Little Debbie Tropical Dessert Cakes

8 Little Debbie dessert cakes (or make your own)
1 box firmly packed dark brown sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine
1 (8 ounce) can chunk pineapple
1 (4 ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained
3/4 cup pecans (optional)

Melt butter and sugar in a saucepan, stirring until smooth. Add pineapple, cherries and pecans. Pour over dessert cakes. (Cakes may be used in 1 or 2 layers.) Sprinkle coconut on top if desired.