Hummingbird Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

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Introduction

Hummingbird Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful twist on the classic hummingbird cake, which is known for its moist, flavorful layers packed with ripe bananas, crushed pineapples, and a touch of spice. These cupcakes take all of those beloved flavors and present them in individual, bite-sized servings. Topped with a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting, these cupcakes are the perfect dessert for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a celebration or simply craving something sweet.

These cupcakes are a popular choice for those who love fruity, spiced treats and the creamy richness of cream cheese frosting. They are easy to make, yet sophisticated enough to impress guests. Whether you’re planning to bake for a birthday, a family gathering, or a festive afternoon tea, these Hummingbird Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting are guaranteed to be a hit. With their tropical flavors and soft, tender texture, these cupcakes are perfect for anyone looking for a moist, flavorful treat with a luxurious cream cheese topping.

Perfect for:

• Birthdays and celebrations
• Family gatherings
• Tea parties and coffee breaks
• Potlucks and picnics
• Lovers of fruity, spiced desserts
• Special occasions like Eid and other holidays (Halal recipe)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Hummingbird Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting will become one of your go-to desserts:

• Moist and Flavorful: The combination of ripe bananas, pineapple, and a hint of cinnamon gives these cupcakes a moist texture and delightful flavor. It’s a tropical-inspired treat that will remind you of sunny days.
• Creamy Cream Cheese Frosting: The tangy cream cheese frosting is the perfect contrast to the sweetness of the cupcakes, creating a balanced, rich, and creamy finish.
• Easy to Make: These cupcakes come together quickly and easily, even for beginners. The ingredients are simple, and the process is straightforward.
• Versatile: Perfect for any event—whether it’s a formal gathering or a casual get-together. You can also customize them with chopped nuts, extra fruit, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
• Halal-Friendly: This recipe is completely Halal, with no pork, bacon, or alcohol involved, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Servings: 12 cupcakes
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 300-350 calories per cupcake
• Key Nutrients:
  • Protein: 3g
  • Carbs: 45g
  • Fat: 15g

Ingredients

To make these delectable Hummingbird Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• ½ cup vegetable oil or any neutral oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
• ½ cup crushed pineapple, drained
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• ½ cup shredded coconut (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt
• 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (optional, to adjust consistency)

Ingredient Highlights

• Bananas: The ripe bananas bring moisture and natural sweetness to the cupcakes, making them soft and flavorful.
• Pineapple: The crushed pineapple adds an extra layer of sweetness and moisture, giving the cupcakes their signature tropical flavor.
• Cinnamon: A touch of cinnamon gives these cupcakes a warm, spiced note that pairs beautifully with the fruit and the frosting.
• Cream Cheese: The cream cheese frosting is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, making it an ideal topping for the sweet and spiced cupcakes.

Step-by-Step

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make the perfect Hummingbird Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting:

Prepare the Cupcake Batter:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper cupcake liners or grease and flour the tin to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, and oil until smooth and well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Add the Fruit: Fold in the mashed bananas and crushed pineapple, mixing until fully incorporated.
5. Add the Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently to combine. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Add Optional Ingredients: If using, fold in the chopped nuts and shredded coconut for added texture and flavor.

Bake the Cupcakes:

7. Fill the Cupcake Liners: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
8. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
9. Cool: Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for 5-10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:

10. Mix the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until the mixture is light and fluffy.
11. Add Vanilla and Salt: Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or heavy cream at a time to reach your desired consistency.

Frost the Cupcakes:

12. Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes have completely cooled, spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top of each cupcake using a spatula or pipe it on for a more decorative touch.
13. Optional Garnishes: Garnish the frosted cupcakes with additional chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch of flavor.

How to Serve Hummingbird Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

These cupcakes are delicious on their own, but you can serve them in various ways to enhance your experience:

• With a Cup of Tea or Coffee: These cupcakes pair perfectly with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making them a great afternoon snack or dessert.
• As a Party Treat: Serve them on a dessert platter alongside other baked goods like cookies or brownies for a crowd-pleasing dessert table.
• For Special Occasions: These cupcakes make a fantastic dessert for birthdays, holidays, or family gatherings. They’re easy to transport and always a crowd favorite.
• With Fresh Fruit: Pair the cupcakes with fresh fruit like berries or sliced tropical fruits to add a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cupcakes.

Additional Tips for Hummingbird Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Hummingbird Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting turn out perfect:

• Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the more flavorful and moist your cupcakes will be. Use bananas with brown spots for the best texture and sweetness.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix gently to avoid overworking the batter, which can result in dense cupcakes.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Ensure the cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting them to prevent the cream cheese frosting from melting.
• Adjust the Frosting Consistency: If you prefer a thicker frosting, use less milk or cream. If you want a smoother, more spreadable frosting, add a little more liquid.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow the butter and cream cheese to soften to room temperature before making the frosting for a smoother, creamier result.

Recipe Variations for Hummingbird Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Here are some fun variations of Hummingbird Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting that you can try:

1. Tropical Coconut Cupcakes: Add more shredded coconut to the batter for a more tropical flavor and garnish the cupcakes with toasted coconut flakes.
2. Caramelized Banana Cupcakes: Before adding the bananas to the batter, caramelize them in a pan with a little brown sugar for an extra rich flavor.
3. Chocolate Chip Hummingbird Cupcakes: Fold in some mini chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist on this tropical treat.
4. Spiced Hummingbird Cupcakes: Add a dash of nutmeg or allspice to the batter for a more pronounced spice flavor.
5. Gluten-Free Hummingbird Cupcakes: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cupcakes gluten-free. Be sure to adjust for texture as necessary.
6. Vegan Hummingbird Cupcakes: Substitute the eggs with flax eggs and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the frosting to make these cupcakes vegan-friendly.
7. Lemon Glazed Hummingbird Cupcakes: Skip the frosting and drizzle a tangy lemon glaze over the cupcakes for a zesty finish.
8. Pineapple Coconut Frosting: Add some crushed pineapple and shredded coconut into the frosting for an extra burst of tropical flavor.
9. Maple Frosting: Swap out the traditional cream cheese frosting for a maple frosting for a deliciously sweet and seasonal flavor.
10. Mini Hummingbird Cupcakes: Use a mini muffin tin to create bite-sized versions of these cupcakes for a fun and portable treat.

Freezing and Storage for Hummingbird Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Freezing: You can freeze the cupcakes without frosting for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw them at room temperature before frosting.
• Storage: Store the frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cream cheese frosting may firm up a little, but they will remain delicious and moist.

Special Equipment for Hummingbird Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Here are some tools you may find useful when making these cupcakes:

• Muffin Tin: A 12-cup muffin tin is essential for baking the cupcakes.
• Electric Mixer: A stand or hand mixer helps achieve a smooth, fluffy frosting.
• Cupcake Liners: Using liners ensures easy removal and a neat presentation.
• Cooling Rack: A cooling rack ensures the cupcakes cool evenly and prevent sogginess.
• Spatula or Piping Bag: A spatula is great for spreading the frosting, or use a piping bag for a more decorative look.

FAQ Section for Hummingbird Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
   Yes, you can use fresh pineapple. Just make sure to finely chop it and drain any excess liquid.
2. Can I skip the coconut?
   Absolutely! The coconut adds flavor and texture, but it’s completely optional.
3. Can I make these cupcakes in advance?
   Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day or two ahead and frost them when you’re ready to serve.
4. Can I use a different frosting?
   Yes, you can replace the cream cheese frosting with buttercream or whipped cream for a different taste.
5. Can I make this recipe without eggs?
   Yes, you can use a flax egg or a store-bought egg replacement to make these cupcakes egg-free.

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Conclusion

Hummingbird Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat with tropical flavors, a moist texture, and a creamy frosting that will satisfy anyone with a sweet tooth. These cupcakes are easy to make, customizable, and suitable for a wide variety of occasions. Whether you’re baking for a special event or simply enjoying a sweet snack, these cupcakes will become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Enjoy the delicious tropical flavors and creamy texture that will have everyone coming back for more!