Cake Mix Hummingbird Cake That Tastes Homemade

If you love rich, moist Southern desserts but don’t always have time to bake from scratch, this Cake Mix Hummingbird Cake needs to be in your recipe collection.

Inspired by the "Classic Hummingbird Cake" for its sweet bananas, crushed pineapple, and warm spices, this simple copycat cake mix shortcut without sacrificing flavor or texture.

I always make two 9-inch cakes and freeze one for another time; it's perfect for unexpected guests and elegant enough to serve when hosting a dinner party.

This semi-homemade recipe delivers all the nostalgic charm of the original with less prep time and fewer steps.

Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, potluck, or just craving something comforting and delicious, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Uses a cake mix for quick and foolproof results
• Incredibly moist and tender every time
• Packed with banana and pineapple flavor
• Perfect balance of sweetness and spic
•  Easy to customize with mix-ins and toppings
• Great for beginners and busy bakers
• Tastes like a bakery-style dessert with minimal effort

Tips for the Best Cake Mix Hummingbird Cake

1. Use a butter or yellow cake mix for the richest flavor
2. Add an extra egg for a more homemade texture
3. Swap water for milk or pineapple juice to boost flavo
4.  Mash bananas well so they blend smoothly into the batter
5. Drain crushed pineapple slightly to avoid excess moisture
6. Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth
7. Don’t overmix: keep the cake light and fluff
8. Bake until just set to avoid drying out
9. Cupcakes- 25 to 30 minutes
10. Bundt pan- takes around 50 minutes to bake
11. Round Pans- 2 - 9-inch pans for a layer cake baked for around 30 to 35 minutes
12. Rectangular-13 x 9 sheet cake took around 45 to 55 minutes

Alternatives and Mix-ins

• Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional or omit for nut-free)
• White or dark chocolate chips
• Toasted coconut flakes
• Diced mango or peaches instead of pineapple
• Shredded zucchini for extra moisture
• Dried cranberries or cherries for a tart contrast
• Crushed graham crackers for a subtle crunch

Frosting and Topping Suggestions

• Whipped cream frosting (light and airy)
• Buttercream frosting (vanilla, brown sugar, or cinnamon)
• Mascarpone frosting for a richer, less tangy flavor
• Greek yogurt frosting for a lighter option
• Caramel frosting for a decadent twist
• Simple powdered sugar glaze for a lighter finish
• Sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes
• Add chopped candied pecans
• Drizzle with caramel or honey
• Garnish with fresh banana slices or pineapple chunks
• Dust with cinnamon or powdered sugar
• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Pair with coffee for the perfect dessert or brunch treat

Pin for later

Cake Mix Hummingbird Cake,Easy Hummingbird Cake Recipe,semi homemade cake recipes,Southern Hummingbird Cake Shortcut,Banana Pineapple Cake Recipe,Moist Cake Mix Desserts,

cake recipes, doctored cake mix recipes, hummingbird cake mix recipe, banana cake recipe, shortcut cake mix recipes

American

Yield: 12

Author: Claudia Lamascolo

Cake Mix Hummingbird Cake That Tastes Homemade

If you love rich, moist Southern desserts but don’t always have time to bake from scratch, this Cake Mix Hummingbird Cake needs to be in your recipe collection.

Prep time: 5 MinCook time: 35 MinTotal time: 40 Min

Ingredients

• Cake Batter:
• 1 15.25-ounce box white or yellow cake mix ( any brand or choose another flavor if you want to get creative, i.e., spice, pineapple, strawberry)
• 4 large eggs at room temperature
• 1 8-ounce jar crushed pineapple (1 cup blotted dry, reserving the juice)
• 1 cup mashed very ripe banana (around 3 small bananas)
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil or butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Optional: 1 cup chopped toasted pecans (toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds can be substituted for allergies, or omitted if preferred.)
• Cream Cheese Frosting
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
• 8 ounces of cream cheese at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 to 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 to 3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
• optional: 1/2 to 1 cup finely chopped, toasted pecans for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line two 9-inch round cake pans or a 13 x 9-inch cake pan with parchment paper. Spray any metal parts with cooking spray oil.
2. Drain the pineapple through a fine mesh sieve into a measuring cup or bowl.
3. Blot dry with paper towels.
4. Measure out 1/2 cup of liquid from the pineapple juice and add water if you're short on juice.
5. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, drained pineapple, the pineapple liquid, mashed bananas, cake mix, and the rest of the ingredients.
6. Beat with an electric mixer on medium for about 2 minutes or until evenly combined.
7. If using nuts, fold them in.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
9. Bake at 350 degrees until a toothpick placed in the center of the cake comes out clean.
10. Cool the cake for around 10 minutes, then carefully remove it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
11. Frosting
12. Beat the butter and cream cheese in a medium mixing bowl until smooth.
13. Add the vanilla, salt, and blend.
14. Slowly add the powdered sugar and milk, beating until creamy.
15. Add more milk if too thick, 1 teaspoon at a time.
16. Frost the cake and garnish.
17. Store this cake in the refrigerator (up to 4 days), covered, or freeze the cake up to 4 to 5 months in a sealed container.

Notes

Tips for the Best Cake Mix Hummingbird Cake

1. Use a butter or yellow cake mix for the richest flavor
2. Add an extra egg for a more homemade texture
3. Swap water for milk or pineapple juice to boost flavo
4.  Mash bananas well so they blend smoothly into the batter
5. Drain crushed pineapple slightly to avoid excess moisture
6. Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth
7. Don’t overmix: keep the cake light and fluff
8. Bake until just set to avoid drying out
9. Cupcakes- 25 to 30 minutes
10. Bundt pan- takes around 50 minutes to bake
11. Round Pans- 2 - 9-inch pans for a layer cake baked for around 30 to 35 minutes
12. Rectangular-13 x 9 sheet cake took around 45 to 55 minutes

Alternatives and Mix-ins

• Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional or omit for nut-free)
• White or dark chocolate chips
• Toasted coconut flakes
• Diced mango or peaches instead of pineapple
• Shredded zucchini for extra moisture
• Dried cranberries or cherries for a tart contrast
• Crushed graham crackers for a subtle crunch

Frosting and Topping Suggestions

• Whipped cream frosting (light and airy)
• Buttercream frosting (vanilla, brown sugar, or cinnamon)
• Mascarpone frosting for a richer, less tangy flavor
• Greek yogurt frosting for a lighter option
• Caramel frosting for a decadent twist
• Simple powdered sugar glaze for a lighter finish
• Sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes
• Add chopped candied pecans
• Drizzle with caramel or honey
• Garnish with fresh banana slices or pineapple chunks
• Dust with cinnamon or powdered sugar
• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Pair with coffee for the perfect dessert or brunch treat

Nutrition Facts

Calories

609

Fat (grams)

30 g

Sat. Fat (grams)

12 g

Carbs (grams)

83 g

Fiber (grams)

2 g

Net carbs

81 g

Sugar (grams)

65 g

Protein (grams)

6 g

Sodium (milligrams)

494 mg

Cholesterol (grams)

104 mg

The default measuring system for this website is US Customary. Unit conversions are provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. While we strive to provide accurate unit conversions, please be aware that there may be some discrepancies.

Similar Recipes

Italian Cream Cake

Orange Pineapple Cake

Maraschino Cherry Cake

Elvis Presley Cake

Cream of Coconut Cake

https://www.whatscookinitalianstylecuisine.com/2026/05/cake-mix-hummingbird-cake-that-tastes.html

These are all copyright protected images and content. Do not reprint/reuse this recipe or its images without my written permission.

Pin for later

More Cake Recipes We Love

Made From Scratch Hummingbird Cake

Maraschino Cherry Cake

Coconut Cream Poke Cake

Orange Pineapple Cake