Hummingbird Cupcakes

Welcome to our weekly Foodie Friday link up! I’m linking up with Annmarie from the Fit Foodie Mama, Emily from Whatever Floats Your Oats, Esther from Chocolate Runner Girl, and Cassandra from Powered By Bling, to create awesome healthy recipes each week!

Today’s theme = Spring! Make sure you hop around to check out all the amazing recipes in this link up and feel free to add your recipes as well! I have something cool to offer today!

Last fall, whilst dreaming up a billion 50 different recipes to make an ebook for my brother’s company, Venice Kitchen, I insisted on healthifying most of the recipes in said ebook, because as I like to put it, “I refused to contribute to an unhealthier America.”

Although he was initially somewhat unhappy with/concerned about this because he was of the belief that healthy food wouldn’t taste good (). I’ve since rectified this misconception with him!

I’m giving away 3 sets of Venice Kitchen Silicone Baking Cups to my readers because you’ve all been so awesome! <3 (See my review of them!) Open to U.S. residents (I’m sorry to my non-U.S. readers! :[ ), and it ends on 04/27/15 at midnight! vkbakingcupsgiveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I first learned about the existence of hummingbird cupcakes from my first study buddy in med school. Back in the early days of first-year, I used to study with my neighbor for hours on end. At some point during our marathon study sessions, he mentioned once that he wasn’t a fan of sweets, but that hummingbird cupcakes were his exception. Intrigued, I looked them up, and they sounded amazing, so I figured…why not try to make them (a healthified version, that is!)? :]

Originally, I was going to make these for his birthday in the spring, but we divorced each other as study buddies and I saw him a whole lot less in second semester. (Don’t worry, nothing terrible happened!) We’re still friends, but I knew that he liked someone and didn’t want to be a cockblock/figured she probably wouldn’t like the fact that I spent anywhere upwards of 6-12 hours with him every day, so I peaced out and started studying in the catacombs.) They are now married and have a daughter together, so clearly, I made a good decision.

But here are the cupcakes! :O

Hummingbird Cupcakes

Hummingbird Cupcakes

It so happens that I also drew a hummingbird somewhere in my high school days, so I used it as a background. :D Yay for unintentional props!

Ingredients:

(Cupcakes)

  • 1/2 cup pineapple tidbits
  • 1/2 cup bananas, mashed
  • 2 tbsp vanilla soy milk (or your choice of milk)
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 3 tbsp unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 cup white whole wheat flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp cloves
  • 1/3 cup almonds, finely chopped
  • 1/3 cup pecans, finely chopped
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 24 pieces of canned mandarin oranges

(Frosting)

  • Plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
  • Honey (or your choice of sweetener), to taste

Instructions:

  1. (Cupcakes) Preheat oven to 350. Combine all ingredients into a large bowl and mix well.
  2. Pour into baking cups + bake for 20 minutes, or until it passes the toothpick test.
  3. Let cupcakes cool for 10 minutes before frosting.
  4. (Frosting) Combine yogurt with honey and gently mix.

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.fairyburger.com/hummingbird-cupcakes/

116 comments

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  1. I’ve gotten that “look” from many people. That skeptical look when I tell them I’ve healthified a recipe and they don’t believe me that it could ever taste good. Trust me, I get it! Ha! But usually people are pleasantly surprised when they try the healthier version. I think I’d like to try to make some blueberry muffins with these babies because blueberry muffins are just a classic.

    1. haha, I know! I’m glad we’re both working on clearing that misconception that healthy food can’t taste good! :]! The blueberry muffins on your blog look delicious! <3

  2. This is my first time hearing about hummingbird cupcakes!! Just by looking at the recipe the healthier version looks more than delicious! By the way your drawing skills are too good! :)
    Elsie @ Sharing Healthiness recently posted…I Want My Workouts to Feel Like A Roller Coaster RideMy Profile

    1. Aww, thanks! <3 I haven't drawn anything in such a long time, I think all them skills have leaked away! :[

      I love adding fruit to baked goods! :]!

  3. I have heard so much about this Hummingbird cake stuff lately. I HAVE to try it. It sounds delicious! Have a great weekend :)
    Jen recently posted…Lunges & LipglossMy Profile

    1. I hope you get to soon! :D!! Hope you have an awesome weekend as well! <3

  4. My husband will tell you that he used to be skeptical, but I”ve had enough success that he is down for what I am going to come up with! Little does he know that one day I am going to prank him SO HARD. Hummingbird cake is a southern staple that is for certain!
    Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Gluten Free Zucchini Protein Bread Recipe (Dairy Free)My Profile

    1. I’m glad you changed his mind! :D Please write about the prank when you do, because I’d love to read about it, hahaha. :P

  5. First of all, I love that you used the word “cockblock”. Second, I have never heard of humming bird cupcakes but they do look pretty yummy!!!
    Annmarie recently posted…Foodie Friday: Sparkling Sant Faux-jitoMy Profile

    1. hahaha, it fit the situation well! :P

      I only found out about it within the last couple years! I’ve deduced that it may be because it’s a southern thing, haha. :O

  6. mmm classic Southern dessert!! Love reading your take on it :)
    Jess @hellotofit recently posted…Recipe of the week: cherry chocolate chip energy ballsMy Profile

    1. hehehe, thank you! :D I love your cherry chocolate chip energy ball recipe! *-*

  7. I totally get that look from people. It’s strange, my family is way more apt to dismiss the chance to taste a GF baked good than friends, who are always up for it!
    Alyssa @ Renaissancerunnergirl recently posted…Five Things Friday #2: Flinging Myself Into SpringMy Profile

    1. My family tends to be like that too, but they give my creations a chance and their minds are starting to change!! :D

  8. These are so cute! I would make some yummy muffins or cupcakes, of course. Or maybe even some little egg patties to warm up in the mornings! The possibilities are endless! :)

    Also, this link up is a GREAT idea! I would love to join!
    Ginger recently posted…Seared Hibachi Tuna and Shrimp with VeggiesMy Profile

    1. All those ideas sound delicious!

      We’d love to have you join in, Ginger! <3 We have a different theme every week, and the "next-up" ones can be found at the bottom of this post! :D!

      Hope you have a great weekend!

  9. I’ve never heard of “hummingbird cupcakes” before–but they look really tasty. I’d ‘delete’ the nuts, though, if I made them. I can’t stand nuts in baked goods, and I know I’m in the minority on that one. :) Angel and I studied together all the time during my freshman year of college (already a little sketch since he was studying nursing and I was studying whatever classes all freshman take). At the time, I thought, “If I was his girlfriend, I would not let him spend so much time with that Rachel.” We ended up getting married during my Junior year so we all know how that study partnership worked out…
    Rachel G recently posted…Dating Meets DystopiaMy Profile

    1. Sometimes, things are just better without that extra crunch! I made some energy bites with my friend last night, and we ended up liking the ones without nuts better, because they messed with the consistency! :O

      hahaha, I know the feel on the studying part! One of my exes and I used to just study/work on stuff in the same space just so we could at least enjoy each other’s company whilst gettin’ the stuff we needed to do done. I’m glad to hear it worked out so well on your end! ;]

  10. I would love to make vegan/GF muffins!!!
    Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl recently posted…Pin It Party #2My Profile

    1. I bet they’d be awesome! :] I love the recipes you come up with! Thanks for entering, and best of luck to you!

  11. I’ve been making Hummingbird cake for years! Never in cupcake form though. It’s my dad’s favorite so always for his birthday.
    Marcia recently posted…5 Ways to Stay Active on a CruiseMy Profile

    1. That’s awesome! I’ve never made a cake version yet, so mayhaps I’ll have to try that! :P

  12. I think I would HAVE to make cupcakes then muffins. :)
    katie recently posted…Reebok Zig Tech at FinishLineMy Profile

    1. I need to make muffins again sometime! <3

  13. Wow how cute are those cupcakes?! I could certainly use some of those silicone cups. Have a great weekend.
    Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Customized Clothing By EShaktiMy Profile

    1. Thanks! Hope you have a great weekend too!

  14. Thanks for considering me awesome! This product looks like a perfect way to eliminate waste and make delicious cupcakes at the same time.
    Diatta @ Femme Fitale Fit Club recently posted…#FitnessFriday – HelloFresh Box ReviewMy Profile

    1. Yes indeed! I love that they’re reusable! :] Yay for eliminating waste!

  15. Yum! Looks like great minds think alike this week! Love silicone muffin tins! My daughter just picked up some for my birthday cupcakes that have fortunes in the bottom that are really cute! I often make large batches of cupcakes so I need a lot but worry if I will lose them when taking them to get togethers. I think I still make take the plunge though and only use paper as a back-up because they have their place still.
    Sarah recently posted…Hummingbird Bundt Cake with Apricot Yogurt Icing (dairy-free, gluten free)My Profile

    1. I guess they do! ;P That’s so cool that the ones she got you have fortunes on the bottom! :] I’m always worried about losing them at get-togethers too, so I tend to just transfer them to plates, haha. :x

      I’m definitely gonna have to try that bundt cake you made! That apricot yogurt icing sounds amazing!

  16. I have never heard of Hummingbird cake. But the combination of ingredients sound delicious!. These are perfect for a Spring lunch with friends. I think I just found my next girl’s luncheon dessert!
    Cassandra @PoweredByBling recently posted…Green Bean, Tomatoes and Onion SaladMy Profile

    1. Yay! I hope you like them!

  17. I love how lightened up these are! I never have hummingbird cake because it’s so hard to find so I;m going to have to make these!
    Cassie @ Almost Getting it Together recently posted…Now Trending – Best Links Week of 3.30My Profile

    1. Agreed! I don’t think I’ve ever seen em’ in stores either, but hooray for being able to make em’ at home! :D

    • Renata on April 3, 2015 at 11:14 am
    • Reply

    I’d make wholesome blueberry muffins with fresh huge berries inside!

    1. Blueberry muffins are a definite classic! :D!

  18. awesome cupcakes! Thanks for sharing ā™„
    Tianna recently posted…Random Friday Favorites // Things I’ve Been Loving Lately #29: Pastels for EasterMy Profile

    1. Thanks, Tianna! Hope you have a great weekend!

  19. What a cute recipe for spring! I’ll have to try out a gluten free version :)
    Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…How To Pick The Perfect Neutral Running ShoeMy Profile

    1. Hooray for the existence of gluten-free flour! :D

  20. Those cupcakes look delicious!
    Betsy recently posted…Stitch Fix Review #9: April 2015My Profile

    1. Thanks, Betsy! :D Hope you have a great weekend!

  21. Awesome! I will definitely try these!! Thanks for sharing!!

    1. Hope you like them! :] Have a great weekend!

  22. I love Hummingbird cake! Such a southern treat!
    Julie @ Running in a Skirt recently posted…Pineapple Ginger SmoothieMy Profile

    1. I guess that’s why I never knew about it til I moved to WV! :P I’m glad I found out about its existence! :]

  23. I’ve never actually had it, but I need to make some vegan/gf hummingbird cake (or um…cupcakes!)
    Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Friday Finisher 4/3/15My Profile

    1. They’d be good either way! Can’t wait to see your version if you do end up making em’! :]

  24. Oh yum! These look delicious!

    1. Thanks, Ashley! :D

  25. I’ve seen/heard of hummingbird cakes/cupcakes but have yet to try them. The recipe sounds delicious and they really do scream spring! Those baking cups sound fabulous – would definitely make some strawberry muffins for spring :)
    Alanna recently posted…Mini Almond Butter Snack CupsMy Profile

    1. Ooo, strawberry muffins! Those definitely sound like they’d be good! :D Thanks for entering, and best of luck to ya! :]

  26. I have made hummingbird cupcakes before and they were amazing! I topped them with a dried Pineapple flower and it was so pretty!! I seriously need those cupcake liners, I do run for cupcakes ya know ;) Have a great weekend Farrah!
    Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…Soybu Review & Giveaway: Fit N Fashionable Friday!My Profile

    1. Ooo, that sounds so pretty! I’m terrible at decorating cakes/cupcakes/etc. (this is probably why I never make em’…), so that’s an awesome idea!

      Sounds like they’d be perfect for you! ;] I hope you win a set! :D Have an awesome weekend!

  27. Those sound delicious! I’ve heard of hummingbird cupcakes before but didn’t know what was in them. I know it’s all simple ingredients but it looks far too complicated for my baking skills, so I guess you’ll just have to come out here and bake them for me! ;)
    Ariana recently posted…5 Tips for Staying on Track While Dining OutMy Profile

    1. hahaha, I’ll definitely add Canada to my travel list once I actually have vacations again! <3!

  28. Yellow cupcakes with thick, buttercream, chocolate icing. mouth watering thinking about them.
    Ima Mosier recently posted…Elastolace Review and GiveawayMy Profile

    1. That sounds awesome! :D Thanks for entering, and good luck!

  29. I would make breakfast egg muffins. quick and easy to go breakfast !

    1. Breakfast egg muffins are a great way to start the day! :D!!

  30. I would make morning glory muffins with them!

    1. Those sound amazing! I’ve never tried making em’ before!

    • Alina on April 4, 2015 at 10:55 am
    • Reply

    Had never heard of this recipe. It made me drool. I’m a cupcake lover, as anyone who knows me, will inform you of. I think the first thing I’d make would be Tomato Basil Parmesan cupcakes. I’ve been making these for a long time now and can do them in my sleep. They are savory and great for our monthly family brunch get togethers.

    1. Tomato Basil Parmesan cupcakes sound amazing!! I need to venture back into the realms of savory cupcakes, haha. Thanks for entering, and best of luck to you!

  31. These are adorable! I plan to make some sort of heatlhy muffin!
    Toni @runninglovingliving recently posted…Music To My EarsMy Profile

    1. Thanks, Toni! :D Good luck to you! :]

  32. YUM! Awesome drawing (you are a women of so many talents) and delicious looking cupcake!
    Sonali- The Foodie Physician recently posted…Dining with the Doc: Spiced Cod Sliders with Mango Confetti Slaw and Cilantro AioliMy Profile

    1. Aww, thanks so much, Sonali! <3!! I miss the artsy-fartsy part of my life! :x

    • Sean on April 5, 2015 at 6:27 am
    • Reply

    Love all the ingredients listed on this recipe. I will have to make these soon for a family get together we’re having in a couple of weeks. The frosting ingredients are the best – HEALTHY! Can’t beat that. If I’d win these, I’d make these cupcakes!

    1. Aww, thanks! :D I hope you like em’ if you try em’ out, and best of luck to you! :]

    • jennifer w on April 5, 2015 at 2:39 pm
    • Reply

    I’ve heard of Hummingbird cake…I may need to try these.

    1. Hope you like it if you do! :]!

  33. Never heard of hummingbird cupcakes before but I seriously want to make them now.
    Cool drawing btw!
    GiselleR @ Diary of an ExSloth recently posted…5 Tips for Healthy Food Shopping on a BudgetMy Profile

    1. I only found out about their existence in the last couple years, but after hearing my neighbor’s description of em’, I had to try it out! :O

      Thank you! :D!

  34. Ah man. I have so many cupcake recipes saved that I don’t know which one I would choose first!
    Katie recently posted…Did They Live Happily Ever After?My Profile

    1. That’s how I am with my pinterest! :'( It’s a difficult choice! :O

  35. Oooh, hummingbird cupcakes sound amazing! I have never thought to put pineapple in cupcakes before! Also, love silicone cupcake pan liners. Such a great kitchen essential!
    Sandra Laflamme recently posted…The importance of good posture.My Profile

    1. Agreed! :D I love throwing fruit into things, so hummingbird cupcakes were right up my alley! :P

    • nadya kotik on April 7, 2015 at 5:47 pm
    • Reply

    cupcakes would be yummy!

    1. Indeed they would! :D Thanks for entering, and good luck!

    • natalie on April 8, 2015 at 10:18 am
    • Reply

    Those are too cute! Maybe make some banana bread muffins or something. Not sure that is possible, but I’d try. It sounds really good!

    1. That’s definitely possible! :D Banana bread muffins are delicious!

      Thanks for entering, and good luck!

    • Melissa A. on April 8, 2015 at 12:47 pm
    • Reply

    I have an oatmeal blueberry breakfast muffin recipe I have been wanting to try, so this would be perfect!

    1. That sounds delicious! :] I need to make breakfast muffins sometime!

    • Amanda C. on April 8, 2015 at 1:11 pm
    • Reply

    These sound so cute! I am dying to make carrot cake muffins with my new Kitchenaid and your Hummingbird cupcakes sound delicious. Thanks for sharing!

    1. Thanks, Amanda! I adore carrot cake–I need to make that sometime too! *-*

      Thank you for entering, and good luck! :D

    • Jenny on April 8, 2015 at 3:40 pm
    • Reply

    I make some mean banana/chickpea muffins! no oil, sugar, eggs and all my carnivore friends who are anti-vegan foods LOVE these and have no idea that they are ‘healthy’. I would make those first.

    1. Ooooo, that sounds amazing! Care to share the recipe!? :P I’ve been wanting to try using chickpeas in baked goods! And yay for sneaking in that extra nutrition! :D

      Thanks for entering, and good luck!

    • sara s on April 8, 2015 at 6:28 pm
    • Reply

    The hummingbird cake sounds amazing :) Even though I am a super duper chocolate person, this is tempting!

    1. Thanks, Sara! :D I’m definitely a chocolate person too, haha. Best of luck to you!

    • liz l on April 8, 2015 at 9:18 pm
    • Reply

    Little fudge brownies

    1. I haven’t made brownies in ages! They sound like they’d be delicious!

  36. I love baking so this would be a tough choice, but I would probably make chocolate cupcakes! Love them!
    Kristen recently posted…That Crazy Time I Joined A Running ClubMy Profile

    1. Chocolate cupcakes sound awesome! I’ve never tried making those. :x

      Thanks for entering, and good luck! :D

    • Kimberly Z. on April 9, 2015 at 3:07 am
    • Reply

    I would use these to bake muffins. I also love them for meal planning!ā™”

    1. They’re definitely an awesome tool for meal planning! :D Thanks for entering, and good luck to you!

  37. Stopping back to enter the giveaway- I would definitely make gluten free protein cupcakes with them! ;)
    Annmarie recently posted…Spiced CocoaViaƂĀ® Recovery Smoothie + Giveaway!My Profile

    1. Ohmicrud, those sound like they’d be all sorts of delicious! We should do a healthy cupcake thing for Foodie Friday sometime this year…

    • latanya on April 9, 2015 at 1:48 pm
    • Reply

    lemon cupcakes

    1. Those would be super tasty!

      Thanks for entering, and good luck!

    • Amy L on April 9, 2015 at 8:06 pm
    • Reply

    I’d make carrot cupcakes with cream cheese frosting

    1. That sounds all sorts of awesome! I love carrot cake! :]

  38. I would have to make blueberry muffins!
    Debby recently posted…Troubles with Regrouping (Carrying in Addition)My Profile

    1. Blueberry muffins would be delicious! :D!

    • Anna B. on April 15, 2015 at 9:38 am
    • Reply

    The first thing I would make with these cups are some lavender cupcakes! I just got some lavender and have been wanting to use it in baking.

    1. Ooo, that sounds awesome! I’ve never tried making anything with lavender! :O Thanks for entering, and good luck! :]

    • Tina W on April 22, 2015 at 1:08 am
    • Reply

    I would make a batch of Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

    1. Those are always so delicious! <3

  39. These are really cool- I would make blueberry muffins.
    Amy Lauren recently posted…Lucky 7 Challenge (What I learned from my highest mileage week yet)My Profile

    1. Blueberry muffins are a definite classic! :D Thanks for entering, and good luck!

    • Mandi Gellis on April 23, 2015 at 12:14 pm
    • Reply

    The first thing I would make is cupcakes for my birthday! Love using silicone for baking.

    1. That’d be awesome! :D Happy [belated?] birthday! I hope it was an awesome one, and thank you for entering! :]

  40. These would be great! I make healthy muffins for my girls for a quick breakfast on the go.
    Shay @ Whine Less, Breathe More recently posted…We Are the Champions!My Profile

    1. I haven’t made muffins in ages! I need to go do that! :P

      Thanks for entering, and good luck! Hope you have a a great weekend!

    • steph on August 19, 2015 at 11:24 pm
    • Reply

    Hummingbird has always been my fave…even as a kid when all my friends wanted some candy bar cake :)

    1. I only found out what it was a couple years ago! I bet I would have loved it as a kid too! :D

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