Hummingbird Cake. This Southern layer cake features a crowd pleasing combination of banana, pineapple, and coconut. The names origin remains something of a mystery Some say its because the cake is as sweet as nectar others, that it makes you hum with happiness. Source Martha Stewart Living, June 2. Makes one 9 inch layer cake. The Food Newsletter. Great tips recipes delivered to your inbox. Hummingbird Cake WikipediaSome say this southern layer cake earned its name because each otherworldly bite makes you hum with delight. Another theory is that its as sweet as the sugared water. The ultimate recipe for Hummingbird Cake. Eating Well Juice Recipes. Its the most requested recipe in Southern Living magazine history and frequents covered dish dinners all. Rumor has it, this crowdpleasing cake got its name because every bite makes you hum with delight. Since the Hummingbird Cake recipe originally ran in 1978, it has become the most requested recipe in Southern Living history.