Sock It To Me Pound Cake

The Sock It To Me Pound Cake is a classic Southern dessert that has stood the test of time. Known for its rich, buttery crumb and a delightful cinnamon pecan swirl hidden within, this cake is the epitome of comfort food. The name “Sock It To Me” became popular in the 1960s and 70s as a slang phrase meaning “give it to me straight” or “bring it on!” This cake, with its bold flavor and hearty texture, lives up to that legacy—it’s a bold, sweet, and utterly satisfying dessert.

A cross between a traditional pound cake and a coffee cake, the Sock It To Me Cake balances sweet vanilla cake with a ribbon of spiced filling and finishes with a light glaze. It’s often served during the holidays, potlucks, or Sunday dinners, but it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed any time of year. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe offers a perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix

• 1 cup sour cream

• ¾ cup vegetable oil

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup water

• 4 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Filling:

• ½ cup chopped pecans

• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, helps prevent sinking)

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1–2 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan generously, or use a baking spray with flour included to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, sour cream, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, water, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the ingredients on medium speed for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until the batter is smooth and well-blended. Scrape down the sides as needed to incorporate all the ingredients.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

In a small bowl, stir together the chopped pecans, brown sugar, cinnamon, and optional flour. This creates a crumbly, nutty mixture that adds a burst of flavor and texture in the middle of the cake.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared bundt pan. Smooth it out with a spatula. Then sprinkle the pecan filling mixture evenly over the batter, ensuring it doesn’t touch the sides of the pan. Pour the remaining batter on top, covering the filling completely. Smooth the top again to ensure even baking.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking to retain moisture. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 to 20 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a wire rack or cake plate to cool completely.

Variation

While the traditional Sock It To Me Cake uses a yellow cake base, there are several delicious variations you can try:

• Butter Pecan Cake Mix: For extra nutty flavor.

• Cream Cheese Swirl: Add a cream cheese mixture to the filling layer for extra richness.

• Apple-Cinnamon Version: Add finely chopped apples to the filling for a fruitier take.

• Chocolate Drizzle: Replace vanilla glaze with a light chocolate ganache.

• No Nuts Version: Skip the pecans for a nut-free version; use raisins or dried cranberries instead.

COOKING Note:

This cake is best when made a day in advance, as the flavors deepen overnight. It stays moist for several days when stored properly and can be frozen for up to three months. If freezing, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve slices warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

• Pair with a cup of coffee or spiced tea for a cozy afternoon treat.

• Dust the cake lightly with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant touch.

• For breakfast or brunch, serve it alongside fresh fruit and scrambled eggs.

Tips:

• Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture.

• Do not overmix the batter—just enough to incorporate all ingredients.

• Always allow the cake to cool before glazing; otherwise, the glaze will melt and slide off.

• Use fresh pecans for the best flavor and crunch.

• Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or clove to the filling for a spicier profile.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Slice, based on 12 slices):

• Calories: 430

• Total Fat: 23g

• Saturated Fat: 4g

• Cholesterol: 65mg

• Sodium: 380mg

• Total Carbohydrate: 50g

• Dietary Fiber: 1g

• Sugars: 30g

• Protein: 5g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this cake from scratch instead of using a cake mix?

Yes! You can use a homemade yellow cake batter if you prefer. Just ensure it’s a dense, moist batter to support the pecan filling.

Q: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Absolutely. Full-fat Greek yogurt works well as a substitute and will keep the cake moist and tangy.

Q: How do I store the cake?

Store the cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I use a different pan?

A bundt pan is traditional, but you can also use two loaf pans or a tube pan. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.

Q: Why did my filling sink to the bottom?

If your filling is too heavy or not distributed evenly, it may sink. Tossing the filling in a bit of flour helps suspend it better in the batter.

Conclusion

The Sock It To Me Pound Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of Southern baking heritage. From the tender, buttery crumb to the irresistible cinnamon pecan filling, every bite is a warm hug of flavor. Perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or a simple sweet treat, this cake is both nostalgic and timeless.

Whether you stick with the classic or explore variations, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your baking repertoire. Easy to prepare yet impressive to serve, Sock It To Me Cake is truly one of those treasured recipes that lives up to its name—go ahead, sock it to ’em with a slice of this decadent delight!

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