vanilla.
- Slowly add powdered sugar until all is incorporated.
- Top cooled cake with icing.
Thanks!! This looks yummy. I’ve always wanted to try making Hummingbird Cake, but I don’t like to make layer cakes. I’m so glad to be able to try it as sheet cake. I will definitely be making this one. Thanks again!!
I hope you enjoy it, Kathy!
Should this cake be refrigerated?
I would recommend it.
The hummingbird sheet cake is DELICIOUS!, Thanks!
Wonderful, Katie! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!! 🙂
Crazy Good! Thanks Stacey.
Wonderful! Thanks, Sandy!
I made this for Easter, and there’s a misprint in the recipe. The pineapple should NOT be drained. Without the pineapple juice, the batter is crumbly. With the juice it is smooth. Compare your recipe to the original (see the Southern Living web site) and you’ll see the difference. Thanks for posting!
Hi LinC, thanks so much for looking out for me. Actually, the recipe is correct. This recipe is developed specifically as a sheet cake. If you’re comparing to the SL recipe, you’ll see that my recipe has more oil and that makes up for the pineapple juice and yields a more dense, moist cake. Adding the pineapple juice shouldn’t affect the overall outcome, so I think it’s fine to include it. I’m just curious why your batter was crumbly. I’ve never had that problem and we’ve been using this recipe for years and years. Hope y’all enjoy the cake!! Happy Easter!!!
This is my all time favorite cake. My mother use to make this for me once a year on my birthday. That meant layers of yumminess. Well, she just sent me this recipe. Now I don’t have to worry with layers. I will be making this more often than once a year! Thank you!
I love a layer cake, but sometimes it’s just not worth the trouble. I hope you’ll enjoy this one!
Making this right now and it smells great! I doubled the recipe and used a 12×16 pan. I’ve made this before but as a layer cake.
I hope it turns out great!
I was wondering if this could be frozen? I would love to make it, but too much for just two to consume in a timely fashion Wondering if I could freeze part of it?
Thank you so much!
Do I bake this cake in a 9×13 pan or a jellyfish pan?
Yes, 9×13.
I just learned about this Pinterest. I love it!
I’ve been making my family humming bird cake for holidays for years.
It is their favorite cake. I never thought to make it a sheet cake. Thank you for the idea.
This is a very old recipe. I believe it’s from England. Not made from humming birds. Lol.
It’s just sweet, awesome and everyone loves it.
Pinterest is certainly addictive. I think I need to get my wife in a 12 step program for Pinterest addicts. Thanks for stopping by.
I made this tonite, and instead of the pecans in the cake I sprinkled them on top of the frosting. I also added a cup of shredded coconut into the cake batter. YUMMMM!!
Sounds like some great additions there. So glad you enjoyed it!
I learned how to make this cake about 30 years ago from a beautiful lady in our church. My very good friend also goes to the same church and ever since I learned the recipe she wants one every year for her birthday. She know what she’s getting and she’s happy and it makes me happy I learned this one. It is delicious. Thanks for putting it on again.
You are so welcome!!
Oh, mercy me!! Forget my diet till this is all gone Smell was wonderful and the taste even better ..oooooh, so devine~~~
So moist and tasty! Wish I hadn’t had to skimp on the pineapple but I didn’t have the full amount. Next time it will be that much nicer. Not dry or crumbly at all. Thank you for sharing your family’s recipe…I can see why it’s a tradition.
Great, Jess! I’m so glad that it turned out well and that you enjoyed it! 🙂
this sounds wonderful but is not a sheet cake. This is an original cake made in a 9×13 pan a sheet cake is made in a cookie sheet pan. Or maybe this can be put in a pan like this let me know would like to make it. Thanks
Most bakers I know refer to any single layer cake a sheet cake, though the actual dimensions vary – half sheet, whole sheet, quarter sheet. This recipe uses a 9×13 pan.
I made this and omitted the frosting completely. My wonderful husband and I don’t like frosting’s but
a light dusting of powdered sugar worked wonderful. I did not drain the pineapple and it turned out perfect. I’m wondering if I could bake in two loaf pans and serve more like a banana bread. Of course would have to adjust baking times but that’s not a problem. I just might try it next time. Hubby says this is a keeper. Thanks Stacey for all your wonderful recipes.
Wonderful! You are so welcome!!
Hi Stacey…I’m all excited about this Hummingbird Sheet Cake, but for some reason, the recipe doesn’t show for me. Don’t know if it’s just my computer, or if something isn’t loading right. Help??
Deb
Ok, now that I posted, it’s here! Lol…Can’t wait to make it!
made this cake and the frosting it’s a good cake… will make it again…
So glad you liked it!!
I have made this twice, and both times I had to bake for much longer than 45 min as the center was jiggly and basically still batter. I think I may have overdone it the first time, but it’s hard to get just right (2nd try is cooling now). The outside browns pretty dark but isn’t burnt. I haven’t noticed any issues like this for my oven with other recipes. Just wondering if others have had variation in bake time, and any ideas on what the issue might be? The cake is very good and I love the combination of ingredients. And it’s so easy! I like to add lemon zest and a bit of juice to the frosting. Thanks for a great recipe!
Vicki, I’ve not had that trouble nor have I heard from anyone else that did. Let’s see if anyone else chimes in and see what we can figure out. 🙂
Just tested the oven temp and it is 10+ degrees lower than advertised by the oven. Good to know!
I am making this cake right now and I’m having the same issue withthe soggy moist center but browned edges. I’m letting it cook a bit longer but keeping my eye on it and hoping it turns out okay since it is for my Dad’s bday and I’ve been wanting to make this cake for some time! Good luck to us all 🙂
That’s strange. Let me know how it turns out.
I’m having the same issue. I let it bake for 45 minutes and the center isn’t done yet.
Just let it bake a little while longer.
Stacey I’ve made the layer Humming Bird Cake. My recipe
made a very large layer cake. It was very good, however, took entirely too much time. I will happily make this sheet cake for our Easter meal. Thanks for posting the sheet version.
Also, didn’t you feel really good after saying love you to your Father? I always say “I love you” each time I talk with my family members and close friends. Life is so short, it might be the last time we have to say that. I always hang up the phone and have that smile on my face that I’m so happy.
I enjoy your stories. Keep up the 7 work.
Hi Marie! You bet I did. Life is too short to not tell folks that you care about them. 🙂 I hope y’all enjoy this easier version.
I usually make the Hummingbird bundt cake. It is easy, decorative and always well received. This sheet cake pan will be easier for a small family get together. Thanks for sharing.
I’m not able to eat nuts, and I’m wondering how you think this would be if I leave them out. Thanks – looks yummy!!!
I’ve never done it without the nuts, but I would guess it would probably turn out just fine. Enjoy!
Someone earlier ask if this cake could be frozen and I also would be my question?
I’ve never tried freezing it, Dink. I would imagine it would work fine, but I can’t speak from experience.
I wonder if this cake can be baked in a jelly roll pan (10 by 15.) ?? Just found your site by Pinterest. I could stay here for hours.
Welcome, Barbara! I’ve nerve done it that way. I would imagine it could be done with some adjustment in the cooking time.
Can I use a different fruit? This cake sounds awesome but I’m allergic to pineapple.
Tamara, I’m honestly just not sure. I’ve only ever had it made with pineapple.
I LOVE Hummingbird cake! The first time I had it was after my grandmother’s funeral in the church basement. You know that cake was made with love by one of her sweet old friends. I’ve made a healthy version which I loved, too, by Andrew Weil. RECENTLY, I went to a fancy restaurant and was sadly disappointed by their dried out version. bummer. I love to make a pretty layer cake, but sometimes you just need a good sheet cake! And that is what I’m after today. So THANKS a MILLION for providing the recipe in this format. I can see this will not disappoint!
I sure hope you enjoyed it, Angela!!
Love the story about you and your Dad, make it a habit. My Dad was the same way, he didn’t say it a lot, but I knew he loved me. My Dad has long passed and I sure miss him, so tell your Dad you love him more often. It shouldn’t be awkward for either of you. Because when they are gone, it is too late. Thanks for the easier version of this Hummingbird cake. The original way is time consuming. But, boy are they GOOD. Thanks!
You are so right! Thanks for sharing, Terri!
Thanks Stacy, Ilike that this so much easier than A layer cake. This will be my first time making this kind of cake. Thanks for the story about you and your Dad, some time we just need to follow our heart.Stay well and God bless
I sure hope you’ll enjoy it!
HUMMINGBIRD CAKE IS MY FAVORITE CAKE. I REALLY PREFER TO MAKE SHEET CAKES. SOMETIMES I ADD MARASCHINO CHERRIES AND COCONUT TO THE BATTER. WHEN I BAKE I USUALLY DOUBLE THE RECIPE AND SHARE SOME WITH MY NEIGHBORS. THEY ALL LOVE THE HUMMINGBIRD CAKE. IT IS SUCH A FAST AND EASY CAKE TO WHIP UP. THANKS FOR SHARING ALL YOUR WONDERFUL RECIPES WITH US.
You are so welcome!!
I want to thank you for such a easy recipe to follow. I made this for a woman’s group and I had so many compliments, It was so easy to make and so super yummy. I will make this several times a year.. It was super good!!!
Wonderful! I’m so glad it turned out well for you!
The pineapple is drained?
Yep.
Stacey, thanks for the recipe. My aunt used to make a hummingbird sheet cake, but at 83 can no longer find the recipe. I tried it out yesterday. It was so good my husband has declared the entire cake “his” to “work on all week!” I will make it again in a couple of weeks to share with my mom and aunt. Delicious!!
That’s hilarious, Kristina! I’m just tickled y’all enjoyed it so.
Awesome! Everyone enjoyed this recipe and went back for seconds. Will be making again and again!
I just love hearing that, Andrea! So glad everyone enjoyed it!!
Love this recipe it came out wonderful. Great texture and flavor. My one question to you is like other posts have asked. My batter was very cookie dough like until I added the pineapple juice than batter was fine. So do you have any idea what I could have done wrong being you don’t add juice? I followed the recipe with everything else.
Thank you.
Hi Rose! Yes, the batter is very thick, but it bakes up perfectly. I’m not sure why that’s throwing everyone off. We’ve been making this recipe for 30 years and haven’t had trouble with it. Regardless, I’m just tickled you enjoyed the cake!
Really great fragrance filled the house while baking. I found the batter had almost that “cookie-dough” look after adding the egg/oil/vanilla to the dry ingredients. Almost gave in to temptation to engineer it myself & add some of that juice drained off the pineapple when I put the fruit into the bowl. But I resisted the urge to second guess the author, electing to wait & see what happened when the fruit was mixed in. Voila! A few turns of the paddle in the old Kitchenaid mixer & the fruit alone smoothed out the batter to a beautiful, slightly thick (just like my carrot sheet cake) batter. I knew it would be fine. And indeed it IS!
Wonderful to hear, Linda! I’m so, so glad you enjoyed it!!
Does this cake need to remain in the pan and be frosted just on top or can it be inverted without it falling apart. I want to do it for a birthday cake but don’t want to have to leave my wilton pan behind.
Honestly, Amy, I’ve never done it that way. It’s a very dense cake, so I worry about it falling apart. If you do decide to give it a try, please let me know.
Hi. Love this idea! Do you refrigerate it or is it ok to store at room temperature? Also, any thoughts about soaking dried cranberries in the remaining pineapple juice and adding the reconstituted berries to the batter? Just wondering since I’m considering baking this for Thanksgiving. I do not want to ruin this lovely cake. It’s my favorite. Thank you!
It’s best to keep it refrigerated. I think the cranberries sounds great!
Saying “I love you” has become so much easier for me as I have aged. I am learning to say it to dear friends and not just to family members. You never know when it may be the last earthly conversation you’ll have with that person, and I don’t want to have the regret of not sharing words of love with those who have meant so much to me.
As far as the cake goes—this brings back the memories of my mother-in-law helping me to celebrate my birthdays over the years. She always made me Hummingbird cake and my husband, a rich poppyseed cake with cream frosting. Our birthdays are about 3 weeks apart, and we always gained a little extra weight around those celebrations. Mom Pat has not been able to make us cakes for the past several years, but I think in her honor, I will have to try this recipe for my next birthday—or maybe sooner!
That’s so sweet, Shery! You are so right. Our days are definitely numbered.
Can I make it without adding pecans?
Sure!
I just made a full sheet and took it out of the oven and I noticed that the cake is very dense unlike a typical cake that is fluffy and lite. I hope this tastes good as I am feeding 40 people . I am very nervous about how the texture will be.
Because of the fruit and such, this ends up being much more dense than regular cake. I’m sure everyone will love it!!
This recipe looks wonderful. Which type of baking pan do you use for it … glass, nonstick with darker coating, or a regular metal?
I typically use glass or a light colored metal pan. Any will work though, you’ll just have darker edges if you go for a darker pan.
Thanks for the sheet cake recipe…layer cakes are way too much trouble(ain’t nobody got no time for that!) Have you tried this cake with butter instead of veg oil? I use coconut oil for sauteing/frying and butter for baking. And thanks for the info on drained vs not drained pineapple….not sure how softened butter would alter the texture vs oil.
Ha! I agree! Honestly, I’d opt for melted coconut oil rather than butter in this. Butter has a higher water content than vegetable oil and often an equal swap doesn’t work perfectly.
Ha! I agree! Honestly, I’d opt for melted coconut oil rather than butter in this. Butter has a higher water content than vegetable oil and often an equal swap doesn’t work perfectly.
I made this yesterday. After 40 mins I tested with toothpick. Came out clean. Cake was a fair bit higher in the center but as it cooled it sunk in the center. As I mixed frosting it seemed 3 cups powdered sugar gave a good consistency so I did not add the last cup. When I frosted cake I did use extra in the center to hide the dip. I served it today. The center was a bit undercooked but since the cake is so moist it was not noticeable. It was gobbled up with rave reviews. This recipe seems forgiving…
SO glad everyone enjoyed it!!
Added note & question. My daughter took was was left of the sheet to her workplace. It was quickly taken with all around positive “loves”. Later my daughter texted to say one coworker asked if I would make these in cupcake form for her wedding! So it’s a great recipe. My question is. My daughter now wants this for her birthday day cake. But…she doesn’t care for nuts. If I leave out the 1 cup of pecans how will this affect the outcome?
I’d say that’s great news! You’re looking like a total rock star! Yes, you con certainly leave out the pecans without much effect in the outcome. The cake will obviously have a different texture, but will still work out just fine. Enjoy!!
How much butter in the icing please?
Not sure what 1/2 1 stick cup butter is
It’s 1/2 cup, which is equal to 1 (4-ounce) stick.
Hi, I just made this sheet cake and it came out perfectly. I altered it a little bit in that I used a stick of melted butter and a cup of oil in the batter; and I added a cup of coconut and cut back on the regular flour by one cup. The batter, to me, was not like cookie dough at all. I didn’t drain the pineapple in the batter recipe, I didn’t add extra, I took spoonfuls of pineapple out of a 20 oz can and put it into a measuring cup. Even with the changes which were slight, the cake came out perfectly, and was done in 45 minutes. I skipped the butter in the icing and instead used a block of cream cheese, less than a quarter of a cup of heavy cream, couple of teaspoons of the pineapple juice and 3 cups confectioners sugar.
Thanks! It was a huge success.
So glad it turned out so great for you!
I am always craving this cake! Thanks, for a easier version of this recipe too. Hey I was wondering could I just use an 13×9 pan instead, or use two 9×11 pans for this recipe?