Now, let’s create this delicious Hummingbird Cake with the following easy steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.

4. Add Bananas & Pineapple: Fold in the mashed bananas and crushed pineapple into the wet ingredients until well combined.

5. Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

6. Add Pecans: Gently fold in the chopped pecans if you’re using them.

7. Divide Batter: Evenly divide the batter among the three prepared cake pans.

8. Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

9. Cool: Once baked, remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

10. Prepare Frosting: While the cakes cool, beat together the cream cheese and butter in a bowl until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until you reach the desired consistency.

11. Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Place the second cake layer on top of the frosting and repeat the process. Finally, add the third layer and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.

12. Garnish: Optional—Top the frosted cake with additional chopped pecans for a finishing touch.