After a long week of chaotic schedules and takeout dinners, I found myself yearning for the comforting embrace of homemade goodness. That’s when I decided it was time for something special—a Vegan Banana Pineapple Bread that celebrates the lush sweetness of ripe bananas and the tangy brightness of pineapple. Picture the kitchen filled with the warm, inviting scent of ground cinnamon and nutmeg, a smell that instantly lifts my spirits.
This bread is not just an indulgent treat; it’s a delightful way to use up overripe bananas that tend to linger in the fruit basket. Topped with a creamy vegan cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of toasted pecans, it transforms into a showstopper that can elevate any morning coffee or afternoon gathering. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for those of us looking to break away from the monotony of pre-packaged snacks. Join me in baking this delicious masterpiece that’s sure to impress family and friends alike!
Why will you love this Vegan Hummingbird Cake?
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet bananas and tangy pineapple creates a tropical flavor explosion.
Effortlessly Simple: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting.
Healthy Indulgence: Made with wholesome ingredients, it satisfies your sweet tooth while being kind to your body.
Amazing Versatility: Enjoy it as breakfast, a snack, or a dessert, making it a great choice for any occasion.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: The combination of flavors and the creamy vegan frosting will wow your guests. This is a perfect addition to your brunch spread or a cozy family gathering!
Vegan Hummingbird Cake Ingredients
• Let’s gather everything you need for this delightful vegan treat!
For the Bread
- 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour – all-purpose flour gives this bread a light and fluffy texture.
- 1 cup brown sugar – lightly packed for a richer, moister bread.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar – adds the perfect sweetness to balance out the flavors.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder – helps the bread rise beautifully while baking.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – enhances the fluffiness of your vegan hummingbird cake.
- 1 teaspoon salt – a pinch amplifies all the flavors; don’t skip it!
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon – infuses warm, comforting notes throughout the bread.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg – adds a hint of spice that complements the tropical ingredients.
- 1/2 cup canola oil – keeps the bread moist without altering its flavor.
- 1 8-ounce can crushed pineapple, with juice – brings natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.
- 2 cups mashed overripe bananas – perfect for adding flavor and sweetness while preventing waste.
- 3/4 cup almond milk – a great dairy-free option that keeps the mixture smooth.
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract – enhances the sweetness with a warm, inviting aroma.
- 1 cup chopped toasted pecans – adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to each slice.
For the Frosting
- 1 Recipe Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting – transforms your vegan hummingbird cake into a luxurious dessert.
Feel free to switch things up as you bake—each ingredient contributes to the magic of this Vegan Hummingbird Cake!
How to Make Vegan Hummingbird Cake
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Preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your bread bakes evenly and rises beautifully as it cooks.
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Combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl: flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well until fully combined.
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Mix the wet ingredients in another bowl: canola oil, crushed pineapple with juice, mashed bananas, almond milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and well incorporated.
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Combine the wet mixture with the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your bread light and fluffy!
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Fold in the chopped toasted pecans, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter for delightful crunch in every slice.
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Pour the batter into a prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even bake.
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Bake in the preheated oven for about 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown.
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Cool the bread in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, apply the vegan cream cheese frosting and sprinkle with more pecans, if desired.
Optional: Top with a drizzle of maple syrup for added sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Vegan Hummingbird Cake
Room Temperature: Store uncovered or loosely covered at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain moisture while allowing some air circulation.
Fridge: If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate the bread for up to 1 week, properly wrapped in plastic wrap or an airtight container to prevent drying out.
Freezer: For extended storage, freeze the un-frosted cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag to keep it fresh.
Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving. If desired, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Enjoy the deliciousness of your Vegan Hummingbird Cake!
Vegan Hummingbird Cake Variations
Imagine bringing your personal touch to this delightful bread and discovering new flavors!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive family and friends.
- Nut-Free: Omit the pecans or swap them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for a delightful crunch without nuts.
- Extra Fruity: Add 1/2 cup chopped fresh strawberries or mango to enhance the tropical vibes and bring a burst of color.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper into the dry ingredients for a surprising warmth that balances the sweetness.
- Chocolate Twist: Fold in 1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips to create a decadent chocolate variation, perfect for chocolate lovers.
- Coconut Addition: Stir in 1/2 cup shredded coconut to give your bread a chewy texture and a tropical flair that pairs wonderfully with pineapple.
- Maple Sweetness: Replace granulated sugar with maple sugar for a subtle maple flavor that elevates the sweetness and adds depth.
- Zest It Up: Grate the zest from one lime or orange and mix it into the batter for a zesty surprise that brightens each bite.
Make Ahead Options
These Vegan Banana Pineapple Bread loaves are perfect for busy home cooks who want to enjoy homemade goodness without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the dry ingredients (flour, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg) up to 3 days in advance, storing them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. The wet ingredients can also be mixed and refrigerated for up to 24 hours; just remember to bring them to room temperature before combining with the dry ingredients. When you’re ready to bake, simply mix everything together and follow the final steps to pour the batter into the pan and bake. This way, you’ll have a delicious Vegan Hummingbird Cake with minimal effort when it’s time to serve!
Expert Tips for Vegan Hummingbird Cake
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Perfect Pecans: Toast your pecans before adding them to enhance their flavor and crunch. This subtle step makes a big difference!
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Ripe Bananas: Use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture. They should be well-browned for the best flavor in your vegan hummingbird cake.
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Avoid Overmixing: Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined; overmixing can lead to a dense loaf that lacks fluffiness.
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Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool entirely before frosting. This prevents the vegan cream cheese frosting from melting and sliding off.
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Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Adding a pinch of ginger or allspice can create a unique twist!
What to Serve with Vegan Banana Pineapple Bread?
Transform your delightful loaf into a complete culinary experience with the perfect accompaniments.
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Coconut Yogurt: Creamy and light, coconut yogurt adds a tropical twist that echoes the pineapple’s sweetness, making every bite feel indulgent.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits can enhance the bread’s flavor with refreshing, zesty notes. Consider a splash of lime for brightness!
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Espresso or Brewed Coffee: A rich espresso or smooth coffee provides a perfect counterbalance to the cake’s sweetness while offering a warm, inviting experience.
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Maple Syrup Drizzle: A drizzle of pure maple syrup elevates the bread’s flavors, adding a touch of natural sweetness that complements the tropical ingredients beautifully.
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Almond Milk Smoothie: A chilled almond milk smoothie with banana or pineapple keeps the refreshing theme going, creating a wholesome pairing for breakfast or snack time.
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Chocolate Avocado Mousse: The richness of a chocolate avocado mousse can create a delicious contrast, making it an excellent way to round out a dessert spread.
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Chai Tea Latte: A warm, spiced chai latte can enhance the cinnamon notes in the bread while providing a cozy touch during afternoon tea.
Each of these pairings adds its own charm, ensuring your Vegan Banana Pineapple Bread shines at any gathering or quiet moment at home.
Vegan Hummingbird Cake Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my bananas are ripe enough for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best results, use overripe bananas that are mostly brown and spotty. They should be very soft to the touch, making them easy to mash. This level of ripeness ensures maximum sweetness and moisture in your Vegan Hummingbird Cake.
What’s the best way to store Vegan Hummingbird Cake?
You can store it at room temperature, loosely covered, for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, refrigerate it for up to 1 week, ensuring it’s wrapped in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container to keep it from drying out. The cake tastes best when enjoyed fresh!
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Can I freeze Vegan Hummingbird Cake, and if so, how?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze it! I recommend freezing the un-frosted cake for optimal freshness. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag, where it can stay for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before slicing.
What should I do if my cake doesn’t rise properly?
If your Vegan Hummingbird Cake didn’t rise, it could be due to expired baking powder or baking soda. Make sure to always check the expiration dates before baking. Also, avoid overmixing the batter; this can develop the gluten too much, leading to a denser loaf. Follow the mixing instructions for the best results!
Is this recipe suitable for those with nut allergies?
Great question! Since this recipe includes pecans, it may not be suitable for individuals with nut allergies. However, feel free to substitute them with sunflower seeds or omit them entirely. The cake will still be delicious! Always check ingredient labels for any potential allergens.
Can I make replacements for the almond milk?
Very! If you’re looking for alternatives to almond milk, you can use any other plant-based milk, such as soy, oat, or coconut milk. Just ensure that it’s unsweetened to maintain the balance of flavors in your Vegan Hummingbird Cake.
Delicious Vegan Hummingbird Cake For a Tropical Twist
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your bread bakes evenly and rises beautifully as it cooks.
- Combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl: flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well until fully combined.
- Mix the wet ingredients in another bowl: canola oil, crushed pineapple with juice, mashed bananas, almond milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and well incorporated.
- Combine the wet mixture with the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your bread light and fluffy!
- Fold in the chopped toasted pecans, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter for delightful crunch in every slice.
- Pour the batter into a prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even bake.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown.
- Cool the bread in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, apply the vegan cream cheese frosting and sprinkle with more pecans, if desired.
