Hummingbird Cake - The Local Palate

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups chopped ripe bananas
• 1 cup drained crushed pineapple
• 1 cup canola oil
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 pound confectioners’ sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Edible flowers for garnish, such as roses, nasturtiums, or pansies