This humdinger cake is the perfect treat for any occasion, blending tropical flavors with a rich and moist texture. Combining the sweetness of pineapple and bananas with the crunch of pecans and coconut, this cake is topped off with a luscious cream cheese frosting that everyone will love. It's not just a dessert; it's an experience.
While most of the ingredients in this humdinger cake recipe are pantry staples, there are a few items you might need to grab from the supermarket. Pineapple with juice and very ripe bananas lend a tropical sweetness to the cake. Ensure you also have pecans and coconut on hand for added texture and flavor. Finally, don't forget the cream cheese frosting to top off your cake.
Ingredients for Humdinger Cake
Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
Yellow cake mix: Provides a convenient base with consistent results.
Eggs: Helps bind the ingredients and provides structure.
Water: Adds necessary moisture to the batter.
Pineapple with juice: Gives a sweet, tangy flavor and extra moisture.
Very ripe bananas: Adds natural sweetness and moist texture.
Pecans: Provides a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
Coconut: Adds a tropical flair and chewy texture.
Cream cheese frosting: Offers a creamy, tangy topping that complements the cake's flavors beautifully.
One reader, Alexio Pickett says:
The humdinger cake recipe is a delightful treat! The combination of pineapple, bananas, pecans, and coconut creates a moist, flavorful cake. The cream cheese frosting adds the perfect finishing touch. It's a hit at every gathering!
Techniques Required for Making Humdinger Cake
How to grease and flour a baking dish: Grease the baking dish with butter or cooking spray, then add a small amount of flour and shake it around to coat the entire surface. Tap out any excess flour. How to beat butter until light and fluffy: Use an electric mixer to beat the butter on medium speed until it becomes pale in color and has a fluffy texture, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. How to fold ingredients into batter: Gently incorporate the pecans and coconut into the batter using a spatula, making sure not to overmix to maintain the batter's airiness. How to test cake doneness with a toothpick: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is done. If it comes out with wet batter, continue baking and test again. How to cool a cake on a wire rack: After letting the cake cool in the baking dish for 10 minutes, carefully turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This allows air to circulate around the cake, preventing it from becoming soggy.
How To Make Humdinger Cake
Taking after the image of hummingbirds, this Humdinger Cake offers a remarkable flavor from pineapples, bananas, pecans, and its cream cheese frosting!
Serves:
Ingredients
- ½cupbutter,softened
- 15¼ozyellow cake mix,(1 package) such as Betty Crocker®
- 3eggs
- ½cupwater
- 8ozpineapple with juice,(1 can) crushed
- 2large very ripe bananas,mashed
- 1cuppecans,chopped, optional
- 1cupcoconut,shredded, optional
- 16ozcream cheese frosting,(1 container)
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Beat the butter in a bowl using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
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Add the cake mix, eggs, and water. Mix until the batter is just combined.
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Stir the pineapple and bananas into the batter.
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Fold the pecans and coconut into the batter, then pour into the prepared baking dish.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
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Cool the cake in the dish for 10 minutes, before turning onto a wire rack to cool completely for about 30 minutes.
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Spread cream cheese frosting over cooled cake.
Nutrition
- Calories: 289.21kcal
- Fat: 14.85g
- Saturated Fat: 6.01g
- Trans Fat: 0.24g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4.51g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.84g
- Carbohydrates: 38.45g
- Fiber: 1.55g
- Sugar: 26.77g
- Protein: 2.46g
- Cholesterol: 36.20mg
- Sodium: 211.74mg
- Calcium: 57.52mg
- Potassium: 116.68mg
- Iron: 0.89mg
- Vitamin A: 49.97µg
- Vitamin C: 6.61mg
Helpful Technique Tip for Humdinger Cake Recipe
To enhance the flavor and texture of your humdinger cake, toast the pecans and coconut before folding them into the batter. Toasting brings out the natural oils and adds a deeper, richer taste to your cake. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees F for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fragrant.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Humdinger Cake Recipe
Use pre-chopped nuts: Save time by using pre-chopped pecans instead of chopping them yourself.
Buy pre-shredded coconut: Opt for pre-shredded coconut to avoid the hassle of shredding it manually.
Use canned pineapple: Using canned pineapple with juice eliminates the need for peeling and chopping fresh pineapple.
Room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing.
Pre-made frosting: Use store-bought cream cheese frosting to skip the step of making it from scratch.
One-bowl method: Mix all ingredients in one bowl to reduce cleanup time.
Substitute Ingredients For Humdinger Cake Recipe
butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a direct substitute for butter in baking, providing a similar texture and moisture content.
yellow cake mix - Substitute with white cake mix: White cake mix can be used if yellow cake mix is unavailable, though the flavor may be slightly less rich.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. This is a good vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients.
water - Substitute with milk: Milk can add extra richness and moisture to the cake compared to water.
pineapple with juice - Substitute with crushed pineapple in syrup: Crushed pineapple in syrup can provide a similar texture and sweetness, though it may be slightly sweeter.
very ripe bananas - Substitute with applesauce: Unsweetened applesauce can be used in place of bananas to provide moisture and a subtle sweetness.
pecans - Substitute with walnuts: Walnuts have a similar texture and flavor profile, making them a good substitute for pecans.
coconut - Substitute with almond flakes: Almond flakes can provide a similar crunch and mild flavor, though the taste will be slightly different.
cream cheese frosting - Substitute with buttercream frosting: Buttercream frosting can be used as an alternative, offering a similar creamy texture but a different flavor profile.
Presentation Ideas for Humdinger Cake
Serve smaller portion sizes: Cut the cake into elegant, bite-sized squares or rectangles to ensure a refined presentation. Each piece should be uniform in size for a professional look.
Use a cake stand: Elevate the humdinger cake on a sleek, modern cake stand to create a focal point on the table. This adds height and sophistication to the presentation.
Garnish with fresh fruit: Decorate the top of the cake with thin slices of pineapple and banana, arranged artfully. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also hints at the flavors inside.
Add a touch of gold: Lightly dust the cream cheese frosting with edible gold leaf or gold dust for a luxurious finish. This subtle shimmer will catch the light and impress the judges.
Incorporate texture: Sprinkle finely chopped pecans and toasted coconut over the frosting. This adds a delightful crunch and visual contrast to the smooth frosting.
Use a sauce drizzle: Create a simple pineapple reduction sauce and drizzle it artistically around the plate. This adds a professional touch and enhances the flavor profile.
Plate with precision: Place each cake piece on a pristine white plate, ensuring there are no smudges or crumbs. The clean background will make the colors and textures of the cake pop.
Add edible flowers: Garnish the plate with a few edible flowers, such as pansies or violets, to add a pop of color and elegance. This will make the dish look vibrant and inviting.
Serve with a side: Offer a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. This adds an extra element of indulgence and complements the flavors of the cake.
Highlight the ingredients: Use small, clear labels or a menu card to highlight the key ingredients, such as pineapple, banana, pecans, and coconut. This educates the judges and shows attention to detail.
Essential Tools for Making Humdinger Cake
Oven: Used to bake the cake at a consistent temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
9x13-inch baking dish: The container in which the cake batter is poured and baked.
Electric mixer: Helps to beat the butter until light and fluffy and mix the batter ingredients efficiently.
Mixing bowl: A large bowl to combine and mix the cake ingredients.
Spatula: Useful for folding in the pecans and coconut into the batter.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the butter, water, and other ingredients.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities of ingredients if needed.
Toothpick: Used to check if the cake is baked through by inserting it into the center of the cake.
Wire rack: Allows the cake to cool completely after baking.
Cooling rack: Another term for the wire rack, used for cooling the cake.
Spreader or knife: Used to spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
Storing and Freezing Humdinger Cake
Allow the humdinger cake to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the cake soggy.
To store the cake, place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. The cake will keep at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
If you want to freeze the cake, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Label the package with the date and contents. The cake will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.
To thaw a frozen humdinger cake, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, remove the wrapping and let the cake come to room temperature before serving.
If you have frosted the cake with cream cheese frosting, it's best to store it in the refrigerator. Let the cake come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.
If you want to freeze individual slices of the cake, wrap each slice tightly with plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. This will make it easy to thaw and enjoy a slice of cake whenever you want.
How To Reheat Leftover Humdinger Cake
Reheating in the oven: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place a slice of the humdinger cake on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the cake loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cake is heated through. The foil will help to retain the moisture in the cake, ensuring that it remains soft and fluffy.
Reheating in the microwave: place a slice of the humdinger cake on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on high power for about 30-45 seconds, or until the cake is warm. Be careful not to overheat the cake, as it can become rubbery or tough. If the cake is topped with cream cheese frosting, you may want to remove it before microwaving, as it can melt and become runny.
Reheating in an air fryer: preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place a slice of the humdinger cake in the air fryer basket and heat for about 3-5 minutes, or until the cake is heated through. This method is great for achieving a slightly crispy exterior while keeping the interior soft and moist.
Reheating on the stovetop: place a slice of the humdinger cake in a non-stick skillet over low heat. Cover the skillet with a lid and heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cake is heated through. This method is perfect for achieving a slightly caramelized exterior and a soft, warm interior.
Serving cold: if you prefer your humdinger cake cold, simply remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to develop and the texture to soften slightly. Cold humdinger cake can be a refreshing treat on a hot summer day.
Interesting Fact About Humdinger Cake
A fun fact about this humdinger cake recipe is that the combination of pineapple, bananas, pecans, and coconut gives it a tropical flavor profile, making it a delightful treat for summer gatherings.
Is Making Humdinger Cake at Home Cost-Effective?
When evaluating the cost-effectiveness of this dessert, the humdinger cake proves to be quite economical. The primary ingredients like yellow cake mix, pineapple, and bananas are affordable and readily available. The addition of pecans and coconut adds a touch of luxury without breaking the bank. The overall verdict for this recipe is a solid 8 out of 10. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20 USD, making it a budget-friendly option for a delightful treat.
Is Humdinger Cake Healthy or Unhealthy?
The humdinger cake recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients that contribute to its unhealthy status are:
- High sugar content from the cake mix and cream cheese frosting
- Significant amount of saturated fat from butter and cream cheese
- Refined carbohydrates in the cake mix
- High calorie density due to the combination of ingredients
However, the recipe does include some nutritious elements, such as:
- Bananas, which provide potassium and fiber
- Pineapple, offering vitamin C and manganese
- Pecans, a source of healthy fats and minerals
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the cake mix with a homemade batter using whole wheat flour, reducing the sugar content, and incorporating healthier alternatives like applesauce or Greek yogurt
- Use a reduced-fat cream cheese for the frosting and decrease the amount used
- Increase the proportion of fruits, such as adding more bananas or pineapple, to boost the nutritional value
- Opt for unsweetened coconut to lower the sugar content
- Reduce the amount of butter used and replace some of it with heart-healthy oils like coconut or olive oil
- Serve smaller portion sizes to control calorie intake
By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious version of the humdinger cake while still maintaining its delightful taste and texture. Remember, indulging in a treat occasionally is perfectly fine, but moderation is key when it comes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Editor's Opinion on the Humdinger Cake Recipe
This humdinger cake recipe is a delightful fusion of tropical flavors and classic cake elements. The combination of pineapple, ripe bananas, pecans, and coconut creates a moist and flavorful cake with a pleasing texture. The use of a yellow cake mix simplifies the preparation, making it accessible for home bakers. Cream cheese frosting adds a rich, tangy finish that complements the sweetness of the fruit. Overall, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for gatherings and special occasions.
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Why trust this Humdinger Cake Recipe:
This humdinger cake recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will impress any crowd. The combination of pineapple, bananas, pecans, and coconut creates a moist and flavorful cake, while the cream cheese frosting adds a rich and creamy finish. With easy-to-follow instructions and common ingredients, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. Trust in the simplicity and deliciousness of this cake to make your next gathering a hit.
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