Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Generously spray a 9x13 (or 13xbaking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2

Add 2 cups dark brown sugar, dark corn syrup, ½ cup melted butter, eggs, and vanilla to a medium-sized mixing bowl (2-3 quarts). Whisk to combine.

Step 3

Stir in the 3 cups of pecan halves. Evenly spread the pecan mixture into the sprayed baking dish.

Step 4

Sprinkle the dry cake mix over the pecan filling.

Step 5

Drizzle the remaining ¾ cup of melted butter over the dry cake mix.

Step 6

Sprinkle the remaining ¾ cup dark brown sugar over the butter layer.

Step 7

Pour the hot water over the top of the dry cake mix and butter. Do not mix. You can carefully tilt the cake pan to distribute the water over the cake mix.

Step 8

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup pecan halves over the cake and water layer.

Step 9

Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. Because all ovens bake differently, check on the cake at the 30-minute mark. Also, it will be a bit jiggly in the center, but it will firm up as it cools. It will not be solid like a cake center. Allow the cake to cool completely before serving. (twelve ¾-cup servings).