Tropical Preacher's Cake


Until very recently I had never heard of a Preacher's Cake. I was curious about the name so I did a little research. As far as I can tell, it got it's name because, back in the day, housewives needed an easy, quick cake to whip up when they heard the preacher would be coming to visit. 
This cake certainly is easy and quick.
You know what else it is?
Tasty.
Very tasty.
I decided to change it up a bit and add some banana and coconut and make it even more tropical. 


Tropical Preacher's Cake

Ingredients
1 1/4 cup sugar
2 cups flour
2 tsp baking soda
pinch salt
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained

Topping
2 bananas, mashed

 2 cups whipping cream
1 tsp vanilla
2 Tbsp sugar

1/2 cup toasted coconut

Directions
Preheat oven to 350. Spray a 9 X 13 pan with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, baking soda, and salt. Add in eggs, vanilla, pecans, and pineapple (and liquid in can). Stir until just combined. Spread into prepared pan.


Bake at 350 for 30 - 45 minutes - until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean and top is golden brown. Do not over bake.
Let cool on wire rack. 
When cooled, spread mashed banana evenly over top of cake.


Whip the whipping cream with vanilla and sugar until stiff peaks form. 
Spread evenly over banana layer.
Sprinkle with toasted coconut.


Chill until ready to serve.
I have to say, I actually enjoyed this a lot more the second day.
The flavors had time to mix together and the cake, which I over baked a teeny bit, did not seem as dry the next day.  
And, no, I didn't forget any ingredients in the recipe. There really is no oil and no extra liquid other than the pineapple juice in the can with the crushed pineapple. 
If you are looking for a super easy cake to make for company...or just for something new to feed the family...definitely give this cake a try. The pineapple, banana, and coconut are a great combination!
Plus...it's great if you are looking for something dessert-y but not too sweet. 

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