i have to tell you about the first time i tried making the hummingbird bread recipe and honestly it was a bit of a disaster at first because the bananas were too mushy and the pineapple dripped everywhere but somehow it still came out soft and sweet which made me laugh because i didn’t expect it to taste so good.

the hummingbird bread recipe has been my little secret for years because whenever i make it my kids run into the kitchen and grab a slice before it even cools and i remember one afternoon i dropped half the batter on the floor and had to scoop it up quickly which felt like a small tragedy but the bread baked perfectly anyway.

one weekend i decided to make the hummingbird bread recipe for my friends and i was nervous because the loaf looked uneven and lopsided but everyone said it was the best thing they’d eaten in a while and i realized it’s okay for the bread to look imperfect because it still tastes amazing.

i remember the hummingbird bread recipe once got a little too brown on top because i got distracted talking to my neighbor and at first i panicked but then i cut a slice and it was soft and moist inside which reminded me that small mistakes don’t ruin good food.

another time i made the hummingbird bread recipe and tried to double the recipe without checking my oven size which led to a messy overflow but we laughed about it and still enjoyed slices with coffee because even imperfect bread can bring people together.

when i think about what to eat with the hummingbird bread recipe i like to slice it and try different things for breakfast or snacks like spreading peanut butter on top or cream cheese or even having it with a cup of hot cocoa and i once tried it alongside salted caramel chocolate chip cookies and fresh berries then another day i paired it with yogurt and honey or a scoop of ice cream and i promise each combination tastes delicious which makes mornings feel a little happier.

ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 bananas)
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)

ingredients notes

all-purpose flour is the main ingredient that helps the bread hold together and become soft.
granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps the bread brown nicely
baking soda is what makes the bread rise and become fluffy.
ground cinnamon gives a warm, cozy flavor that makes the bread smell amazing.
salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
eggs help bind everything together and give the bread structure.
vegetable oil keeps the bread moist and tender while baking.
vanilla extract adds a lovely aroma and depth of flavor to the bread
crushed pineapple gives a sweet and tangy taste and keeps the bread juicy.
mashed bananas make the bread soft and add natural sweetness
chopped pecans or walnuts provide a nice crunch and nutty flavor
shredded coconut adds texture and a subtle tropical flavor if you like it.

kitchen equipment needed

large mixing bowl
medium mixing bowl
measuring cups and spoons
wooden spoon or silicone spatula
9×5-inch loaf pan
cooling rack
fork or potato masher (for bananas)
knife and chopping board (for nuts)
sifter (optional, for flour)

How to make hummingbird bread recipe ?

step 1: preheat the oven

preheat your oven to 350°f which is 175°c and grease your 9×5-inch loaf pan with a little oil or line it with parchment paper so the bread does not stick.

step 2: mix dry ingredients

in a large mixing bowl combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt then whisk them together so everything is evenly mixed.

step 3: prepare wet ingredients

in a medium mixing bowl beat the eggs with the vegetable oil and vanilla extract until smooth then add the mashed bananas and drained crushed pineapple and stir until all is well combined.

step 4: combine wet and dry ingredients

pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold everything together using a wooden spoon or spatula until just mixed then avoid overmixing to keep the bread light and fluffy.

step 5: add nuts and coconut

fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts and shredded coconut if you are using it so they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

step 6: pour into the pan

transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan spreading it evenly with a spatula then smooth the top so it bakes uniformly.

step 7: bake the bread

bake in the preheated oven for about 55 to 65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and golden brown on top.

step 8: cool the bread

allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes then carefully remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to enjoy.

storage options

hummingbird bread can be kept at room temperature wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 3 days which keeps it soft and moist then if you want to store it longer you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for 2 to 3 months wrapping it in foil and placing it in a freezer bag.

variations for hummingbird bread

replace some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly nutty flavor and healthier version
add raisins or dried cranberries for extra sweetness and chewiness
drizzle a simple cream cheese glaze or frosting over the top for a richer dessert style bread
use a mix of different nuts such as almonds and hazelnuts for variety
add a teaspoon of nutmeg or ginger with the cinnamon for a spicier version
fold in chocolate chips for a sweet twist that kids love
substitute crushed pineapple with mango for a tropical flavor change
make muffins instead of a loaf by dividing the batter into muffin tins for mini versions that bake faster

faqs

what is hummingbird bread made of?

hummingbird bread is made of mashed bananas, crushed pineapple sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nuts and sometimes coconut which all combine to make a moist and flavorful bread.

what does hummingbird bread taste like?

it tastes sweet and fruity with a hint of cinnamon and a soft, moist texture with occasional crunch from the nuts and a tropical flavor from the pineapple and coconut.

can i make hummingbird bread without nuts?

yes you can skip the nuts if you prefer or have allergies which will still make a soft and delicious bread.

can i use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

yes fresh pineapple works perfectly just make sure it is finely chopped and not too watery so it doesn’t make the batter too wet.

can i freeze hummingbird bread?

yes wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 2 to 3 months then thaw at room temperature before slicing.

how long does hummingbird bread last at room temperature?

it lasts up to 3 days at room temperature if stored in an airtight container then it stays soft and moist.

can i make muffins instead of a loaf?

yes divide the batter into muffin tins and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean then you have small, quick breads.

can i add other fruits to hummingbird bread?

yes you can add dried fruits fresh mango or even berries to make different versions which change the taste and texture slightly.