HUMMINGBIRD PROTEIN CAKE

May 25, 2016 2 Comments

HUMMINGBIRD PROTEIN CAKE

This Hummingbird Protein Cake is inspired by a classic summer dessert in the South. Basically, Hummingbird Cake is a super-rich banana cake with chunks of pineapple, often smothered in cream cheese frosting, pecans, and shredded coconut. So yummy! However, the traditional recipe calls for 2 cups of sugar and 1 ½ cups of oil… so of course, I decided to come up with a lower-fat, low-sugar, protein-packed version (you know how I do). And guess what? It still tastes amazing!

HUMMINGBIRD PROTEIN CAKE

Protein substitutions

To up the protein content, I replaced some of the flour with Quest Protein Powder in Vanilla Milkshake, a whey protein blend. This product combines whey isolate and casein and is just excellent for baking. However, you should be able to substitute a whey concentrate or soy isolate in this recipe. I cannot promise the result with other types of protein powder. Another flavor like cinnamon would also work well!

Flour substitutions

I also used coconut flour instead of cake flour or all-purpose flour to lower the carbs. If you’d prefer not to use coconut flour, just substitute twice as much (⅔ cup) of all-purpose flour, cake flour, gluten-free baking flour, fine oat flour, white sorghum flour, or cassava flour in this recipe.

HUMMINGBIRD PROTEIN CAKE

Sweetener substitutions

The sweetener I use for is Pyure Organic Stevia Blend, a calorie-free blend of stevia and erythritol. I find it tastes much better than baking stevia or stevia extract and has no bitter aftertaste. It also doesn’t give the weird cooling sensation of pure erythritol (at least I don’t notice anything). That being said, feel free to substitute twice as much (two-thirds cup) of granulated sugar, baking stevia, granulated monk fruit, or granulated erythritol if you prefer!

HUMMINGBIRD PROTEIN CAKE

Other substitutions

Instead of oil, I used unsweetened applesauce to lower the fat content. You can totally substitute oil for a more traditional-tasting cake if you don’t mind the added fat. Of course, you know there’s banana and pineapple in there! I used three very ripe mashed bananas and a cup of crushed pineapple for that classic “hummingbird” flavor.

The cream cheese frosting

The frosting is a simple cream cheese protein frosting made with Neufchatel cream cheese (can sub reduced fat cream cheese, fat free cream cheese, or whipped cream cheese ounce for ounce). It also calls for nonfat plain Greek yogurt, half a scoop of vanilla protein, sweetener, and a tiny bit of pure almond extract.

The almond extract is optional, but oh so good and highly recommended! Feel free to substitute dairy-free cream cheese for the cream cheese and Greek yogurt (ounce for ounce) if you need a dairy-free version! Of course, you’d also want to swap the whey blend for a vanilla plant-based protein blend.

HUMMINGBIRD PROTEIN CAKE

Here’s the printable recipe for this Hummingbird Protein Cake! I’d love your comments below if you try it 😉

This post contains affiliate links.

Hummingbird Protein Cake

This hummingbird protein cake has rich banana, crushed pineapple, spices and pecans with a cream cheese frosting. Low in fat, carbs and sugar, gluten-free.
Course Dessert
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Servings 12 servings
Calories 143kcal

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup (90g) vanilla whey blend protein powder* I used Quest brand in Vanilla Milkshake
  • 1/3 cup coconut flour*
  • 1/3 cup calorie-free sweetener* I used one that's twice as sweet as sugar
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp. allspice optional
  • 1 1/2 cup (3 medium) over-ripe bananas mashed
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple with juice
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or oil
  • 1/4 cup (2 large) egg whites
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract

Frosting

  • 3/4 cup (6 oz.) Neufchatel cheese* or fat free or reduced fat cream cheese
  • 1/4 cup (2 oz.) nonfat plain Greek yogurt
  • 20 g vanilla whey blend protein powder* optional
  • 1/4 cup calorie-free sweetener* I used one that's twice as sweet as sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1/8 tsp. almond extract optional
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans optional

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Whisk together dry ingredients (through spices) in a large mixing bowl.
  • Mash bananas, and combine with wet ingredients (through vanilla extract) in a separate bowl, mixing until smooth.
  • Combine wet and dry ingredients until no clumps remain.
  • Lightly spray a nonstick loaf plan with cooking spray or line with parchment.
  • Pour batter into baking pan(s) and bake for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick or knife inserted comes out clean. You can also use two 6" round pans (reduce baking time by 10 minutes), or one bundt pan (reduce time by 5 minutes).
  • While cake cools, combine frosting ingredients (except pecans) and mix until smooth.
  • Spread frosting over top of cake and sides with remaining frosting.
  • Sprinkle with pecans (optional). You may wish to garnish with unsweetened coconut, too!
  • Cut into six slices and enjoy! Leftovers will keep in the fridge in an airtight container at least a week, or in the freezer at least a month.

Notes

Calories (per serving, including optional ingredients): 143kcal, Fat: 5.4g, Sat fat: 2.6g, Carbs: 14g, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 7g, Protein: 10g, Sodium: 207mg




2 Responses

Sarah Wilkins
Sarah Wilkins

July 15, 2023

Hi FW – glad this was a suitable alternative that was able to satisfy your hummingbird cake craving ;)

FW
FW

July 15, 2023

Maybe not quite as yummy as the real thing, but definitely worth it for the protein and fiber rich alternative with way fewer calories. Thanks for the recipe!! 😊

Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.


Also in Blog

Gluten Free String Bean Chicken
GLUTEN FREE STRING BEAN CHICKEN

September 23, 2023

I absolutely love this healthy, gluten-free string bean chicken stir fry! It tastes like takeout, has no gluten or dairy, and is low in sugar and carbs. Of course, this recipe is high protein too! Best of all, this stir fry is easy to make and comes together quickly. The whole family loved it, especially my husband who loves all Asian food!

View full article →

Harvest Chicken Salad & Cider Vinaigrette (Whole30)
HARVEST CHICKEN SALAD & CIDER VINAIGRETTE (WHOLE30)

September 14, 2023

This Whole30 Harvest Chicken Salad has tart apples, caramelized sweet potatoes, crunchy pecans, massaged kale, and red onion, topped with a zesty cider vinaigrette. This salad is gluten-free, dairy-free, and meal prep friendly!

View full article →

Apple Spice Protein Bundt Cake
APPLE SPICE PROTEIN BUNDT CAKE

September 12, 2023

This Apple Spice Protein Bundt Cake turned out so perfect! You'll love this springy spiced cake loaded with tender apples and drizzled with caramel. Best news ever - it's gluten free, dairy free and low in sugar with added protein! I used collagen since it makes baked goods super tender and is virtually undetectable. A must-bake this fall! 

View full article →

Get my FREE meal prep guide!

Get family-friendly recipes, nutrition tips and faith-based inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.