Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or give it a quick spray with nonstick spray so nothing sticks later.

In a big mixing bowl, combine the dark brown sugar, a pinch of salt, corn syrup, eggs, ½ cup of melted butter, vanilla, and 1 cup of chopped pecans. Whisk it all together until smooth and well mixed.

Pour that mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out so it covers the bottom evenly.

Take the dry cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the top of the pecan mixture. Don’t stir it in just let it sit on top.

Sprinkle the rest of the chopped pecans (another cup) over the cake mix. Then drizzle the remaining ½ cup of melted butter over everything.

Carefully pour 1 cup of hot water over the whole dish. Again, don’t stir it’s supposed to look messy at this point.

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown top that feels set when you gently press it.

Once it’s out of the oven, let it sit for about 10 minutes to cool slightly. Serve warm it’s great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.