Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, grease a 9x13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 cups sugar, 1 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp salt. Stir the dry ingredients together until well blended.
Add wet ingredients: Crack 2 large eggs into the bowl and pour in the 20 oz can of crushed pineapple (do not drain). Mix everything with a wooden spoon or a hand mixer until thoroughly combined. The batter will be quite wet due to the pineapple.
Fold in pecans: Gently fold in 1 cup of chopped pecans into the mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed without overmixing.
Prepare for baking: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the cake: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter and 8 oz softened cream cheese until creamy and smooth. Gradually add 2 cups powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract, mixing until well blended and fluffy.
Frost the cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula. Sprinkle 1/2 cup chopped pecans on top for garnish.
Slice and serve: Cut the cake into squares or rectangles, serve it up, and enjoy your delightful treat!