Hummingbird Cake

By aobrien1

Hummingbird Cake has a delicate name but its derivation is baffling. Some know it as Doctor Bird Cake, and no matter what name you prefer, the batter must be mixed by hand--no beaters or mixers. It's easy to make and delicious, and always raises eyebrows when the name is given. This is from a recipe I found in The Washington Post in the early 70s.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (I prefer Wondra)
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 1/2 cups oil
• 2 cups mashed bananas (very ripe)
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 cup nuts
• 1 can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple, not drained
• Cream Cheese Frosting
• 8 ounces softened cream cheese
• 1 stick butter
• 1 pound box confectioners sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Preparation

Step 1

Mix all ingredients together by hand. Bake in a greased and floured tube or Bundt pan at 300 degrees for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Cake will crack slightly on top. Cool in pan for hour before removing.

Frosting: Cream butter and cheese, add sugar and vanilla and mix until smooth.