i used to put the butter slices and then i started melting the butter and pour it on works much better and you can use margarine just use stick dont use spreads of any kind they wont brown too much water i always made it with the pineapple and cherry pie filling then found a recipe for a pumpkin one just make your pumpkin pie filling dump on the dry cake mix and walnuts or pecans we like pecans it is delish my family likes this one the besst and i am not a pumpkin pie fan but i love this sure makes thanksgiving much easier lol!