Name: Actually Easy Healthy Hummingbird Cake (And High Protein!)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: ⅔ cup Whole Wheat Pastry Flour (see post for subs, 80g); ½ cup Whey-casein Vanilla Protein Powder (45g); ½ cup Unflavored Protein Powder (Whey-casein, 45g (see blog post for options)); 30 g Unflavored Collagen (optional for extra protein); ¼ cup Peanut Butter Powder (24g (see blog post for options)); ½ tsp Cinnamon Powder; ½ tsp Allspice; 1½ tsp Baking Soda; ¾ cup Hot Water (180ml); ¾ cup Mashed Banana (180g); 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice (15ml); 2 tsp Melted Butter (10g); 1 cup Sliced Pinepples (170g); 2 Tbsp Chopped Pecans (28g); ½ cup Non-fat Greek Yogurt (112g); 3 oz Low-fat Cream Cheese (84g); ⅓ cup Vanilla Protein Powder (Whey-Casein, 30g)

High protein and Healthy Hummingbird Cake recipe combines tropical flavors with a nutritious twist! An easy, low calorie, low fat, low sugar yet delicious humming bird cake in every slice.

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Craving the tropical flavors of hummingbird cake but watching your health goals? This easy, healthy hummingbird cake recipe is the perfect solution! It’s nutritious, yet still incredibly moist and delicious.

Packed with wholesome ingredients like whole wheat pastry flour, vanilla protein powder, and collahgen this cake is a guilt-free indulgence you can enjoy any time. With simple steps and minimal prep time, you’ll have a delicious dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth without compromising your healthy lifestyle.

Ingredients for Healthy Hummingbird Cake

No added sugars, but added protein from the vanilla protein, unflavored protein and collagen, this Healthy Hummingbird Cake is made with a real clean list of ingredients:

Dry Ingredients:

Vanilla Protein Powder: For a hummingbird cake with no added sugar;
I recommend whey-casein Quest Nutrition Vanilla protein power
Unflavored Protein Powder to replace some of the flour (and carbs) in the recipe. I used a whey-casein blend from Quest Nutrition.
Unflavored Collagen like this one from Vital Proteins
Whole Wheat Pastry Flour
Peanut Butter Powder, also known as Powdered Peanut Butter. I recommend the one from PbFit.
Cinnamon Powder
Allspice
Baking Soda

The Wet Ingredients

Hot Water
Mashed Banana
A bit of Melted Butter
Lemon Juice

The Mix Ins

Fresh sliced Pineapple
Chopped Pecans

For the Coconut Frosting:

Nonfat Plain Greek Yogurt
Low Fat Cream Cheese
Vanilla Protein Powder – I used Quest Nutrition Vanilla.

How to make High Protein Hummingbird Cake

With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up this delightful high protein hummingbird cake for dessert in no time. Here’s what it takes:

Prep the Pan & Oven:

Preheat:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease:

Grease 8” round baking pan with oil spray.

Make the Batter:

Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, vanilla protein powder, unflavored protein powder, unflavored collagen, spices and baking soda until well combined.

Combine Wet Ingredients:

In another bowl, mix together the hot water, mashed banana, melted butter, and lemon juice until smooth.
Use hot water since it’s required for the right reactions in the baking chemistry.
Use melted Butter so that it mixes well into the low calorie hummingbird cake batter.

Make the Batter:

Gently whisk the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until a thick batter forms.
Fold in chopped pineapple and pecans.
Don’t over-mix the batter!
If you over-mix it, the protein powder will make the low calorie hummingbird cake tough, dense and gummy.
Taste the batter and see if you need some extra sweetener. I’d recommend using stevia powder to maintain the consistency of the batter and have sugar free and healthy pineapple cake.

Bake the Cake!

Bake to Perfection:

Pour the protein powder hummingbird cake batter into the prepared pan.

Bake for 22-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Don’t let the batter sit out too long; Pour immediately into baking pan and bake.
This is to avoid any reactions between the ingredients.

Don’t over-bake or your cake might get tough; Remove when the tester/knife comes out just dry; Little moisture is okay.

Frost it.

Wait for the cake to cool completely before frosting.

If needed, soften the cream cheese by microwaving it in a bowl for about 15 seconds.

Using a whisk or hand mixer, beat the cream cheese for about 15 seconds until it becomes light and fluffy.
Then, mix in the yogurt and protein powder. If the frosting seems too thick, add a small amount of milk at a time until you achieve the desired consistency.

Spread the frosting evenly over the top of the cooled cake. Sprinkle with chopped pecans and cut into 8 slices to serve.

How to Store Guilt Free Hummingbird Cake

To keep your guilt free hummingbird cake fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:

Refrigerator:

Airtight Container: Place the cooled cake in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out and absorbing other flavors in the fridge.
Up to 5 Days: Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This will help maintain its moisture and flavor.

Freezer:

Wrap and Container: Wrap the cooled hummingbird cake recipe tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. This double layer of protection will prevent freezer burn and keep your cake tasting its best.
Up to 3 Months: Freeze the cake for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.

Thawing:

Refrigerator: The best way to thaw your frozen protein hummingbird cake is to transfer it to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. This slow thaw will help preserve its texture and prevent it from becoming soggy.
Countertop: If you’re short on time, you can thaw the cake at room temperature for a few hours. However, be sure to keep it in its wrapping to prevent it from drying out.

Avoid Microwaving: While it might be tempting to use the microwave to thaw your cake quickly, it’s not recommended. Microwaving can alter the texture of the cake and make it rubbery. If you must use the microwave, do so in short bursts of 10-15 seconds and check the cake frequently to avoid overheating.

Alternatives for Low Calorie Hummingbird Cake recipe:

This recipe as is makes the most healthy and low calorie hummingbird cake recipe, but here’s some options if you don’t have everything listed:

Whole Wheat Pastry Flour: Use All purpose flour or 1:1 Gluten Free Baking Flour in the same amount by weight not cups.
Unflavored Protein Powder: Use ½ cup extra flour, but reduce the water to ⅔ cup instead of ¾ cup.
Unflavored Collagen: You can just skip this ingredient, or add 10g extra unflavored protein
Peanut Butter Powder: Add about 15g extra flour instead!
Melted Butter: Use Melted Coconut Oil or Dairy Free Butter
Allspice: A mix of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger and nutmeg would work just as well!

For the frosting:

Greek Yogurt: Regular yogurt works just fine
Low Fat Cream Cheese: Use regular cream cheese!

Some more Healthy Fruit-based Cake Recipes