Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 10-inch cast iron skillet (or an 8 x 8 baking pan).

Step 2

In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar, sea salt, corn syrup, vanilla extract, eggs, and 1/4 cup melted butter and mix well.

Step 3

Fold in 1/2 cup chopped pecans.

Step 4

Pour mixture into skillet and using the back side of a spoon, even the mixture out.

Step 5

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake mix and cinnamon. Sprinkle the cake mixture evenly over nut mixture.

Step 6

Drizzle remaining 1/4 cup melted butter evenly over top of cake. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup pecans.

Step 7

Bake cake for 25-30 minutes or until golden and set in center. If you're using an aluminum pan, bake cake for 35 minutes. Let cool slightly, and serve.

Step 8

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat it gently before eating it again.