Step 1

For the Toasted Pecans: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat mat.

Step 2

In a small bowl, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Drizzle the melted butter onto the pecans and toss together to coat pecans.

Step 3

Spread pecans onto prepared baking sheet and bake in oven for 5-6 minutes until toasted and fragrant.

Step 4

Remove the pecans from the oven and roughly chop. Set aside.

Step 5

For the Caramel Sauce: Add the sugar to a large heavy-bottomed non-stick saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring constantly using a heat resistant rubber spatula or a wooden spoon until the sugar is melted and turns a medium amber caramel colour. Don't worry if the sugar clumps up, just keep stirring and it will melt smoothly. Keep a close eye on the pot as the sugar can easily burn, and you would have to start over again.

Step 6

As soon as the caramel turns a deep amber, add the butter cubes, whisking constantly until butter is melted and fully combined.

Step 7

Once butter is combined, slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking vigorously, be careful as it will begin to bubble up furiously. The caramel may begin to clump together if your cream is too cold. If so, just continue stirring until caramel melts back down.

Step 8

Allow caramel to boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat. Stir in the vanilla (optional) and salt. You can leave out the salt if you don’t want the caramel to be salted.

Step 9

Add the chopped toasted pecans to the caramel sauce and stir until combined.

Step 10

Let caramel cool to room temperature before pouring into a jar or an airtight container. Set aside or store in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Step 11

Repeat the above steps 5-8 to make another smaller batch of salted caramel sauce. Set aside to cool completely or store in a jar or an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Step 12

Preheat oven to 350° F (177°C). Prepare four 8-inch round cake pans with parchment rounds, and grease the sides. Set aside.

Step 13

In a large bowl, sift flour, cocoa, salt, baking powder and baking soda. Whisk to combine, set aside.

Step 14

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar on medium speed until pale and fluffy, 4-6 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl.

Step 15

Lower the speed to medium-low and add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition until just combined. Scrape down he sides and bottom of the bowl.

Step 16

In a small bowl, combine the vanilla and instant coffee granules. Add the sour cream to the batter along with the vanilla coffee mixture and beat on medium speed until combined.

Step 17

Alternately add dry ingredients in thirds and buttermilk in 2 additions to the batter, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat each addition just until combined. Divide batter equally between the cake pans, a little over 2 cups per pan.

Step 18

Bake two layers at a time for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and cake springs back when lightly touched.

Step 19

Remove cakes from oven and allow to cool in pans for about 10 minutes, then turn onto cooling racks to cool completely before frosting. Or at this point, you can wrap all the cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze or refrigerate until ready to assemble.

Step 20

In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the softened butter until super pale and fluffy, about 5-6 minutes.

Step 21

Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl.Add half of the powdered sugar, one cup at a time and beat on low speed after each cup until combined.

Step 22

Once combined add cooled salted caramel sauce and continue to beat until combined and smooth.

Step 23

Add remaining powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until it’s all combined. If the frosting is too thick, add heavy cream 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

Step 24

Increase speed to medium-high and beat for about 5-7 minutes, or until frosting is light and fluffy.

Step 25

Put the chocolate chips into a medium bowl. Set aside.

Step 26

Heat the heavy whipping cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to boil.

Step 27

Remove hot cream from heat then pour it over the chocolate chips. Cover the bowl and allow it to sit for 5 minutes.

Step 28

Remove cover and stir ganache until smooth. Set aside to cool.

Step 29

Use an offset spatula to place a dollop of frosting onto a cake board or serving platter that’s on a turntable. Place one cake layer on top and spread about 1 cup of the salted caramel buttercream on top of the first layer.

Step 30

Scoop some frosting into a disposable piping bag and snip off the end. Pipe a rim around the edges of the cake and pour on a cup of the pecan caramel sauce and spread into an even layer. Repeat with all layers, placing the final layer upside down.

Step 31

Frost the entire cake with a thin layer of salted caramel buttercream. Chill the cake for 30 minutes.

Step 32

Remove cake from refrigerator and frost the entire cake with a thick layer of frosting. Chill cake in the refrigerator for another 30 minutes or in the freezer for 10-20 minutes.

Step 33

Remove and spread a thin layer of frosting onto the bottom of the cake. Press the chopped pecans up the bottom so it can stick onto the fresh frosting.

Step 34

Pour ganache and remaining caramel sauce into separate disposable piping bags or a ziploc bag and snip off the tip. Drip the ganache off the edge of the cake and fill the center. Use an offset spatula to to spread the ganache over the top. Repeat these steps with the caramel sauce, pouring it on top of the ganache.

Step 35

Line some pecan halves around the top to create a border and sprinkle more chopped pecans in the centre. Slice and serve!