Tab Cake

The batter is poured into a sheet pan and topped with a smooth homemade cream cheese frosting. The tanginess of the frosting is the perfect contrast to the tropical flavors in the cake. Then, the cake is sprinkled with toasted pecans for a little extra crunch. It’s an easy, delicious way to enjoy a true Southern classic!

I might be a bit biased, but as a Greensboro, NC native where the hummingbird cake originated, I know a thing or two about this Southern treat. Not only is it incredibly moist from the pineapple and bananas, but it’s also the most requested recipe from Southern Living Magazine, which means it’s a classic for a reason.

Think of this cake to take to a potluck, picnic, cookout, or family dinner. You can easily cut this into 16 servings or make them a bit smaller and you can get 20 with no problem.

No mixer is needed for the cake, you only need a bowl, a whisk and a spatula. You will need a mixer for the frosting, but a hand held will do.

Reasons to Love This Recipe

• Easy: There are no layers in this cake. All you have to do is pour the batter, bake, and top with frosting. It’s that easy!
• Portable: This sheet cake is perfect for bringing to parties, potlucks, or places where you need to easily transport a delicious dessert.
• Moist: The mashed bananas, crushed pineapple (with the juice), and oil keep the cake moist and light.
• Pantry staples: The batter is made with all-purpose flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and vanilla extract.
• Cinnamon: Adds a touch of warmth.
• Toasted pecans: Mixed with the batter for a slight crunch and sprinkled on top for a slight crunch. You can use walnuts instead.
• Mashed ripe bananas: You want them to be ripe but not over ripe like with banana bread.
• Crushed pineapple (undrained): Finely crushed pineapple blends super easily into the batter. Use a can in it’s own juice, not with syrup.
• Canola oil: Keeps the cake super moist.
• Cream cheese: The base for the cream cheese frosting. Use full-fat cream cheese (block style).
• Butter: You’ll need one stick of unsalted butter for the cream cheese frosting.
• Powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and thickens the frosting.