In the South, the Most Popular Cake Recipe That Keeps People Curious
Southern Living's faithful readers might not be surprised to learn that the most sought-after cake in the deep south is none other than the Hummingbird Cake. This classic delight, combined perfectly with bananas, pineapple, and a hint of cinnamon, has been a fan favorite across the magazine's recipe genres for decades.
First submitted to Southern Living in 1978 by Mrs. L.H. Wiggins of Greensboro, North Carolina, this loved-by-many recipe has been reimagined as Bundt cakes, pancakes, and even whoopie pies. But, the old-school three-layer cake smothered in cream cheese frosting remains the people's favorite way to indulge in this Southern classic.
Bundt cakes, pancakes, and even whoopie pies.
Savor the Hummingbird Cake Recipe
National popularity for easy-to-make recipes like "dump cakes" emerged, with no special tools required to bake these fail-proof treats. Still, the Hummingbird Cake proves to be a beloved and cherished dessert, despite the extra effort required to prepare it.
Essential Elements of the Hummingbird Cake
dump cakes’ proved popular for their ease, with no special tools required to make these no-fail cakes. Despite the extra effort needed to assemble the Hummingbird Cake, Southerners are more than willing to put in the time for the final delicious result.
The Recipe List
carrot cake. We love this recipe for many reasons, one of which is that it uses
This Hummus-like cake stands out even compared to fan-favorite carrot cakes. What makes this recipe truly special is the utilization of vegetable oil. Butter is replaced for a moist, banana-bread-inspired texture and spectacular taste. It also spares you from the laborious butter-creaming process.
banana-bread-like texture. It also means you don’t have to spend time creaming butter or bring out the stand mixer to make it.
The pièce de résistance? The inclusion of drain canned pineapple, complete with its delicious juices. Adding the pineapple juice amplifies the dessert's moistness and intensifies the tropical taste. Some cooks add shredded coconut to amplify the cake's exotic flavors – a touch we wholeheartedly endorse, even if deviating from the original recipe.
canned pineapple,
The Background
history, both in the South and this magazine. From who Mrs. L.H. Wiggins was to where the recipe originated, this cake is more than just your average layer cake.
The Hummingbird Cake's history resonates in the South and beyond. From digging into its backstory to uncovering Mrs. L.H. Wiggins' own, this cake is more than simply a delightful dessert.
Reasons Southerners Adore the Hummingbird Cake
Adaptability
Customization is a beloved feature of this recipe, thanks to its compatibility with diverse dietary preferences. Yvonne King, a Southern Living reader, shared her experience of swapping out frosting for lactose-tolerant cupcakes, while still preserving the cake's classic taste.
Sentimentality
The Hummingbird Cake elicits feelings of nostalgia. As one reader shared, the cake came incredibly close to her cherished grandmother's homemade version. Try it out yourself, using that forgotten canned pineapple, and reignite memories of simpler times.
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- If you're a fan of Southern Living's Food and Recipes section, you shouldn't miss their video on the Hummingbird Cake on the jwplayer__video.
- For those who prefer a moreoffset layout, you can find the recipe for the Hummingbird Layer Cake inlined within the article__primary.
- Interestingly, despite the rise of easy-to-make recipes like dump cakes, the Hummingbird Cake remains a cherished dessert, and many Southerners are willing to put in the extra effort to prepare it.
- For a unique twist on the original recipe, try making a Hummus-like Hummingbird Cake by replacing butter with vegetable oil and adding canned pineapple complete with its juices.
- To explore more about the Hummingbird Cake's background, check out the history section of the page, including information about Mrs. L.H. Wiggins and the cake's origin.