Step 1

Move oven rack to middle position and preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 2

Pour the pie filling into a 9 x 13-inch pyrex pan and smooth into an even layer.

Step 3

Sprinkle the cake mix evenly over the pie filling.

Step 4

Space out the butter pieces evenly over the cake mix.

Step 5

Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top. Bake until golden brown and the sides are bubbling, about 35-40 minutes.

Step 6

Let the cake cool for 10 minutes, and then serve with vanilla ice cream (optional).