Pecan Pie Cake

Directions

1. 1
   Heat oven to 350°.
2. 2
   Place cake mix, melted butter and 1 egg in a large bowl.
3. 3
   Beat on low speed until well combined, about 30 seconds.
4. 4
   Measure out 2/3 cup of batter; set aside.
5. 5
   Spread remaining batter in bottom of ungreased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
6. 6
   Turn oven down to 325° and bake for 15 minutes or until top lightly browns and puffs up.
7. 7
   Remove dish to wire rack and cool for 10 minutes.
8. 8
   Leave oven on.
9. 9
   Place reserved 2/3 cups batter, corn syrup, sugar, remaining 3 eggs and vanilla in large bowl of electric mixer.
10. 10
    Beat on low speed for 1 minute.
11. 11
    Stop machine; scrape down bowl.
12. 12
    Beat on medium speed until well combined, about 1 minute.
13. 13
    Fold in pecans.
14. 14
    Pour pecan mixture on top of warm cake in baking dish; gently smooth out evenly over cake.
15. 15
    Bake in 325° oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until edges are browned but middle is still soft.
16. 16
    Remove to wire rack and cool 30 minutes.
17. 17
    Slice and serve with vanilla ice cream, if desired.
18. 18
    Serves 24.