Pecan Upside-Down Cake

1/2 c. butter, melted
1/2 c. packed brown sugar
1/4 c. dark corn syrup
1 1/2 c. pecan halves (I use and prefer chopped)
1 pkg. (18 1/4 oz.) butter pecan cake mix
1 c. sour cream
1/3 c. unsweetened applesauce
2 eggs
2 egg whites
1 t. vanilla

In a small bowl, combine the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup and pecans. spread evenly into a 13 X 9 baking pan coated with cooking spray. Set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the remaining ingredients; beat with a mixer on low speed for 30 seconds. Transfer to prepared pan.

Bake at 350 for 30-35 min. or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 5 min. before inverting onto a serving platter. Serve warm or room temp. Yields 20 servings.