Hummingbird cupcakes are a delightful treat that combines the tropical flavors of bananas, nuts, and citrus. Originating from the Southern United States, these cupcakes are known for their moist texture and rich taste. Perfect for any occasion, hummingbird cupcakes are a favorite for both kids and adults. Here’s a simple recipe to make 6 delicious hummingbird cupcakes.
Ingredients:
- 160g all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp baking soda
- 0.5 tsp cinnamon
- A pinch of ginger
- 140g banana puree
- 100g sugar
- 40g vegetable oil
- 125ml freshly squeezed juice (preferably orange or pineapple)
- Zest from the citrus fruit used for juice
- 50g nuts (pecans or walnuts, chopped)
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake tray with six cupcake liners.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and ginger. This helps to distribute the spices evenly and ensures a light texture.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the banana puree, sugar, vegetable oil, freshly squeezed juice, and citrus zest until well combined. The zest adds a bright, tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweet banana.
- Blend Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense cupcakes.
- Add Nuts: Fold in the chopped nuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter. This gives the cupcakes a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- Fill and Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. This allows space for the cupcakes to rise without spilling over.
- Baking Time: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from becoming soggy.
Serving Suggestions: Hummingbird cupcakes can be enjoyed as they are, but for an extra special touch, consider frosting them with a cream cheese frosting. Simply beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and a dash of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spread or pipe onto the cooled cupcakes.
Conclusion: These hummingbird cupcakes are sure to be a hit at any gathering or a delightful treat for a casual afternoon. The combination of sweet fruit, tangy citrus, and rich nuts makes these cupcakes uniquely delicious. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a taste of the tropics in your own kitchen!