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:
- Warm your oven to 350°F (175°C). Apply non-stick spray to two 9-inch round cake pans.
- 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.
- Sift together the dry ingredients and mix them into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in chopped pecans and coconut flakes. Divide the batter equally between the prepared cake pans.
- 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:
- For the frosting, beat together cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until creamy.
- Gradually add in powdered sugar, continuing to beat until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
- 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.
- 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.