Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together until well combined.
3. Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth (the batter will be thin).
4. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Caramel Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar while stirring constantly until it turns a golden amber color.
2. Add the butter carefully and stir until melted. Gradually add the heavy cream while stirring continuously until smooth.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Let the caramel sauce cool slightly.

Step 3: Make the Chocolate Frosting

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing until combined.
3. Add the vanilla extract and heavy cream. Beat on high until the frosting is light and fluffy, adding more cream if needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of chocolate frosting on top.
2. Drizzle some caramel sauce over the frosting and sprinkle with chopped pecans.
3. Place the second cake layer on top and repeat the frosting, caramel, and pecan layers.
4. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining chocolate frosting.

Step 5: Decorate and Serve

1. Drizzle any remaining caramel sauce over the top of the cake and garnish with additional pecans.
2. Slice and serve your rich, indulgent Chocolate Turtle Cake.