Hummingbird Cake

I have never heard of this before.  It seems to be a big thing here in Kentucky, along with Derby Pie (see my post on that one a while back).  I've not actually tasted it but they have them at one of the local groceries and I will buy one and do just that.  The only thing that has held me back is that I have this awful feeling if I buy it, I will bury my face in it and eat it all.  Like a dog.  :)

You just cannot go wrong with pecans, cream cheese frosting, pineapple and banana.  So here is a recipe for this wonderful cake.....and if you show up to my house to visit, you had better have one of these with you!

Ingredients

• 
  3 cups all-purpose flour 
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt 
• 2 cups sugar 
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 
• 3 large eggs, beaten 
• 1 cup vegetable oil 
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 
• 1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained 
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 2 cups chopped bananas 
• Cream Cheese Frosting 
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

• Preparation

  1. Combine first 5 ingredients in a large bowl; add eggs and oil, stirring until dry ingredients are moistened. (Do not beat.) Stir in vanilla, pineapple, 1 cup pecans, and bananas.
  2. Pour batter into three greased and floured 9-inch round cakepans. Bake at 350° for 25 to 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes; remove from pans, and cool completely on wire racks.
  3. Spread Cream Cheese Frosting between layers and on top and sides of cake; sprinkle 1/2 cup chopped pecans on top. Store in refrigerator.
  Ultimate Southern Living Cookbook, Southern Living 
  JANUARY 1999