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All » Hummingbird Cake

Hummingbird Cake

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At the moment I am living vicariously through  my little sis as she plans her wedding. 

But instead of a serene white setting filled with beautifully arranged centerpieces, I have my own vision.

It involves Billy Idol/ Guns n Roses. Can you picture it?   A horribly- gray,  rainy day, limos pull up to a dark lonely church.   The bridesmaids all dressed in shiny, black patent leather, dark lips and pale makeup.    The bride walks in carrying all black roses as Slash jams to “white wedding.”

My perfect 80’s wedding, I totally planned everything down to the last detail, even made mock little wedding cakes, and when I laid out my plan she laughed really, she laughed and said “ya like that’s gonna happen.”   

As reality crept in knowing she would never see my vision, I ate my small wedding cake and decided to make something I thought would better suit her taste. 

Sis I am truly happy for you, as you chose such a wonderful man to spend your life with, I wish you the best and may your home be filled with countless blessings.     

    

  little bite sized cakes, with sugared flowers

 

some simply piped  

frosted with sugared flowers

others cut tall, frosted and topped with Texas Pecans

This one’s my fav.

This was the first time I had attempted sugared flowers and they came out okay, next time I will give myself more time and wait until my girls are asleep.  They sugared coated the  poor flowers to death, I felt bad, but we laughed so much in the end it was fine.

A  detailed how to on sugaring flowers can be found on Karen’s blog Spice Sherpa, I found it very useful and always look to her for info on many spices.  Take a peek at her blog, she’s spicy sweet.  

My little cakes were super small, so in the end only one petal from the flower would fit on each one.  I used a hummingbird cake recipe, but would probably not use again, the cake was super moist making it hard to use my cutters.  The frosting is cream cheese.

Have a super weekend and a fun Memorial Day…I return on Monday and will visit each of your lovely blogs.

Hummingbird Cake

by Art Smith

Cake:

3 cups all-purpose flour

2 cups granulated sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 cups chopped ripe bananas

1 cup drained crushed pineapple

1 cup vegetable oil

2 large eggs , beaten

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup (4 ounces) finely chopped pecans

Icing:

8 ounces cream cheese , at room temperature

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter , at room temperature

1 pound confectioners’ sugar (about 4 1/2 cups sifted)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

To make the cake, position racks in the center and bottom third of the oven and preheat to 350°. Lightly butter two 9″ round cake pans, sprinkle evenly with flour and tap out the excess. (If you wish, butter the pans, line the bottoms with rounds of parchment paper, then flour the pans and tap out the excess.)

Sift the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon and salt into a bowl. In another bowl, stir or whisk the bananas, pineapple, oil, eggs and vanilla until combined. Do not use an electric mixer. Pour into the dry mixture and fold together with a large spatula just until smooth. Do not beat. Fold in the pecans. Spread evenly into the pans.

Bake until the cake springs back when pressed in the center, 30 to 35 minutes. Transfer the cakes to wire racks and cool for 10 minutes. Invert the cakes onto the racks (remove the parchment paper now if using). Turn right side up and cool completely.

To make the icing: Using an electric mixer on high speed, beat the cream cheese and butter in a large bowl until combined. On low speed, gradually beat in the sugar, then the vanilla, to make a smooth icing.

All// Desserts48 Comments

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Comments

  1. Patty says

    December 17, 2010 at 2:38 am

    So pretty! I love how simple and natural they are, almost Japanese in presentation. I love the name too – I absolutely adore humming birds. 🙂

    Your wedding fantasy is hilarious. I bet my older sister could relate!

    Reply
  2. fattydumpling says

    July 11, 2010 at 3:39 pm

    These cakes are so adorable. It’s sweet how your love was felt by everyone through these little tasty things ;]

    Reply
  3. The Kitchen Masochist says

    June 26, 2010 at 4:39 pm

    I love the very first photo. I think it’s kind of unusual for a cupcake considering most are decorated in a very girly/feminine way. That first on isn’t.

    Reply
  4. Baking Serendipity says

    June 18, 2010 at 5:21 am

    These look so great! I love all the different frosting techniques 🙂

    Reply
  5. Erin at The Healthy apron says

    June 6, 2010 at 7:48 pm

    These look mouthwatering! Seriously, I am jealous!

    Reply
  6. denise @ quickies on the dinner table says

    June 4, 2010 at 3:07 am

    How sweet and whimsical and lovely!! You make me feel all girly 😉 I like the first and last ones best, but they’re all gorgeous!!

    Reply
  7. Julie says

    June 4, 2010 at 12:57 am

    Cute little cakes. Loved the sugared flowers. Hope to see pictures of the wedding.

    Reply
  8. Belinda @zomppa says

    June 3, 2010 at 1:08 pm

    These are AWESOME!! I love the theme…and I would eat all of them.

    Reply
  9. Sidney Kan says

    June 3, 2010 at 11:02 am

    OMG! look at those petite cakes!

    Reply
  10. Outsidethecan says

    June 3, 2010 at 7:26 am

    These little cakes are absolutely stunning!!!! I looove the sugared flowers!

    Reply
  11. Marina@ epicurean aspirations says

    June 3, 2010 at 4:29 am

    I actually like the black and white wedding cake… those flowers are cute. Did u make them?

    Reply
  12. Reiko says

    June 3, 2010 at 4:20 am

    Very pretty and fun cupcakes!!
    Making sugared flowers sounds very interesting :0

    Reply
  13. Claudia says

    June 2, 2010 at 11:11 pm

    That is the sweetest post-in all ways. And the cupcakes would be welcome here any time – all of them. My children are in college and still sugar everything way too much! Enjoy!

    Reply
  14. Reeni says

    June 2, 2010 at 8:53 pm

    Growing up during the 80’s I can definitely relate to your wedding! In fact it still sounds kind of cool… The cakes are so pretty! Love the candied flowers – a very nice touch!

    Reply
  15. Suman Singh says

    June 2, 2010 at 7:14 pm

    WOW…these cupcakes looks so pretty…lovely pictures as always.

    And wish your sister a wonderful married life.

    Reply
  16. Tanantha @ I Just Love My Apron says

    June 2, 2010 at 6:32 pm

    WOW they look gorgeous! Congrats to your sis. Wedding is fun! 🙂

    Reply
  17. FOODESSA says

    June 2, 2010 at 11:55 am

    It is your sister’s wedding…I guess the 2nd cupcake must suit her personality best…however, If I were to pick…I found the 1st cupcake had more boldness and elegance. Just my opinion ;0)
    I also want to thank you for sharing your link to making sugared flowers…I was looking for something like that just the other day.
    Flavourful wishes, Claudia

    Reply
  18. tigerfish says

    June 2, 2010 at 5:39 am

    Congrats on this happy occasion happening in your family.

    Reply
  19. Spice Sherpa says

    June 2, 2010 at 3:43 am

    How exciting to see the sugared flowers on such lovely creations! Your photos are gorgeous and do your scrumptious looking cupcakes complete justice!

    Thank you for trying the recipe. The process does take a little effort but it’s fun. And the taste of violet is so interesting.

    Reply
  20. Devaki says

    June 2, 2010 at 2:59 am

    Once again Dear Bonnie, your creativity & presentation is stunning!

    How wonderful each one of your creations look. I have never tried sugaring petals but thanks to your post I really must venture out this summer 🙂

    Wishing your lil sis every happiness on her wedding day & her marriage. Have a wonderful time 🙂

    Hugs, Devaki @ weavethousandflavors

    Reply
  21. sensiblecooking says

    June 1, 2010 at 11:48 pm

    Those are so yummy looking delicious cake. I wouldn’t mind sampling those for you.

    Reply
  22. Juliana says

    June 1, 2010 at 11:22 pm

    Oh! They all look so pretty, so delicate. Great pictures!

    Reply
  23. Rosa says

    June 1, 2010 at 7:00 pm

    Pretty and surely extremely delicious! I’m drooling…

    Cheers,

    Rosa

    Reply
  24. Bo says

    June 1, 2010 at 5:03 pm

    Very cute cakes!

    Reply
  25. Jeanne says

    June 1, 2010 at 4:09 pm

    I love the black and white cake on top…it would be perfect for your 80s wedding idea! 🙂

    Reply
  26. MaryMoh says

    June 1, 2010 at 12:49 pm

    The cupcakes look very sweet and perfect for the wedding party. I’m sure your sister’s wedding is going to be a fantastic one. My best wishes to her!

    Reply
  27. candice says

    May 31, 2010 at 10:33 pm

    I would have ok’d the white wedding theme 😉

    So sweet. I have a little sis too and I have to say, there is something really awesome about being a big sis, watching you little sister “grow up” 🙂

    The cupcakes look beautiful and I love the sugared flowers, very elegant.

    Hope you had a great Memorial Day weekend – cheers!

    Reply
  28. Hannah says

    May 31, 2010 at 10:03 pm

    Oh, how beautiful! I have a real soft spot for sugared flowers… Just love them! They add such gorgeous color and sparkle to any dessert.

    Reply
  29. Christine @ Fresh Local and Best says

    May 30, 2010 at 7:59 pm

    I actually like the first cupcake and your vision of a Bill Idol Guns n Roses wedding very much. I mean why not have fun and give the guests a few surprises. 😉

    Reply
  30. Sarah.j.s. says

    May 30, 2010 at 6:26 pm

    Haha the wedding plans….interesting. 😉 I think the flowers came out beautifully! The cakes are so cute.

    Reply
  31. Vanessa says

    May 30, 2010 at 9:58 am

    Hey, I love your wedding idea and if I ever get married, will turn to you for inspiration. As for the cakes, they’re all works of art, truly and your photos are just incredible. I’d order a batch any day, with or without a wedding.

    Reply
  32. Sommer @ A Spicy Perspective says

    May 29, 2010 at 3:49 pm

    I don’t know…I thought your idea for the wedding was pretty good! The little cake look divine! Your sister is lucky to have your help!

    Reply
  33. Jenn says

    May 28, 2010 at 11:41 pm

    80s rock wedding: YES!!! Are you more White Wedding or November Rain? If you can mash them together, I’d say you’ve got rock goddess wedding perfection. The opening picture is completely ideal, loves it!
    Not saying the rest don’t look fabulous because they do. Love LOVE your pics and your ideas. xoxo

    Reply
  34. Kitchen Butterfly says

    May 28, 2010 at 10:28 pm

    Have fun…..I am LOVING the photos and the cakes look divine

    Reply
  35. Sue says

    May 28, 2010 at 10:16 pm

    Your mini cakes are gorgeous! They look so original, and you made so many variations! I know moist little cakes are hard to cut out, but so good to eat:)

    Reply
  36. 5 Star Foodie says

    May 28, 2010 at 3:30 pm

    Beautiful little cakes! Enjoy the wedding and the long weekend!

    Reply
  37. Joanne says

    May 28, 2010 at 12:26 pm

    You are so funny. If you want to bake those little cakes with the black flowers for my (very much in the) future wedding, you are more than welcome to! I think they’re kind of cute.

    Congrats to your sister! How long to sugared flowers keep for do you suppose?

    Reply
  38. Lauren says

    May 28, 2010 at 5:52 am

    Hi!

    These are so, so beautiful!
    I think my favorite are the frosted with sugared flowers, these are so dainty and stunning and overwhelming but cute all at once!

    I truly, truly believe that things taste sweeter when made with love.
    (Which doesn’t stop me from eating a box of ginger snaps, but whatever…)

    Can’t wait to keep exploring!

    Lauren, Lauren’s Little Kitchen
    http://laurenslittlekitchen.com

    Reply
  39. Baking is my Zen says

    May 28, 2010 at 5:17 am

    Very nice photography…

    Reply
  40. Barbara Bakes says

    May 28, 2010 at 5:15 am

    What a sweet thing to say to your sis. Your mini cakes are lovely!

    Reply
  41. lisa says

    May 28, 2010 at 2:44 am

    So much work goes into wedding planning! Your little cakes look so pretty and delicious. The hummingbird cake recipe sounds tasty! Have a great time in Kansas!

    Reply
  42. Ildie says

    May 27, 2010 at 9:25 pm

    Ahh weddings. Everyone is getting married. I love Spring! Your little baby cakes look adorably delicious! 😉

    Reply
  43. Stella says

    May 27, 2010 at 7:12 pm

    Hey Bonnie, you and Chuls are so creative. These are adorable-only you would do all that cuteness and variety in decorating. Oh, and I think an 80’s wedding would rock like a hair band! I love that.
    By the way, I would love it if you took a look at my guest post over at Lazaro Cooks (smile)…

    Reply
  44. Monet says

    May 27, 2010 at 5:15 pm

    These are beautiful! I’m hoping your sister will have a magical day!

    Reply
  45. tasteofbeirut says

    May 27, 2010 at 2:41 pm

    Adorable little cupcakes! I wish your sister a great married life filled with the best memories. and a great wedding day of course!!!

    Reply
  46. A Canadian Foodie says

    May 27, 2010 at 2:15 pm

    Hilarious! How did you get the little ridges on the sides of your petite cakes?
    I have also candied or sugared violets for years… your first one is my fav.
    Please send me the answer to this question as the little ridges add so much character to your sweets.
    Little sister my love having you holding her hand through this magical time in her life.
    🙂
    Valerie

    Reply
  47. Simply Life says

    May 27, 2010 at 1:49 pm

    yum, I would love a bit of all of those please! 🙂

    Reply
  48. Nadji says

    May 27, 2010 at 11:41 am

    C’est un plaisir de regarder toutes tes réalisations.
    Les photos sont très gourmandes et donner envie de goûter à tout.
    See soon.

    Reply

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Welcome to Sweet Life.

I'm Vianney, an Award-Winning Food Blogger, Recipe Developer and the Author of The Tex-Mex Slow Cooker and Latin Twist. Here in South Texas, we love to entertain and spend time in the company of good people. Sweet Life is a celebration of that connection and the vibrant, unique culture of South Texas.

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