Recipe: Rich Caramel Cake (using cake mix)

RICH CARAMEL CAKE

1 (14 oz) pkg caramels
1/2 cup butter
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (18 1/4 or 18 1/2 pkg.) chocolate cake mix
1 cup coarsely chopped pecans.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

In a heavy saucepan over low heat melt the caramels and butter. Remove from the heat and add the sweetened condensed milk; mix well.

Prepare the cake mix according to the package directions. Pour 2 cups of batter into a greases 13x9-inch baking pan.

Bake for 15 minutes. Spread the caramel mixture evenly over the cake. Spread the remaining cake batter over the caramel mixture. Top with the nuts.

Return to the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the cake springs back when lightly touched. Cool.

VARIATION:
Reserve the chopped pecans. Frost the cooled cake with chocolate frosting and top with the nuts.