• Preheat oven to 350℉. Gather your ingredients so that you have everything close at hand on the counter or table.

Prepare the Ingredients

• Using a blending fork or potato masher, mash 2 cups mashed bananas.
• Chop 1 1/2 cups of pecans or English walnuts with a knife or nut chopper.

Mix the Cake Batter

• In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups all-purpose flour, 2 cups granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
• Add 3 large eggs, 1 cup vegetable oil, and 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Mix together until moistened.
The batter will be rather stiff at this point.
• Add the mashed bananas, 8 oz. undrained crushed pineapple, and 1 cup chopped pecans (or English walnuts).
• Pour the batter into two round 9-inch cake pans lined with waxed paper or an oblong baking pan sprayed with cooking spray.
• Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and tests done in the center with a toothpick. Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes and then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely. 

Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

• In a mixing bowl, cream together 8 oz. cream cheese (softened), 2 cups powdered sugar, 1/4 cup butter (softened), 1 tablespoon whole milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until well blended, about 2-3 minutes.

Icing a Layer Cake

• To ice a layer cake, begin with the bottom layer, placing the top side down on the cake plate.
If desired, you may place strips of waxed paper around the bottom of the cake to prevent any icing smudges. 
• Divide the frosting into thirds, and spread 1/3 on the bottom layer.
• Next, place the second layer top side up and spoon 1/3 of the frosting along the edges so that you can frost the sides of the cake. Be sure to fill any gaps between the layers.
• Finish by swirling the remaining frosting on the top in a decorative fashion. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup chopped pecans on top, as desired. Serves 12-16.
Sometimes I sprinkle the nuts in the center of the cake, while other times I sprinkle the entire top. If you’ve opted to bake this cake in an oblong cake pan, simply spread the cream cheese frosting on cake and sprinkle the top with chopped nuts.