Hummingbird Cake

Here’s our version of a delightfully sweet and nutty cake that, as one story goes, began in the 1960s as a “Doctor Bird Cake” after a kind of hummingbird found in Jamaica. The first published recipe appeared in Southern Living Magazine in 1978.

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  • Hi, I have now made this cake three times! Every time I have made it I get rave reviews! This week I made the cake for our staff potluck lunch at the office. The cake was gone within the hour of being served. Not a leftover in sight! I really like Swans Down flour. Thanks for posting all these recipes.

    • Thanks, Ben! So glad to hear this cake makes you and others smile! Appreciate the feedback and happy baking :)

  • Hello, Swans Down! I'm planning on making this cake for my mom on Mother's Day. Would it be ok if I made my own cake flour?

  • I made this cake today and is moist delicious. I did bake it on 325 to ensure my layers didn’t overcook. Thanks for sharing!! I’m glad I found a recipe using cake flour instead of AP.

  • I have used Swan's Down Flour for all my desserts for years... I have taught my children how to use it as well.. One of my kid's favorite is brownies made with this flour... As long as it's on the market, we will purchase it..