Indulge in the tropical flavors of these Skinny Hummingbird Cupcakes. They're not your typical cupcakes. Infused with ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, and a dash of warming spices, they're a lower-calorie version of the classic Hummingbird Cake. Topped off with a smooth cream cheese frosting and a pecan garnish, these cupcakes are sure to delight without the guilt.
For this recipe, you might need to specifically look for canned crushed pineapple and whole wheat flour at the supermarket. Crushed pineapple adds a unique tropical flavor and moistness to these cupcakes. It's usually available in the canned fruits section. Whole wheat flour is a healthier alternative to all-purpose flour and can be found in the baking aisle.
Ingredients for Skinny Hummingbird Cupcakes
All-purpose flour: Provides the basic structure for the cupcakes.
Whole wheat flour: Adds a bit of fiber and a nuttier flavor compared to all-purpose flour.
Sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes.
Baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent to help the cupcakes rise.
Salt: Enhances the flavors in the cupcakes.
Ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, sweet-spicy flavor.
Nutmeg: Adds a sweet, nutty flavor.
Ground ginger: Adds a warm, spicy sweetness.
Oil: Adds moisture and helps with the overall texture of the cupcakes.
Eggs: Provides structure and helps with leavening.
Vanilla: Enhances all the other flavors.
Ripe bananas: Adds natural sweetness and moistness.
Crushed pineapple in juice: Adds a tropical flavor and moistness.
Pecans: Adds crunch and a rich, buttery flavor.
Philadelphia cream cheese: Used for frosting, gives it a tangy, creamy flavor.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors in the frosting.
Pecan halves: Used for garnishing each cupcake.
One reader, Juan Newman says:
These skinny hummingbird cupcakes are a game-changer! The blend of banana, pineapple, and pecans creates a delightful flavor. The whole wheat flour adds a healthy twist without compromising taste. The cream cheese frosting is the perfect finishing touch. I can't believe these are guilt-free!
Techniques Required for Making Skinny Hummingbird Cupcakes
How to prepare the cupcake batter: Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl and the wet ingredients in a separate bowl, then fold the wet ingredients and chopped pecans into the dry ingredients until the batter comes together.
How to bake the cupcakes: Spoon the batter into a cupcake tin and bake at 350 degrees F for about 23 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
How to prepare the cream cheese frosting: Beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth, then refrigerate until ready to use.
How to garnish the cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are cooled, spread the frosting over them and garnish each cupcake with a pecan half on top.
How To Make Skinny Hummingbird Cupcakes
Bake the moistest hummingbird cupcakes with this recipe! Made with pineapple, bananas, pecans, and cinnamon, with cream cheese on top for a sweet finish!
Serves:
Ingredients
- ¾cupall-purpose flour
- ¾cupwhole wheat flour
- 1cupsugar
- 2tspbaking soda
- 1tspsalt
- 1tspground cinnamon
- ¼tspnutmeg
- ¼tspground ginger
- 2tbspoil
- 2large eggs
- 1tspvanilla
- 2cupsmashed ripe bananas
- 20ozcan crushed pineapple in juice,drained well
- ½cuppecans,chopped
For the Frosting:
- 8Philadelphia cream cheese,⅓-less fat
- 1cuppowdered sugar
- 2tspvanilla extract
- 22pecan halves
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and spices; stir well with a whisk.
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In a medium bowl, combine oil, eggs, and vanilla; stir well. Add banana and pineapple; mix well.
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Fold wet ingredients and chopped pecans with the dry ingredients. Batter will be stiff and dry but keep folding it and it will all come together.
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Spoon batter into cupcake tin. Bake at 350 degrees F for about 23 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Meanwhile, to prepare frosting, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.
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Cool cupcakes completely on a wire rack.
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Spread frosting over the cupcakes once they are cooled. Garnish each cupcake with a pecan half on top.
Nutrition
- Calories: 310.88kcal
- Fat: 18.77g
- Saturated Fat: 8.48g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.08g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.94g
- Carbohydrates: 33.03g
- Fiber: 1.72g
- Sugar: 22.86g
- Protein: 4.66g
- Cholesterol: 62.24mg
- Sodium: 281.52mg
- Calcium: 53.69mg
- Potassium: 199.97mg
- Iron: 0.85mg
- Vitamin A: 159.11µg
- Vitamin C: 3.73mg
Technique Tip for Perfect Skinny Hummingbird Cupcakes
When mashing the bananas, ensure they are ripe for maximum sweetness and easier mashing. Overripe bananas are even better. You can also add the crushed pineapple into the same bowl as the bananas and mash them together. This not only saves time but also ensures that the flavors meld together well. When folding in the wet ingredients into the dry, be gentle and patient to avoid overmixing. Overmixing can result in a denser, less fluffy cupcake. Lastly, when frosting the cupcakes, make sure they are completely cooled. If they are still warm, the frosting may melt and slide off.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Hummingbird Cupcakes
Prepare the ingredients: Gather and measure all the ingredients before starting to save time and ensure you have everything you need.
Use kitchen tools: Utilize kitchen tools such as food processors or stand mixers to speed up the preparation process.
Organize your workspace: Keep your workspace clean and organized to avoid wasting time searching for utensils or ingredients.
Follow the recipe: Read through the entire recipe before starting to ensure you understand the steps and can work efficiently.
Multi-task: Look for opportunities to multi-task, such as preparing the frosting while the cupcakes are baking.
Prep in advance: Prepare certain components of the recipe, such as chopping nuts or mashing bananas, ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.
Clean as you go: Wash and put away dishes and utensils as you work to keep your kitchen tidy and save time on cleanup later.
Double the recipe: Consider making a larger batch and freezing the extra cupcakes for future use to save time on baking in the future.
Substitute Ingredients For Skinny Hummingbird Cupcakes Recipe
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat pastry flour: Whole wheat pastry flour is lighter and finer than regular whole wheat flour, making it a suitable substitute for all-purpose flour in baking recipes.
whole wheat flour - Substitute with all-purpose flour: All-purpose flour can be used as a substitute for whole wheat flour if you prefer a lighter texture in your cupcakes.
sugar - Substitute with honey or maple syrup: Honey or maple syrup can be used as natural sweeteners to replace sugar in the recipe, adding a different flavor profile.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Baking powder can be used as a substitute for baking soda, but you may need to adjust the quantity as baking powder is not as strong as baking soda.
oil - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can be used as a healthier substitute for oil, reducing the overall fat content of the cupcakes.
large eggs - Substitute with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) or mashed banana: Flax eggs or mashed banana can be used as vegan-friendly substitutes for eggs in the recipe.
cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier alternative to cream cheese for the frosting, providing a tangy flavor and creamy texture.
powdered sugar - Substitute with stevia or erythritol: Stevia or erythritol can be used as low-calorie sweeteners to replace powdered sugar in the frosting.
Presenting Skinny Hummingbird Cupcakes
- Elevate the cupcake: Carefully place the cupcake on a pristine white plate, ensuring it is centered and visually appealing.
- Garnish with precision: Place the pecan half delicately on top of the frosting, ensuring it is positioned at an elegant angle.
- Create a symmetrical arrangement: Arrange the cupcakes in a circular pattern on a sleek serving platter, ensuring equal spacing between each cupcake.
- Incorporate visual contrast: Pair the cupcakes with a vibrant garnish, such as a dusting of ground cinnamon or a sprinkle of edible flower petals, to add a pop of color to the presentation.
- Utilize negative space: Leave ample space around the cupcakes on the serving platter to create a sense of elegance and sophistication.
- Consider the plate shape: Choose a plate or platter with a modern and minimalist design to complement the sophisticated nature of the dish.
- Attention to detail: Ensure the frosting is evenly spread and smooth on each cupcake, demonstrating precision and care in the presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Hummingbird Cupcakes
- Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing a variety of ingredients. It can be used to prepare dough, grind nuts, and make sauces or dips.
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is an essential kitchen tool used for combining ingredients, whisking, and stirring. It comes in various sizes and materials, such as stainless steel, glass, or ceramic, and is suitable for preparing batters, marinades, and dressings.
- Whisk: A whisk is a kitchen utensil used for blending, whipping, and beating ingredients. It is commonly used to incorporate air into mixtures, such as eggs, cream, or sauces, and to create smooth and uniform textures.
- Cupcake tin: A cupcake tin, also known as a muffin pan, is a baking tool specifically designed to hold individual portions of batter for cupcakes, muffins, or other baked goods. It typically has 6, 12, or more cups and is made of metal or silicone.
- Wooden toothpick: A wooden toothpick is a small, pointed tool used to test the doneness of baked goods. It is inserted into the center of the baked item, and if it comes out clean, the item is fully baked.
- Wire rack: A wire rack, also known as a cooling rack, is used to cool baked goods such as cupcakes, cookies, and cakes. It allows air to circulate around the baked items, preventing them from becoming soggy as they cool.
Storing and Freezing Skinny Hummingbird Cupcakes
- Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before storing or freezing.
- To store, place the cooled cupcakes in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- If you've already frosted the cupcakes, store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- To prevent the frosting from sticking to the container, place a piece of wax paper or parchment paper between the cupcakes and the lid.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the cupcakes:
- Wrap each unfrosted cupcake individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
- If you want to freeze frosted cupcakes, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until the frosting is firm (about 2 hours). Then, wrap each cupcake in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container.
- Cupcakes can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- To thaw frozen cupcakes, remove them from the freezer and let them defrost in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
- If you've frozen unfrosted cupcakes, you can frost them once they've thawed completely.
- Always ensure the cupcakes have reached room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
How To Reheat Leftover Skinny Hummingbird Cupcakes
The best way to reheat leftover skinny hummingbird cupcakes is to place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture and texture of the cupcakes, ensuring they taste just as delicious as when they were freshly baked.
Another option is to use a microwave, but be cautious as this method can cause the cupcakes to become slightly soggy. To minimize this, place the cupcake on a microwave-safe plate and heat it in 10-second intervals, checking after each interval to avoid overheating. Typically, 20-30 seconds should be sufficient to warm up a single cupcake.
If you have stored the cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator, allow them to come to room temperature before reheating. This will help the cupcakes reheat more evenly and prevent them from becoming too moist or soggy.
For a quicker and more convenient option, you can also enjoy the leftover skinny hummingbird cupcakes at room temperature. Simply remove them from the refrigerator and let them sit on the counter for about 15-20 minutes before serving.
If the cream cheese frosting has become slightly hardened during storage, you can soften it by placing the cupcakes in a warm environment, such as near a preheated oven, for a few minutes. This will help to restore the creamy texture of the frosting without the need for reheating.
Random Fact About Skinny Hummingbird Cupcakes
The Hummingbird Cupcakes recipe is named after the Jamaican national bird, the swallow-tailed hummingbird. This bird is known for its vibrant colors and its ability to hover in mid-air, much like the delightful flavors and textures of the cupcakes.
Is Making Skinny Hummingbird Cupcakes at Home Economical?
This skinny hummingbird cupcakes recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The use of whole wheat flour and bananas as a natural sweetener makes it budget-friendly. The combination of bananas and crushed pineapple adds a tropical twist to the cupcakes, making it a delightful treat. The cost for a household of 4 people would be approximately $10-$15, making it an affordable dessert option. The overall verdict rating for this recipe would be 8/10, considering its taste, health benefits, and cost-effectiveness.
Are Skinny Hummingbird Cupcakes Healthy or Unhealthy?
This recipe for skinny hummingbird cupcakes has some healthy elements, but there is room for improvement. The use of whole wheat flour and mashed bananas adds fiber and nutrients. The inclusion of pineapple provides vitamin C and additional fiber. However, the recipe still contains a significant amount of sugar and oil, which can contribute to excess calories and unhealthy fats.
To make this recipe healthier:
- Reduce the sugar content by using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, or simply decrease the amount of sugar used
- Replace the oil with unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt to cut down on unhealthy fats while maintaining moisture
- Increase the proportion of whole wheat flour to boost the fiber content and provide a more nutrient-dense base
- Opt for a lighter frosting by using reduced-fat cream cheese and less powdered sugar, or consider a whipped cream cheese frosting for a lower-calorie option
- Add more spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to enhance the flavor without relying on extra sugar
- Incorporate additional fruits or vegetables, such as grated carrots or diced apples, to increase the nutritional value and natural sweetness of the cupcakes
Editor's Thoughts on This Skinny Hummingbird Cupcake Recipe
The recipe for skinny hummingbird cupcakes is a delightful twist on the classic, with a healthier approach. The use of whole wheat flour and reduced sugar makes it a guilt-free indulgence. The combination of bananas, pineapple, and pecans creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The cream cheese frosting adds a luscious finish. However, to enhance the visual appeal, consider incorporating a touch of natural food coloring to the frosting. Overall, this recipe offers a delicious and lighter alternative to the traditional hummingbird cupcakes.
Enhance Your Skinny Hummingbird Cupcakes Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Skinny Hummingbird Cupcakes Recipe:
This recipe is a delightful twist on the classic hummingbird cupcakes, offering a healthier alternative without compromising on flavor. The use of whole wheat flour and bananas adds a nutritious touch, while the combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger infuses warm, aromatic notes. The inclusion of crushed pineapple and pecans further enhances the taste and texture. The creamy cream cheese frosting with a hint of vanilla extract perfectly complements the cupcakes. Trust in the balance of wholesome ingredients and delectable flavors to elevate your baking experience.
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