Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Step 2: Spread 1 cup of the chopped pecans evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, 1/2 cup of the melted butter, and salt until all ingredients are well combined. This mixture forms your rich pecan pie filling.
Step 4: Carefully pour the pecan pie filling mixture over the pecans in the baking dish, ensuring it covers the nuts evenly.
Step 5: Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the pecan pie filling. Do NOT stir or mix the cake mix into the wet layer; it needs to remain a separate layer to create the dump cake effect.
Step 6: Drizzle the remaining 1/2 cup of melted butter over the dry cake mix. Try to distribute it as evenly as possible to moisten the cake mix.
Step 7: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of chopped pecans over the top of the cake mix and butter layers.
Step 8: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, and the filling around the edges is bubbly and set. A knife inserted into the cake portion should come out mostly clean, though the bottom filling will remain gooey.
Step 9: Remove from the oven and let the dump cake cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set further. Serve warm with your favorite toppings like ice cream or whipped cream.