Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your 9-inch round cake pans with a bit of canola oil to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, sugar, and salt until well combined.
In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add in the canola oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix.
Gently fold in the crushed pineapple, shredded carrots, shredded coconut, and pecan pieces until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, mixing until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Once the cake layers are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake layer. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake as desired.
Slice your cake and serve it to eager guests. Watch as their faces light up with joy!