A Hummingbird Cake is a dense, cinnamon-scented layer cake filled with tropical fruit. This lavish, aromatic cake is topped with a cream cheese frosting and chopped pecans.

The most popular version of this cake was submitted to 'Southern Living' by Mrs. L.H. Wiggins of Greensboro, North Carolina in 1978. The recipe featured a three layered cake filled with crushed pineapple and bananas, then topped with a cream cheese frosting. Wiggins’ recipe spread like wildfire and inspired home cooks all across the South to create their own rendition.

The ingredients:

--Cinnamon has a warm, woodsy and spiced flavor that creates a beautiful scent.

Hummingbird Cake is intended to be quite aromatic.

--Crushed pineapples are the balance between sweet and tart. The added moisture is welcome while the pops of juice are light and refreshing.

--Mashed bananas layer in moisture and caramelized sweetness. I would suggest using overripe bananas for a deeper flavor.

--The addition of chopped pecans layers in a crunchy yet smooth textural element.

More Info: www.jamieoliver.com