Tropical Banana-Coconut Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Delve into this gluten-free tropical cake where banana, pineapple, and pecans meet a sweet coconut embrace, all under a rich cream cheese frosting.

Cake Batter Ingredients:

• 3 cups gluten-free flour blend
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, thoroughly drained
• 3/4 cup sweetened coconut flakes
• 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
• 2 medium ripe bananas, mashed (approximately 1 cup)
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• Additional 1/2 cup chopped pecans for garnish

Cake Preparation:

1. Warm your oven to 350°F (175°C). Apply non-stick spray to two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a bowl, whisk together eggs and both sugars until frothy, about 3-5 minutes. Blend in the vegetable oil, vanilla extract, mashed bananas, and pineapple for a few more minutes.
3. Sift together the dry ingredients and mix them into the wet ingredients until just combined.
4. Fold in chopped pecans and coconut flakes. Divide the batter equally between the prepared cake pans.
5. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans.

Frosting and Decoration:

1. For the frosting, beat together cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until creamy.
2. Gradually add in powdered sugar, continuing to beat until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
3. Once the cakes are cool, apply a layer of frosting on the top of one cake layer, place the second cake on top, and frost the top and sides of the cake.
4. Press the additional chopped pecans around the top edge or sides of the cake as a garnish.

Slice into this decadent Tropical Banana-Coconut Cake and enjoy a luscious bite of paradise, complete with the comforting tang of cream cheese frosting.