This is one of the most downloaded recipes from Southern Living. I accidentally added more vanilla extract to mine, than what was in the recipe. The result was so flavorful and delicious! I also topped mine with crushed pineapple and cherries as well as the chopped pecans and cinnamon sticks. It is worth the effort, which was not as bad as I suspected.

When I make another, I want to heat brown sugar and butter in a skillet and then add pineapple, chopped pecans, cherries and cinnamon. Then put that between the layers. I would then just garnish with chopped pecans and cinnamon sticks.

This cake is so versatile.

CAKE
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 cups sugar
1 Tb ground cinnamon
3 eggs, beaten
1 cup vegetable oil
1-1/2 Tb vanilla extract
2 (8 oz) cans crushed pineapple
2 cups chopped pecans
2 cups mashed bananas (buy them a few days beforehand so they can get nice and ripe)

FROSTING
2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
2 sticks butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
32 oz confectioner’s (powdered) sugar, sifted

Preheat oven to 350.

In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients. Mix well. Add beaten eggs and oil. Mix well until moist with spoon, but do not blend too much. Stir in 1-1/2 Tb vanilla extract, 1 can crushed pineapple, 1 cup chopped pecans and mashed bananas.

Grease and flour three 9″ cake pans. Divide cake mixture into each pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes in preheated oven. Insert a toothpick to test doneness. If it comes out clean, cake is done. Remove cake pans and let sit 5 minutes. Invert onto wire racks. Let rest 10 more minutes.

To prepare frosting, combine cream cheese in a bowl. Let get soft (I usually do this while mixing the cake mix together). Beat with mixer on low speed until mixed and soft. Add vanilla and gradually add powdered sugar, while beating slowly.

Arrange first cake layer and spread frosting (or whatever mixture as mentioned in my entry paragraph). Add second layer and frost. Add third layer, frost top and all sides. Garnish with leftover cup of chopped pecans, cinnamon and crushed pineapple. Decorate with cinnamon sticks, cherries or whatever you like.

Y’all Enjoy!

Published by Two Cousins and a Skillet

Grew up in Clearwater, Florida. Graduated from Clearwater High School. Work for Pinellas County Schools as a technology technician. View all posts by Two Cousins and a Skillet