1/2 c. butter
1/4 c. heavy cream
1 c. firmly packed brown sugar
3/4 c. coarsely chopped pecans
1 pkg. Pillsbury Plus devil's food cake mix
1 1/4 c. water
1/3 c. oil
3 eggs

TOPPING:

1 3/4 c. heavy cream
1/4 c. powdered sugar
1/4 tsp. vanilla
Whole pecans, if desired
Chocolate curls, if desired

Heat oven to 325 degrees.

CAKE: In small heavy saucepan, combine butter, 1/4 cup heavy cream and brown sugar. Cook over low heat just until butter is melted, stirring occasionally. Pour into two 8 or 9-inch cake pans; sprinkle evenly with chopped pecans.

In large bowl, combine cake mix, water, oil and eggs at low speed until moistened; beat 2 minutes at highest speed. Carefully spoon batter over pecan mixture. Bake at 325 degrees for 35 to 45 minutes or until cake springs back when touched lightly in center. Cool 5 minutes. Remove from pans. Cool completely.

TOPPING: In small bowl, beat 1 3/4 cups heavy cream until soft peaks form. Blend in powdered sugar and vanilla; beat until stiff peaks form.

To assemble cake, place one layer on serving plate, praline side up. Spread with half of whipped cream. Top with second layer, praline side up; spread top with remaining whipped cream. Garnish with whole pecans and chocolate curls, if desired. Store in refrigerator. Makes 12 servings.