Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper and grease the sides.

Mix together dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

Add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients and mix well.

Gradually add hot water and mix until smooth. Divide batter evenly into prepared pans.

Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely.

Spread caramel sauce between layers along with toasted pecans. Frost with chocolate ganache on the top and sides.

To prepare ganache, heat heavy cream until just boiling, pour over chocolate chips, let sit for 2 minutes, then whisk smooth.