1Combine 3 cups all-purpose flour, 2 cups sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon in a bowl.
2Stir in 1 cup vegetable oil, 3 large beaten eggs, 2 cups mashed ripe bananas, 8 ounces crushed pineapple (undrained), ½ cup coconut flakes, and 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla.
3Divide batter evenly among three parchment-lined, greased 9-inch pans.
4Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes, or until a tester near the center comes out clean.
5Remove from oven and cool for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
6For the frosting: blend together 16 ounces softened cream cheese, 1 cup unsalted softened butter, ¼ cup caramel sauce, 2 teaspoons vanilla, and ¼ teaspoon salt.
7Gradually add in 3 ½ cups of powdered sugar; add up to ½ cup more only if necessary to reach a stiffer but spreadable consistency.
8Make sure the cakes are completely cooled before frosting them.
9Combine toasted coconut flakes and toasted chopped pecans.
10Decorate the top with a pretty ring around the outer edge.