Ingredients:

  • 3 cups All-Purpose (Plain) Flour, sifted
  • 2 cups Granulated Sugar
  • 2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 1 tsp Salt (Cake)
  • 1 tsp Baking Soda
  • 3 Large Eggs, room temperature
  • ¾ cup Vegetable Oil (neutral)
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (Cake)
  • 1½ cups Very Ripe Bananas, mashed (about 3 medium)
  • 1 (20 oz) can Crushed Pineapple, undrained
  • 1 cup Pecans or Walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
  • ½ cup (1 stick) Unsalted Butter, softened to room temperature
  • 8 oz Full-Fat Cream Cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (Frosting)
  • ¼ tsp Salt (Frosting)
  • 4 cups Powdered Sugar, sifted

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round pans, then line the bases with rounds of parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, sugar, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil, and vanilla. Gently stir the mashed bananas and the undrained crushed pineapple into the wet mixture.
  4. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing only until just combined. Stop immediately once the last streaks of flour disappear (do not overmix). Gently fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts.
  5. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool the cakes in their pans for 10 minutes. Invert them onto a wire rack, peel off the parchment paper, and allow them to cool completely (at least 90 minutes) before proceeding to frosting.
  7. For the frosting: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together on medium speed until perfectly smooth, light, and airy (about 2-3 minutes). Scrape down the bowl.
  8. Add the vanilla, salt, and gradually incorporate the sifted powdered sugar. Start on low speed and increase to medium-high. Beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable.
  9. Assemble the cake: Place the first cooled cake layer on your platter. Spread about one-third of the frosting evenly. Stack the second layer and use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides. Decorate with extra chopped pecans, if desired.
  10. Chill the finished cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing to set the frosting.